It is recommended to wait for 7 days after taking anti-inflammatory drugs before drinking alcohol. Here are the reasons:

1. Time Interval for Drinking after Taking Anti-inflammatory Drugs

The absorption and metabolism of drugs take a certain amount of time. Both drugs and alcohol eventually enter the bloodstream. Some people may think that several hours after taking the medication, it has already been absorbed and drinking alcohol will not cause any reactions. However, when both substances encounter each other, they can interact not only in the stomach and intestines but also in the blood. Drug components can remain in the blood for up to seven days after taking medication. Drinking alcohol during this time can lead to a disulfiram-like reaction, which can have serious consequences. Therefore, it is advisable to wait for 7 days after taking anti-inflammatory drugs before consuming alcohol.

2. Reasons for Avoiding Alcohol after Taking Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Consuming alcohol while taking anti-inflammatory drugs is not recommended. Although medically, anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics are two completely different types of medication, they are often considered interchangeable in the general population's understanding. Some anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics can interact with alcohol, potentially causing harm to the gastrointestinal mucosa and the central nervous system, and even leading to life-threatening toxic reactions. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol when taking anti-inflammatory drugs.

(1) Effects of Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Alcohol on the Gastrointestinal Mucosa

Medications such as aspirin, paracetamol, and analgesics can irritate and damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, similar to the effects of alcohol. Combining these drugs with alcohol can easily lead to acute gastric mucosal lesions or recurrence of ulcer disease, resulting in gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption while taking anti-inflammatory drugs.

(2) Disulfiram-like Reaction between Antibiotics and Alcohol

Certain antibiotics, such as cephalosporins and metronidazole, can interact with alcohol to produce a disulfiram-like reaction. This can manifest as symptoms such as flushing, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, weakness, drowsiness, headache, palpitations, and chest tightness. In severe cases, it can lead to hypotension, respiratory depression, shock, and even sudden death. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid alcohol consumption while taking antibiotics.