The combined effect of
aspirin and
alcohol on the stomach wall is established.
Aspirin 3 g daily for a period of 3 to 5 days induces an average blood loss of about 5 mL. Some increased loss undoubtedly occurs with
alcohol, but it seems to be quite small and unlikely to be of much importance in most healthy individuals using moderate doses of
aspirin. In one study it was found that
alcohol was a mild damaging agent or a mild potentiating agent for other
gastrointestinal damaging drugs. It should be remem- bered that chronic and/or gross overuse of
aspirin and
alcohol may result in gastric ulceration. Other salicylates would be expected to have similar effects to
aspirin.
This interaction is only likely to be of significance where high doses of
aspirin or other oral salicylates are given to heavy drinkers.