Can patients taking metformin drink alcohol?

Feb 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, patients taking metformin should not consume alcohol. Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes that cannot be adequately controlled by diet alone. Drinking alcohol while taking metformin can place additional strain on the liver, as alcohol needs to be metabolized in the liver and metformin may also affect liver function to some extent. Concurrent use of both may increase the burden on the liver.

Generally, patients taking metformin should not consume alcohol. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes that is not adequately controlled by diet alone. Consuming alcohol while taking metformin may place additional strain on the liver, as alcohol must be metabolized in the liver, and metformin can also affect liver function to some extent. Concurrent use of both may increase the burden on the liver and potentially lead to liver damage over time.

Alcohol intake may interfere with the normal metabolic process of metformin, possibly reducing its effectiveness and resulting in unstable blood sugar control. Alcohol metabolism in the body can also affect the body's acid-base balance. In some situations, metformin itself may interfere with normal metabolism, and the interaction between the two may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.

To ensure the effectiveness of the medication and patient safety, alcohol consumption should be strictly avoided during treatment with metformin. If a patient has a habit of drinking alcohol, they should promptly inform their doctor so that the doctor can adjust the treatment plan or provide appropriate guidance and recommendations based on the individual situation. Additionally, patients should strictly follow the doctor's instructions and avoid drinking alcohol on their own to protect their health and safety.

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