Pradaxa and Alcohol Interaction

Pradaxa and Alcohol

Pradaxa generic name dabigatran belong to a family of drugs known as a direct thrombin inhibitor and helps keep the blood from coagulating. It is used to prevent blood clots and to reduce the risk of stroke in people with a certain type of heart rhythm disorder.

It is suggested that patients do not consume alcohol even moderate drinking while using this drug as the side effects of bleeding of the stomach or intestines may be increased.

At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. If anything more than that it is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.

If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.

If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.

Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.

Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.

When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.

Before using Pradaxa advise your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or substance, if you are using dietary or herbal supplements, are pregnant, plan to be or are breastfeeding, have a history of kidney disease, history of stomach ulcer or bleeding or if you are older than 75.

Side Effects

Less serious side effects nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain or upset, indigestion, heartburn, mild skin rash or itching. If these occur call your physician for advice.

Serious side effects are severe allergic reactions such as hives difficult breathing, tight chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, any bleeding that will not stop, weakness, feeling faint, easy bruising or bleeding from the nose, mouth, vagina or rectum, purple or red pin point spots under your skin, blood in your urine or stools, black or tarry stools, coughing up blood, granular vomit, pink or brown urine, joint pain or swelling or heavy menstrual bleeding.If these occur get emergency medical help.

This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.

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