Can I drink alcohol after taking Niuhuang Jiedu tablets?

Generally, alcohol should not be consumed during the period of taking Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets or shortly after discontinuation. Only after stopping the medication for more than 3 days and in the absence of any discomfort may a small amount of alcohol be consumed. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If you are currently taking Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets or have stopped taking them less than 3 days ago, even small amounts of alcohol should be avoided. Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets contain heat-clearing ingredients such as bezoar and Coptis, which must be metabolized by the liver. Alcohol also requires hepatic metabolism; consuming both together increases the burden on the liver and may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort such as nausea and abdominal pain. It may also interfere with the drug's effectiveness and hinder recovery.

If more than 3 days have passed since discontinuing Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets and there are no symptoms such as nausea, bloating, or liver discomfort—indicating that the drug has been mostly eliminated from the body—a small amount of alcohol may be consumed. At this point, the risk of interaction between the drug and alcohol is significantly reduced. However, intake should still be limited to avoid additional physical stress from excessive drinking, and any abnormal reactions after drinking should be closely monitored.

Alcohol consumption must be strictly avoided while taking Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets, and foods or beverages containing alcohol should also be avoided. After stopping the medication, wait sufficiently for complete metabolism. If discomfort occurs after drinking, stop immediately and seek medical evaluation.