Can I take Metformin and Alcohol together?
Drug interaction guide
Originally published 25 Jan 2026
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Drinking alcohol while taking metformin can increase the risk of a rare but very serious condition called lactic acidosis. It can also cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low (hypoglycaemia) or, in some cases, make your diabetes harder to control.
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Why this happens
Metformin and alcohol both increase the amount of lactic acid in your blood. If you have too much, your body cannot clear it quickly enough. Additionally, alcohol stops the liver from releasing stored glucose, which can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels.
What you should do
Back to contentsIt is best to avoid excessive drinking (binge drinking) while on metformin. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation, always eat food with your drink, and monitor your blood sugar more closely. If you feel unusually weak, cold, dizzy, or have stomach pain after drinking, seek medical help immediately.
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Important precautions
Back to contentsLactic Acidosis
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking metformin. Alcohol significantly increases the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but life-threatening build-up of acid in the blood. This risk is highest if you are fasting, malnourished, or have liver problems.
Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Alcohol can mask the warning signs of low blood sugar and prevent your liver from releasing glucose. If you take metformin alongside other diabetes medications (like insulin or sulphonylureas), drinking alcohol makes dangerous 'hypos' much more likely.
Food and drink warnings
Back to contentsAlcohol
Drinking alcohol while taking metformin can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the blood). It can also increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). You should avoid excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking while taking this medicine.
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Using other medicines
Back to contentsTaking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.
Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.
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Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
25 Jan 2026 | Originally published
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