Alcohol after cortisone shock therapy | Cortisone and alcohol – is that compatible?

Alcohol after cortisone shock therapy

Cortisone shock therapy is used, for example, in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. High-dose cortisone infusions are administered over a period of several days. Side effects such as nausea and headaches may occur.

With such a high dose of cortisone, the consumption of alcohol must be completely avoided. The risk of side effects and damage is otherwise very high. Furthermore, as mentioned above, alcohol can lead to a worsening of the underlying disease and promotes liver damage.

Cortisone is one of the standard drugs used in multiple sclerosis (MS). The simultaneous intake of cortisone and alcohol during the treatment of multiple sclerosis is not recommended. The cortisone dosages used in the treatment of MS exceed the usual dosages for other diseases many times over.

The breakdown of cortisone in the liver should therefore not be disturbed by the intake of alcohol. The consumption of alcohol and the simultaneous intake of high doses of cortisone, as used in the therapy of multiple sclerosis, can cause unpleasant interactions. In addition to increased side effects such as the occurrence of high blood pressure and a disturbed electrolyte and sugar balance in the blood, the success of cortisone therapy can be jeopardised if both substances are taken.

However, the intake of alcohol is not generally dangerous if the MS disease is already present. Moderate alcohol consumption without the simultaneous intake of cortisone in an existing MS disease is therefore by no means to be regarded more critically than in persons without the disease.