THE ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST IN GUIDANCE AND PREVENTION OF DRUG–ALCOHOL INTERACTIONS

Abstract

Introduction: The association between alcohol consumption and medication use poses a significant public health risk, as it may potentiate adverse effects and reduce therapeutic efficacy. Objective: To analyze the pharmacist’s role in guiding and preventing drug–alcohol interactions, emphasizing strategies to ensure safe medication use. Methodology: This narrative literature review was based on studies retrieved from SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, and Google Scholar, published between 2020 and 2025. Full-text articles addressing pharmaceutical interventions related to alcohol–medication interactions were included. Discussion and Results: Findings revealed that anxiolytics, analgesics, antimicrobials, antidepressants, and antihypertensives are the main drug classes at risk of interaction with alcohol, producing adverse effects such as excessive sedation, hepatotoxicity, and disulfiram-like reactions. Pharmacist interventions demonstrated a positive impact on treatment adherence, with patients reporting increased safety and confidence after receiving educational and clinical guidance. Conclusion: Preventive and educational pharmaceutical practices are essential to minimize risks of drug–alcohol interactions, improve therapeutic adherence, and ensure safer and more effective clinical outcomes.