Comments for Consumers

This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 28 No. 1 2005

Aspirin, alcohol and stomach bleeding

Aspirin and ibuprofen are examples of painkillers that can be bought without a prescription. This does not mean that they have no side effects.

Both painkillers can cause inflammation of the lining of the stomach. This can cause ulcers or bleeding.

Alcohol can also inflame the stomach. Drinking lots of alcohol and taking lots of aspirin therefore increases the risk of bleeding from the stomach. As the bleeding can be painless the patient might not know they have a problem.

The risk of bleeding is probably not increased very much in people who drink in moderation and only take aspirin occasionally. Heavy drinkers should reduce their drinking and probably not take large regular doses of aspirin.