Medication Guides

Can You Drink Alcohol While on Prednisone?

Linda Girgis | MD

Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 21st, 2026.

No, drinking alcohol while taking prednisone is not recommended due to increased health risks. Both substances can cause stomach irritation, gastrointestinal bleeding, and weakened immune function. Combining them significantly raises your risk of developing peptic ulcers, with studies showing up to 4 times higher likelihood of serious GI complications. Alcohol also interferes with prednisone's anti-inflammatory effects and can worsen side effects like mood changes, high blood pressure, and blood sugar spikes. The combination may delay healing and increase infection risk. If you're prescribed prednisone, avoid alcohol completely during treatment and for several days after your last dose to ensure proper medication effectiveness and minimize adverse reactions.

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