Effect of Common Over-the-Counter Medications on Blood Alcohol Levels

Abstract

Numerous factors arguing against a clinically significant interaction were identified. First, data from the relevant studies cannot be extrapolated to the general population because of the multitude of variables that determine an individual's BAL. Also, a publication bias for small studies (< or = 10 subjects) finding a statistically significant increase in peak BAL was observed. In addition, study results supporting an increase in BAL were often irreproducible when these trials were repeated under similar conditions. Finally, although some studies detected statistically significant increases in peak BAL, these changes were often clinically irrelevant.