Nasal spray with cortisone and alcohol – is this compatible? | Cortisone and alcohol – is that compatible?

Nasal spray with cortisone and alcohol – is this compatible?

Nasal sprays with cortisone-like active ingredients are usually very well tolerated. Side effects occur only rarely. Many of the nasal sprays are even available without a prescription and can help relieve the symptoms of allergic hay fever or a house dust allergy.

Many affected people ask themselves in everyday life whether side effects can occur if alcohol is consumed during treatment with nasal sprays containing cortisone. In principle, the question can be answered as follows: Alcohol should generally not be consumed when using medication. This also applies to therapy with drugs containing cortisone.

Alcohol can intensify the effect of cortisone and thus frequently lead to side effects. Headaches and nausea can be the result. Nasal sprays containing cortisone only act locally on the nasal mucosa, so that even with alcohol consumption side effects occur less frequently than with therapy with cortisone tablets.

In addition, the dose of the active ingredient in such nasal sprays is usually very low. Nevertheless, alcohol should be avoided as far as possible. It intensifies inflammatory reactions, strains the healing tendency and leads to an increased risk of side effects.

Regular consumption naturally also increases the risk of liver damage and secondary diseases caused by alcohol. However, there is nothing to be said against a glass of wine a month for a special occasion. If you are undergoing cortisone therapy, ask your doctor whether you can drink alcohol during the therapy.

Alcohol after a cortisone infusion

No alcohol should be consumed after a cortisone infusion. Infusions are usually administered in relatively high doses for serious clinical pictures. The consumption of alcohol after a cortisone infusion can cause serious side effects.

Therefore, the consumption of alcohol must be strictly avoided. Alcohol can intensify the effect of cortisone and can also cause damage to the liver. In systemic therapy with cortisone, the risk of side effects from alcohol consumption is very high.

Cortisone cream and alcohol

During a therapy with preparations containing cortisone, the consumption of alcohol should be avoided if possible. In principle, this applies to every intake of medication. Alcohol worsens the healing tendency, promotes the occurrence of side effects and leads to consequential damage if consumed regularly.

Cortisone creams have a local effect, so systemic side effects are much less frequent than with therapy using cortisone tablets or infusions. However, this also depends on the dose of cortisone and the condition of the person concerned. Furthermore, the underlying disease of the affected person also has an influence on how well or poorly the alcohol and the therapy are tolerated. Therefore, we can only advise against consumption at this point. Serious side effects are unlikely, however, with local therapy with cortisone creams and the consumption of alcohol.