Alcohol & Cholesterol Medicine

Cholesterol, a hormonal and cellular building block, is produced by the liver. Some people have increased cholesterol levels caused by genetics or the intake of certain foods and may need to take medication to lower their cholesterol levels. People taking cholesterol-lowering medication should avoid drinking alcohol.

Types of medication

• According to the Food and Drug Administration, the major types of cholesterol-lowering medications are statins, niacin, bile-acid sequestrants, fibrates, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Medication Side Effects

• According to WebMD, drinking alcohol while taking cholesterol-lowering medications can increase the side effects of the medications. Common side effects include diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, nausea, headache, drowsiness, and muscle pains or weaknesses.

Liver Function

• The combined affects of alcohol and cholesterol medication can quickly damage the liver. People who have liver problems should not take most cholesterol medications.

Triglycerides

• Drinking alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, which, like cholesterol, can increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Other things to avoid

• WebMD.com warns that, in addition to avoiding alcohol, users of cholesterol-lowering drugs should avoid taking certain prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.