Nearly half of all Americans take at least one prescription medicine—pills, liquids, creams, and other therapies that can be harmful when alcohol enters the mix.

Alcohol is a no-no with many medicines, including over-the-counter cold and cough remedies, because it can increase drug-induced drowsiness. Mixing alcohol with medications also may produce a spike in heartbeat, stomach upset, internal bleeding, and other problems.

Before you raise a glass to your lips, stop and think: Are you on any of the following common medications?

• Pain relievers, including acetaminophen and aspirin
• Arthritis medications
• Heart medications
• Antidepressants
• Diabetes medications
• Allergy medications
• Sleeping pills

Manage Your Medications
Our online drug reference library contains information on more than 33,000 prescription and over-the-counter products. Go to www.paramounthealthcare.com and click on “Better Health for Life,” “Library,” and then “Drug Reference.”