Herb & supplement monograph

Beer Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Beer interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Beer is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Beer is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Beer Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the risk of clinically significant Beer drug interactions is high, because beer is an alcoholic drink and alcohol affects a very large number of medications, often seriously. Most of the many hundreds of interactions on record are rated major, and none are considered minor.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The best-documented concerns involve CNS depressants such as sedatives and sleep medicines, where beer adds to drowsiness and impairment, and disulfiram, which causes an unpleasant reaction with any alcohol. Beer can also alter the effect of warfarin, raising or lowering it depending on drinking patterns, and its tyramine content can trigger dangerously high blood pressure with MAOI antidepressants. It can raise bleeding risk with NSAIDs, upset blood sugar control with diabetes medicines, and is contraindicated with flibanserin.

What the rest of the list means

A list this long does not mean every combination causes harm in every person. Many of the moderate entries rest on limited case reports or predicted effects that have not been confirmed to cause meaningful problems for most people, and some depend on how much and how often beer is consumed.

Check your medications against Beer

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Beer interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Beer

928 medications have a known interaction with Beer, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

656 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Beer.

2,830 drugs
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq› Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcepromazineAtravet› AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Beer combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Beer affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Beer is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 35 drug categories Beer interacts with
Cisapride (propulsid)Cns DepressantsDisulfiram (antabuse)ErythromycinFlibanserin (addyi)Hepatotoxic DrugsMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (maois)Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (nsaids)Phenytoin (dilantin)Warfarin (coumadin)Acitretin (soriatane)Antidiabetes DrugsAntihypertensive DrugsAspirinBupropion (wellbutrin)Cefamandole (mandol)Cefoperazone (cefobid)Cetirizine (zyrtec)Chlorpropamide (diabinese)Citalopram (celexa)Doxycycline (vibramycin)Eluxadoline (viberzi)Griseofulvin (fulvicin)H2-blockersLevocetirizine (xyzal)Levomilnacipran (fetzima)Metformin (glucophage)Metronidazole (flagyl)Narcotic DrugsSecnidazole (solosec)Sulfonamide AntibioticsTinidazole (tindamax)Tolbutamide (orinase)Varenicline (chantix)Vasodilators
Cisapride (Propulsid)

Concomitant use may increase blood alcohol levels and adverse effects.
Concomitant use can increase blood alcohol levels and adverse effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Cns Depressants

Concomitant use may increase sedative and other adverse effects.
Concomitant use of alcohol with CNS depressants can increase sedative and other adverse effects, potentially through inhibition of the metabolism of certain CNS depressants.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Concomitant use may cause a disulfiram reaction.
Disulfiram can cause a disulfiram reaction when taken with alcohol. Patients taking disulfiram should not consume any alcohol.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
Erythromycin

Concomitant use may increase blood alcohol levels and adverse effects.
Concomitant use of erythromycin with alcohol can increase blood alcohol levels and adverse effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Flibanserin (Addyi)

Concomitant use increases the risk of severe hypotension and syncope.
Alcohol use is contraindicated in patients taking flibanserin due to the risk of severe hypotension and syncope.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Concomitant use of alcohol with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Concomitant use of excessive amounts of alcohol with potentially hepatotoxic drugs can increase the risk of liver damage.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Concomitant use may cause hypertensive crisis.
Beer contains tyramine, which is metabolized by monoamine oxidase. Concurrent use of MAOIs with tyramine-containing beverages can lead to elevated levels of tyramine in the body. This can increase the effects of tyramine, which has been reported to cause hypertension, headache, and hypertensive crisis in numerous cases. Sensitivity to tyramine can increase up to 10-fold to 100-fold in people using an MAOI.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Nsaids)

Concomitant use may increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
Concomitant use of NSAIDs with alcohol can increase the risk of GI bleeding.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Concomitant use may decrease the effectiveness of phenytoin.
Chronic, heavy alcohol use can induce the metabolism of phenytoin, reducing therapeutic effectiveness.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Alcohol can alter the effects of warfarin, although the exact effect depends on the nature of alcohol consumption.
Acute alcohol intoxication can decrease metabolism and increase the effects of warfarin. In contrast, chronic, heavy alcohol use can induce metabolism of warfarin, reducing therapeutic effectiveness.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Acitretin (Soriatane)

Concomitant use increases the risk of long-term teratogenic effects.
Alcohol increases the transesterification of acitretin to etretinate, which is a teratogen that can remain in the body for years after discontinuation of acitretin. Patients of reproductive potential should avoid alcohol completely while taking acitretin and at least 2 months after discontinuation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Concomitant use may interfere with blood glucose control.
Alcohol can impair gluconeogenesis and may increase the risk of acute hypoglycemia when used concomitantly with antidiabetes drugs. However, the carbohydrates in beer may also worsen glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use may interfere with blood pressure control.
Clinical research suggests that consumption of alcohol can increase both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, acute alcohol intoxication can also increase the risk of hypotension and additive effects with antihypertensive drugs.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Concomitant use may increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
Concomitant use of aspirin with alcohol can increase the risk of GI bleeding. Conversely, some clinical research suggests that beer can significantly decrease the area under the curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration of aspirin, indicating decreased bioavailability.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk of adverse effects from alcohol.
In patients taking bupropion, there have been rare reports of adverse psychiatric events or reduced alcohol tolerance. Additionally, in chronic alcohol users, abrupt discontinuation of alcohol while taking bupropion may increase the risk of seizure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cefamandole (Mandol)

Concomitant use may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
Cefamandole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when taken with alcohol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Cefoperazone (Cefobid)

Concomitant use may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
Cefoperazone can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when taken with alcohol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of CNS impairment.
Cetirizine may cause somnolence in some patients. There is some concern that taking cetirizine in conjunction with alcohol might reduce alertness and impair CNS performance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)

Concomitant use may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
Chlorpropamide can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when taken with alcohol.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Citalopram (Celexa)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of adverse effects from alcohol.
Some case reports suggest that citalopram may reduce alcohol tolerance and increase the risk of adverse effects from alcohol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Doxycycline (Vibramycin)

Chronic alcohol use might reduce the levels and clinical effects of doxycycline.
Although acute alcohol ingestion does not seem to significantly impact the pharmacokinetics of doxycycline, chronic alcohol ingestion has been shown to significantly reduce the half-life and serum concentration of doxycycline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Eluxadoline (Viberzi)

Chronic or excessive alcohol use might increase the risk of pancreatitis from eluxadoline.
In clinical studies, the risk of pancreatitis with eluxadoline was increased in chronic alcohol users and in those with acute intake of 3 or more alcoholic beverages daily.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Griseofulvin (Fulvicin)

Concomitant use may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
Griseofulvin can cause a disulfiram-like reaction, including tachycardia and facial flushing, when taken with alcohol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
H2-Blockers

Concomitant use might increase blood alcohol levels and adverse effects.
Concomitant use of the H2-blockers cimetidine and ranitidine with low doses of alcohol (0.15 grams/kg) might increase blood alcohol levels and adverse effects. Effects with higher doses of alcohol (0.3-1.5 grams/kg) are variable.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of CNS impairment.
Levocetirizine may cause somnolence in some patients. There is some concern that taking levocetirizine in conjunction with alcohol might reduce alertness and impair CNS performance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the absorption and elimination of levomilnacipran.
In vitro research shows that alcohol increases the release of levomilnacipran from extended-release capsules, resulting in complete drug release in 4 hours. This effect has not been evaluated in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metformin (Glucophage)

Concomitant use may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Concomitant consumption of large amounts of alcohol may increase the risk of lactic acidosis with metformin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Concomitant use may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
Although there is some disagreement over the likelihood of a disulfiram-like reaction with concomitant use of alcohol and metronidazole, prescribing materials recommend discontinuing alcohol intake during the use of metronidazole. In the US, it is recommended to discontinue alcohol during and for at least three days after therapy with metronidazole; in Canada, it is recommended to discontinue alcohol during and for at least 1 day after therapy with metronidazole.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Narcotic Drugs

Concomitant use of large amounts of alcohol may decrease the metabolism of narcotic drugs.
Concomitant consumption of large amounts of alcohol can decrease the metabolism of narcotic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Secnidazole (Solosec)

Concomitant use may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
Although high quality evidence is lacking, there is concern that secnidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when taken with alcohol. Prescribing materials in the US recommend discontinuation of alcohol during and for at least two days after therapy with secnidazole.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sulfonamide Antibiotics

Concomitant use may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
Sulfonamide antibiotics can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when taken with alcohol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Tinidazole (Tindamax)

Concomitant use may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
Although high quality evidence is lacking, there is concern that tinidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when taken with alcohol. Prescribing materials in the US recommend discontinuation of alcohol during and for at least three days after therapy with tinidazole.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolbutamide (Orinase)

Theoretically, concomitant use may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.
Tolbutamide can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when taken with alcohol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Varenicline (Chantix)

Theoretically, concomitant use may increase the risk of adverse effects from alcohol.
There have been reports of patients experiencing increased effects from alcohol while taking varenicline. Some cases involved unusual and sometimes aggressive behavior and were accompanied by amnesia. Caution patients to use alcohol with caution when taking varenicline, as it may alter alcohol tolerance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Vasodilators

Concomitant use may increase the risk of acute hypotension.
Acute alcohol intoxication can increase the risk of hypotension and additive effects with vasodilators.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Monograph

Beer: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Beer is an alcoholic beverage that contains some minerals, B vitamins, and plant compounds from hops and grain, but it is not a health supplement. Any possible benefits come only from light-to-moderate intake, and they are easily outweighed by the well-known harms of alcohol. The safest amount of alcohol for health is none, and beer should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Beer
Part used
Fermented beverage made from malted grain (usually barley), hops, yeast, and water
Common forms
Lager, ale, stout, porter, non-alcoholic beer, low-alcohol beer
People commonly use it for
  • Social and recreational drinking
  • Relaxation
  • Heart health (popular belief)
  • Bone health (popular belief)
  • Source of antioxidants and B vitamins

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Beer contains alcohol, which is harmful in excess and carries risks even in moderate amounts.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When alcoholic beer is used orally. Alcohol is a teratogen. Use during pregnancy, especially during the first two months after conception, is associat...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When alcoholic beer is used orally. Alcohol is secreted in breast milk. Chronic use can cause abnormal psychomotor development and disrupt the infant'...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Beer is one of the oldest and most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. It is made by fermenting sugars that come from starchy grains, most often malted barley. Hops are added for flavor and bitterness, and yeast turns the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide during fermentation.

Beer is mostly water and alcohol, but it also contains small amounts of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and selenium, along with some B vitamins and plant compounds (polyphenols and flavonoids). Darker beers and the hops used in brewing contain a compound called xanthohumol that has drawn interest in research.

While people sometimes point to these compounds as a reason beer might be "healthy," beer is a beverage enjoyed for taste and social reasons, not a dietary supplement. Its alcohol content is the most important thing to consider for your health.

How it works

Beer's effects come mainly from alcohol (ethanol), which is absorbed into the bloodstream and acts on the brain and many organs. In small amounts it can cause relaxation, but in larger amounts it impairs judgment, coordination, and many body functions.

The plant compounds in beer, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and xanthohumol from hops, have shown antioxidant activity in laboratory studies. Antioxidants may help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals. Beer also provides small amounts of minerals and B vitamins from the grain.

It is important to know that these proposed benefits are based mostly on lab and animal research, and the amount of these compounds in a serving of beer is small. Any possible upside is paired with the harms of alcohol, so the overall effect on the body is not simply positive.

Effectiveness

Does Beer work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 19 uses evaluated
7 Possibly effective 12 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Effective Cognitive function
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Consumption of up to one alcoholic drink daily seems to improve general cognitive function in older males.

Possibly Effective Congestive heart failure (CHF)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Light to moderate consumption of alcohol is associated with a reduced risk of developing CHF in older adults and a reduction in all-cause mortality in those with ischemic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.

Possibly Effective Diabetes
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Moderate consumption of alcohol, including beer, seems to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in those with existing diabetes.

Possibly Effective Exercise-induced respiratory infections
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Non-alcoholic beer consumption seems to reduce the incidence of exercise-induced respiratory infections in male athletes.

Possibly Effective Helicobacter pylori
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Moderate to high consumption of alcohol, including beer, seems to reduce the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Possibly Effective Osteopenia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Observational research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may improve bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal patients.

Possibly Effective Overall mortality
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Light to moderate alcohol consumption seems to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality in middle-aged or older adults.

Also studied for 12 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Anxiety
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if alcohol consumption is beneficial for anxiety.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Atherosclerosis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if moderate alcohol consumption is beneficial for atherosclerosis.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if alcoholic beer consumption is beneficial for athletic performance.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if alcoholic beer consumption is beneficial for preventing cancer or cancer-related mortality. The available evidence suggests variable effects depending on cancer type.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Most observational research suggests that light to moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages is associated with a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular-related death. However, clinical research is limited. Also, binge drinking or regular consumption of 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cirrhosis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if non-alcoholic beer consumption improves symptoms in patients with cirrhosis.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Gallbladder disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using alcohol, including beer, for gallbladder disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of alcohol for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using alcoholic beer for kidney stones, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of alcohol for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Menopausal symptoms
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if moderate alcoholic beer or non-alcoholic beer consumption is beneficial for menopausal symptoms.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psychological well-being
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if non-alcoholic beer consumption is beneficial for improving mood in healthy adults.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Shift work disorder
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if non-alcoholic beer consumption is beneficial in healthy adults working rotating or night shifts.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if beer consumption is beneficial in preventing SLE in females.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Beer is an alcoholic drink, so the usual cautions about alcohol apply. People who should avoid or strictly limit beer include those with liver disease, pancreatitis, certain heart conditions, a history of alcohol use disorder, and anyone taking medicines or with conditions that interact poorly with alcohol.

Pregnancy: Avoid beer entirely. No amount of alcohol is known to be safe during pregnancy, and drinking can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other harm to the baby.

Breastfeeding: Alcohol passes into breast milk and can affect a nursing baby's sleep and development. It is best to avoid alcohol; if you do drink, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about timing and safety first.

Never drink and drive, and do not give alcohol to children or teens. If you find it hard to control your drinking, reach out to a healthcare provider for support.

Side effects

Short-term effects of beer can include impaired coordination and judgment, drowsiness, slowed reactions, flushing, and increased urination. Drinking too much can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, dehydration, and the next-day discomfort known as a hangover. Very high amounts can cause dangerous alcohol poisoning.

Over time, regular heavy drinking raises the risk of high blood pressure, liver disease, heart problems, several cancers, weight gain, depression, and dependence on alcohol. Beer is also high in calories and carbohydrates, which can affect blood sugar and weight.

Some people are sensitive to ingredients in beer, such as gluten from barley or sulfites, and may have allergic-type reactions or digestive symptoms.

Beer: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Beer from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, non-alcoholic beer seems to be well tolerated. The side effects of alcoholic beer depend on the amount of alcohol ingested and can vary among individuals.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: For alcoholic beer, common side effects include abdominal pain, aggression, blackouts, central nervous system (CNS) depression, confusion, diarrhea, drowsiness, emotional lability, flushing, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, indigestion, lack of coordination and trouble walking, migraines, nausea, neuropathies, perceptual and sensational disturbances, and vomiting.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Orally: Chronic heavy alcohol ingestion (three or more drinks daily) can lead to amnesia, cardiac myopathy, cirrhosis, dementia, hepatotoxicity, malnutrition, myocardial infarction (MI), physical dependence, and somnolence. Other effects of chronic use are chronic cerebellar syndrome, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, Korsakoff's psychosis, pancreatitis, skeletal myopathies, various types of cancer, and Wernicke's encephalopathy.

Chronic ingestion of three or more alcoholic beverages daily is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, ischemic stroke, and hypertension. Consumption of any amount of alcohol can increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Reports by condition
Alcohol use disorder Cardiovascular

Orally, chronic heavy alcohol ingestion (three or more drinks daily) is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and can lead to atrial fibrillation, cardiac myopathy, hypertension, ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI). Consumption of any amount of alcohol can increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

A case report describes a 68-year-old male who had consumed 15 beers daily for several months and who developed severe hyponatremia with irreversible second-degree atrioventricular block requiring a permanent pacemaker. In another case report, a 56-year-old male with a history of alcohol use disorder consumed 24 24-ounce beers then developed hyponatremia secondary to beer potomania which led to status epilepticus and suspected Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

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  12. Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA, Willett WC, et al. A prospective study of moderate alcohol consumption and the risk of coronary disease and stroke in women. N Engl J Med 1988;319:267-73.
  13. Mifsud S, Schembri EL, Mercieca Balbi M, Gruppetta M, Clark J. Beer, hyponatraemia and cardiac conduction defects. BMJ Case Rep 2018 Mar 14;2018. pii: bcr-2018-224260. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-224260.
  14. Dodoo SN, Agyemang-Sarpong A, Taka N, Akatue RA, Williams ML. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the setting of severe hyponatremia and beer potomania: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2022;10(12):e6717.
Alcohol use disorder Renal

Multiple cases of hyponatremia secondary to beer potomania have been reported. In one case report, a middle-aged male with a history of diabetes and chronic heavy alcoholic beer ingestion (about 12 beers daily) presented with severe hyponatremia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The cause of the hyponatremia was later determined to be beer potomania based on the patient's history and the ability of the sodium level to respond to solute-rich isotonic fluid administration. Concomitant features of impaired antidiuretic hormone activity necessitated treatment with diuresis and demeclocycline to ultimately normalize total body water and sodium levels. In another case report, a 53-year-old male patient with alcohol use disorder with daily intake of 12 beers and 1 pint of vodka daily presented with worsening jaw pain with poor oral intake due to a history of metastatic head and neck cancer, fatigue, and hyponatremia. The patient was given 2 liters of intravenous normal saline, which caused overcorrection of his sodium levels within 14 hours, leading to concerns of osmotic demyelination syndrome. The patient was treated with D5W and desmopressin to return sodium to target levels. Patient history and low urine electrolytes confirmed a diagnosis of hypo-osmolar hyponatremia from low solute intake due to beer potomania. In a third case, a 41-year-old female with a history of alcohol use disorder and other comorbidities presented with alcohol intoxication, altered mental status, low body weight, and hypertensive crisis. Her euvolemic hyponatremia, likely due to suspected beer potomania, was treated with increased oral intake of salt and protein and water restriction to 800 mL daily.

  1. Stasishin D, Schaffer P, Khan Z, Murphy C. Severe metabolic derangement: a case of concomitant diabetic ketoacidosis and beer potomania. BMJ Case Rep 2021;14(8):e243486.
  2. Senanayake J, Haji Rahman R, Boucher B, et al. Multi-Etiological Hyponatremia in Association With Suspected Beer Potomania. Cureus 2023;15(3):e36407.
  3. Yu ZL, Fisher L. Beer Potomania: Why Initial Fluid Resuscitation May Be Harmful. Case Rep Nephrol 2022;2022:8778304.
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Immunologic

Beer made with barley can cause anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. A case report describes a 32-year-old male who developed anaphylaxis within minutes of ingesting beer, and who had positive skin tests to at least nine beer brands. Another case report describes a 33-year-old female who developed allergic reactions ranging from mild symptoms to anaphylaxis after consumption of beer or wine. The allergy was attributed to the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is used in the fermentation of both beverages. There have been occasional reports of asthma, facial swelling, and pruritic rash triggered by beer consumption.

  1. Fernandez-Anaya S, Crespo JF, Rodriguez JR, et al. Beer anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:959-60.
  2. Pita JS, Sousa N, Bartolome B, Loureiro C, Bom AT. Beer: an uncommon cause of anaphylaxis. BMJ Case Rep 2019 Jan 3;12(1). pii: e227723. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-227723.
  3. German-Sanchez A, Alonso-Llamazares A, Garcia-Gonzalez F, Matala-Ahmed B, Bartolome-Zavala B, Antepara-Ercoreca I. Allergy to beer and wine caused by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a patient sensitized to fungi. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2021.
  4. Vally H, de Klerk N, Thompson PJ. Alcoholic drinks: important triggers for asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:462-7.
  5. Kelso, J. M., Keating, M. U., Squillace, D. L., O'Connell, E. J., Yunginger, J. W., and Sachs, M. I. Anaphylactoid reaction to ethanol. Ann Allergy 1990;64(5):452-454.
Breast cancer Oncologic

There is evidence that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with the mutation of the p53 gene in individuals with esophageal carcinoma. There is also some evidence that heavy consumption of wine is associated with the highest risk of esophageal cancer when compared with heavy consumption of beer and spirits. Chronic heavy alcohol ingestion (three or more drinks daily) can lead to mouth cancer, esophageal cancer, pharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, and liver cancer. Some research suggests an association between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, but other studies do not support this association. Daily consumption of one or more alcoholic drinks in females might increase the risk of breast cancer by 2% to 15% and increase mortality from breast cancer by as much as 30%. There is also evidence suggesting that females who consume alcohol daily have an increased risk of developing breast cancer when the daily intake of folate is 300 mcg or less.

  1. Kato H, Yoshikawa M, Miyazaki T, et al. Expression of p53 protein related to smoking and alcoholic beverage drinking habits in patients with esophageal cancers. Cancer Lett 2001;167:65-72.
  2. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
  3. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
  4. Thun MJ, Peto R, Lopez AD, et al. Alcohol consumption and mortality among middle-aged and elderly US adults. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1705-14.
  5. Launoy, G., Milan, C., Day, N. E., Faivre, J., Pienkowski, P., and Gignoux, M. Oesophageal cancer in France: potential importance of hot alcoholic drinks. Int J Cancer 6-11-1997;71(6):917-923.
  6. Lijinsky, W. N-Nitroso compounds in the diet. Mutat.Res 7-15-1999;443(1-2):129-138.
  7. Altieri, A., Bosetti, C., Gallus, S., Franceschi, S., Dal, Maso L., Talamini, R., Levi, F., Negri, E., Rodriguez, T., and La, Vecchia C. Wine, beer and spirits and risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer: a case-control study from Italy and Switzerland. Oral
  8. Chao, C. Associations between beer, wine, and liquor consumption and lung cancer risk: a meta-analysis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(11):2436-2447.
  9. Carstensen, J. M., Bygren, L. O., and Hatschek, T. Cancer incidence among Swedish brewery workers. Int J Cancer 3-15-1990;45(3):393-396.
  10. Goldbohm, R. A., Van den Brandt, P. A., Van, 't, V, Dorant, E., Sturmans, F., and Hermus, R. J. Prospective study on alcohol consumption and the risk of cancer of the colon and rectum in the Netherlands. Cancer Causes Control 1994;5(2):95-104.
  11. Anderson, P., Cremona, A., Paton, A., Turner, C., and Wallace, P. The risk of alcohol. Addiction 1993;88(11):1493-1508.
  12. Glynn, S. A., Albanes, D., Pietinen, P., Brown, C. C., Rautalahti, M., Tangrea, J. A., Taylor, P. R., and Virtamo, J. Alcohol consumption and risk of colorectal cancer in a cohort of Finnish men. Cancer Causes Control 1996;7(2):214-223.
  13. Ferraroni, M., Decarli, A., Franceschi, S., and La, Vecchia C. Alcohol consumption and risk of breast cancer: a multicentre Italian case-control study. Eur J Cancer 1998;34(9):1403-1409.
  14. Michaud DS, Giovannucci E, Willett WC, et al. Coffee and alcohol consumption and risk of pancreatic cancer in two prospective United States cohorts. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2001;10:429-37.
  15. Dufour MC. If you drink alcoholic beverages do so in moderation: what does this mean? J Nutr 2001;131:552S-61S.
  16. Singletary KW, Gapstur SM. Alcohol and breast cancer: review of epidemiologic and experimental evidence and potential mechanisms. JAMA 2001;286:2143-51.
  17. Singletary KW, Gapstur SM. Alcohol and breast cancer: review of epidemiologic and experimental evidence and potential mechanisms. JAMA 2001;286:2143-51.
  18. Chen JY, Zhu HC, Guo Q, et al. Dose-Dependent Associations between Wine Drinking and Breast Cancer Risk - Meta-Analysis Findings. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2016;17(3):1221-33.
Cirrhosis Hepatic

Orally, chronic heavy alcohol ingestion (three or more drinks daily) can lead to cirrhosis and hepatotoxicity.

  1. Thun MJ, Peto R, Lopez AD, et al. Alcohol consumption and mortality among middle-aged and elderly US adults. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1705-14.
  2. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
Dementia Psychiatric

Orally, alcoholic beer can cause a variety of side effects which depend on the amount of alcohol ingested and can vary among individuals. Some common side effects include aggression, confusion, and emotional lability. Chronic heavy alcohol ingestion (three or more drinks daily) can lead to dementia, physical amnesia, and somnolence.

  1. Thun MJ, Peto R, Lopez AD, et al. Alcohol consumption and mortality among middle-aged and elderly US adults. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1705-14.
  2. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
  3. Bushman, B. J. and Cooper, H. M. Effects of alcohol on human aggression: an integrative research review. Psychol.Bull 1990;107(3):341-354.
  4. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
Dementia Neurologic/CNS

Orally, alcoholic beer can cause a variety of side effects which depend on the amount of alcohol ingested and can vary among individuals. Some common side effects include blackouts, central nervous system (CNS) depression, drowsiness, lack of coordination and trouble walking, migraines, neuropathies, and perceptual and sensational disturbances. Chronic heavy alcohol ingestion (three or more alcoholic drinks daily) can lead to amnesia, dementia, physical dependence, and somnolence. Other effects of chronic use are chronic cerebellar syndrome , Korsakoff's psychosis, and Wernicke's encephalopathy.

Heavy alcohol consumption (fifteen or more drinks weekly) is also associated with a higher percentage of white matter changes and larger ventricular and sulcal size on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. This suggests that heavy alcohol consumption decreases cerebral blood flow and may contribute to brain atrophy. Consumption of any amount of alcohol can increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

  1. Thun MJ, Peto R, Lopez AD, et al. Alcohol consumption and mortality among middle-aged and elderly US adults. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1705-14.
  2. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
  3. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
  4. Bechetoille, A., Ebran, J. M., Allain, P., and Mauras, Y. [Therapeutic affect of zinc sulfate on central scotoma due to optic neuropathy of alcohol and tobacco abuse]. J Fr.Ophtalmol. 1983;6(3):237-242.
  5. Leira, R. and Rodriguez, R. [Diet and migraine]. Rev Neurol. 1996;24(129):534-538.
  6. Mukamal KJ, Longstreth WT, Mittleman MA. Alcohol consumption and subclinical findings on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in older adults: the cardiovascular health study. Stroke 2001;32:1939-46.
  7. Hart CL, Smith GD, Hole DJ, Hawthorne VM. Alcohol consumption and mortality from all causes, coronary heart disease, and stroke: results from a prospective cohort study of Scottish men with 21 years of follow up. BMJ 1999;318:1725-9.
  8. Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA, Willett WC, et al. A prospective study of moderate alcohol consumption and the risk of coronary disease and stroke in women. N Engl J Med 1988;319:267-73.
Depression Pulmonary/Respiratory

Orally, alcoholic beer can cause a variety of side effects which depend on the amount ingested and can vary among individuals. A common side effect includes respiratory depression.

  1. Thun MJ, Peto R, Lopez AD, et al. Alcohol consumption and mortality among middle-aged and elderly US adults. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1705-14.
  2. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
  3. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, alcoholic beer can cause a variety of side effects which depend on the amount of alcohol ingested and can vary among individuals. Some common side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Chronic alcohol use is also associated with pancreatitis.

  1. Thun MJ, Peto R, Lopez AD, et al. Alcohol consumption and mortality among middle-aged and elderly US adults. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1705-14.
  2. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
  3. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
  4. Bode, C. and Bode, J. C. Alcohol's role in gastrointestinal tract disorders. Alcohol Health Res World 1997;21(1):76-83.
  5. Pehl, C., Wendl, B., and Pfeiffer, A. White wine and beer induce gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients with reflux disease. Aliment.Pharmacol Ther 6-1-2006;23(11):1581-1586.
Malnutrition Other

Orally, chronic heavy alcohol ingestion (three or more drinks daily) can lead to malnutrition and poor glycemic control.

There is evidence that suggests that consumption of more than six beers weekly is associated with a larger waist-to-hip ratio than those consuming an equivalent amount of hard liquor or wine. However, an association between moderate alcohol intake (equivalent to approximately 3 beers weekly or less) and waist-to-hip ratio does not seem to exist. It is also unclear whether waist-to-hip ratios associated with the intake of wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages have any clinical significance.

  1. Thun MJ, Peto R, Lopez AD, et al. Alcohol consumption and mortality among middle-aged and elderly US adults. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1705-14.
  2. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
  3. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20.
  4. Bobak M, Skodova Z, Marmot M. Beer and obesity: a cross-sectional study. Eur J Clin Nutr 2003;57:1250-53.
  5. Koh-Banerjee P, Chu N, Spiegelman D, et al. Prospective study of the association of changes in dietary intake, physicial activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking with 9-y gain in waist circumference among 16 587 US men. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78:719-27..
  6. Duncan BB, Chambless LE, Schmidt MI, et al. Association of the waist-to-hip ratio is different with wine than with beer or hard liquor consumption. Am J Epidemiol 1995;142:1034-8.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no medical "dose" of beer, because it is not a treatment. If a person chooses to drink, U.S. dietary guidelines describe moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. One standard drink is roughly a 12-ounce regular beer (about 5% alcohol).

These limits are upper boundaries, not goals or recommendations to start drinking. Health authorities increasingly note that less alcohol is better, and that not drinking at all is the safest choice. If you do not currently drink, there is no health reason to start.

Always follow common-sense limits, and check with your pharmacist or doctor if you have any health condition or take any medication.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Beer & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When alcoholic beer is used orally. Alcohol is a teratogen. Use during pregnancy, especially during the first two months after conception, is associated with significant risk of spontaneous abortion, fetal alcohol syndrome, and developmental and behavioral dysfunction in infants and children; avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of non-alcoholic beer when used during pregnancy.

  1. Dufour MC. If you drink alcoholic beverages do so in moderation: what does this mean? J Nutr 2001;131:552S-61S.

Beer & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When alcoholic beer is used orally. Alcohol is secreted in breast milk. Chronic use can cause abnormal psychomotor development and disrupt the infant's sleep-wake pattern. Alcohol also seems to reduce milk production; avoid using. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of non-alcoholic beer when used during lactation.

  1. Mennella J. Alcohol's effect on lactation. Alcohol Res Health 2001;25:230-4.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 75 references that drive our Beer monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Fernandez-Anaya S, Crespo JF, Rodriguez JR, et al. Beer anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:959-60.
  2. Burnham TH, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons, Updated Monthly. Facts and Comparisons, St. Louis, MO.
  3. Hart CL, Smith GD, Hole DJ, Hawthorne VM. Alcohol consumption and mortality from all causes, coronary heart disease, and stroke: results from a prospective cohort study of Scottish men with 21 years of follow up. BMJ 1999;318:1725-9. PubMed
  4. Pearson TA. Alcohol and heart disease. Circulation 1996;94:3023-5. PubMed
  5. Fraser AG. Pharmacokinetic interactions between alcohol and other drugs. Clin Pharmacokinet 1997;33:79-90. PubMed
  6. Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA, Willett WC, et al. A prospective study of moderate alcohol consumption and the risk of coronary disease and stroke in women. N Engl J Med 1988;319:267-73. PubMed
  7. Vally H, de Klerk N, Thompson PJ. Alcoholic drinks: important triggers for asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:462-7. PubMed
  8. Thun MJ, Peto R, Lopez AD, et al. Alcohol consumption and mortality among middle-aged and elderly US adults. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1705-14.
  9. Goldberg I, Mosca L, Piano MR, Fisher EA. AHA Science Advisory: Wine and your heart: a science advisory for healthcare professionals from the Nutrition Committee, Council on Epidemiology and Prevention, and Council on Cardiovascular Nursing of the America
  10. Michaud DS, Giovannucci E, Willett WC, et al. Coffee and alcohol consumption and risk of pancreatic cancer in two prospective United States cohorts. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2001;10:429-37.
  11. Dufour MC. If you drink alcoholic beverages do so in moderation: what does this mean? J Nutr 2001;131:552S-61S. PubMed
  12. Thadhani R, Camargo CA, Stampfer MJ, et al. Prospective study of moderate alcohol consumption and risk of hypertension in young women. Arch Intern Med 2002;162:569-74. PubMed
  13. Mukamal KJ, Longstreth WT, Mittleman MA. Alcohol consumption and subclinical findings on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in older adults: the cardiovascular health study. Stroke 2001;32:1939-46. PubMed
  14. Bosetti C, La Vecchia C, Negri E, Franceschi S. Wine and other types of alcoholic beverages and the risk of esophageal cancer. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:918-20. PubMed
  15. Singletary KW, Gapstur SM. Alcohol and breast cancer: review of epidemiologic and experimental evidence and potential mechanisms. JAMA 2001;286:2143-51. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Beer: Common Questions

What is Beer used for, and does it work?
People use Beer for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Beer for Cognitive function, Congestive heart failure (CHF), Diabetes and Exercise-induced respiratory infections. For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Beer interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 928 medications with a known interaction with Beer, including 656 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Beer interacts with a specific drug.
How are Beer interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Beer with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Beer interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
Is Beer good for your heart?
Some older studies linked light drinking with a lower heart risk, but newer research questions this and major health groups say there is no truly safe level of alcohol. Beer is not recommended as a way to protect your heart.
Does Beer have any nutritional value?
Beer contains small amounts of minerals, B vitamins, and plant compounds from grain and hops, but it is mostly water, alcohol, and carbohydrates. You can get those nutrients far more safely from food.
Can I drink Beer while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. No amount of alcohol is considered safe in pregnancy, and alcohol passes into breast milk. It is best to avoid Beer in both situations.
Is non-alcoholic Beer a safer choice?
Non-alcoholic Beer has little or no alcohol, so it avoids most alcohol-related harms, but it can still contain calories and trace alcohol. Check the label and ask your pharmacist if you have specific health concerns.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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