Complications of alcohol use combined with drug therapy in the elderly.

Chronic ingestion of ethanol in alcoholic beverages can impair drug therapy, lead to sometimes hazardous interactions, or compromise adherence to a well-planned drug treatment program. Various drugs consistently interact with alcohol: CNS depressants, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, and psychotropic agents; analgesics, including aspirin and narcotics; anticoagulants and other cardiovascular drugs, namely digitalis glycosides, diuretics, antihypertensives, and antiarrhythmics; and antidiabetic agents. Abstinence from alcohol by elderly patients receiving these drugs is recommended.