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Health Education

What happens when you mix valacyclovir and alcohol?

Combining valacyclovir with alcohol can increase risks and potentially harm liver or kidneys
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By | Sep. 11, 2024 Medically reviewed by Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D.
Bloody mary and medication - metronidazole and alcohol

Key takeaways

  • Refrain from using alcohol while taking valacyclovir.

  • Alcohol may worsen the side effects of valacyclovir.

  • Mixing valacyclovir and alcohol may increase the risk of liver or kidney damage.

  • Consult a healthcare provider before drinking alcohol with valacyclovir.

In this article:

Valacyclovir is the generic form of Valtrex, an oral antiviral medication commonly used to reduce symptoms of a herpes infection. It’s just as effective as Valtrex and can help you heal during a herpes outbreak. Herpes infections may appear in different forms, such as:

  • Cold sores (herpes labialis)
  • Shingles (herpes zoster)
  • Genital herpes (herpes simplex)
  • Chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus VZV)

For many people, this prescription medication can help reduce the pain and swelling from herpes outbreaks. However, it’s important to consider the interactions between medications and other substances. One common question is whether it is safe to mix valacyclovir with alcohol. Learn more about valacyclovir and its potential side effects with alcohol. 

Can you take valacyclovir with alcohol?

Valacyclovir and alcohol should not be mixed. Similar to alcohol, valacyclovir may cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and an upset stomach. In rare cases, valacyclovir has been reported to cause kidney and liver problems. Drinking alcohol may also harm the liver and kidneys, potentially worsening adverse effects with valacyclovir. 

Side effects of valacyclovir

The use of any medication or drug can cause potential side effects. Valacyclovir is considered safe when used as directed by a healthcare provider.  However, common side effects may include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea

Alcohol intake and valacyclovir may worsen side effects of fatigue, nausea, confusion, headache, and upset stomach. Drinking alcohol may also impair judgment and cause loss of coordination while taking valacyclovir. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption can suppress the immune system and make it more difficult to overcome viral infections like herpes.

You may want to choose non-alcoholic beverages during treatment with valacyclovir to avoid potential side effects. If it is difficult to refrain from drinking for the duration of treatment, help for alcohol problems is available. Many people seek help from addiction specialists and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Consult a healthcare professional to discuss the risks of drinking alcohol on valacyclovir. 

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