Reply to: Are you an alcoholic?

[NotAllThere]

...A deadly poison called, if I recall, amatoxin and found in certain mushrooms works the same way, by binding to RNA polymerase in the liver. But unlike therepautic antibiotics, it never lets go (and no known chemical will force it off), and the result is uncontrollable puking for days followed by hepatic coma and death ..

Only if you injest more than 0.1mg per kg of body mass. With an onset of up to ten days, sounds like a case for Dr House.

[DimPrawn]

I think the antibiotics you should avoid alcohol while taking are those, such as the rifamycins, that inhibit RNA polymerase. Not all do, but this is one of several ways to prevent bacteria from reproducing, and thus help the body get rid of them.

But the liver also uses RNA polymerase (or an enzyme derived from it) to regenerate itself, which it needs to do more if clobbered by ethanol at the same time. In other words you put more of a strain on the liver by combining both at once.

A deadly poison called, if I recall, amatoxin and found in certain mushrooms works the same way, by binding to RNA polymerase in the liver. But unlike therepautic antibiotics, it never lets go (and no known chemical will force it off), and the result is uncontrollable puking for days followed by hepatic coma and death ..

Are you sure you are a girl?

[Marina]

Urban myth as far as I am concerned. Found on the Internet:

Yes, they should be careful consuming alcohol while taking antibiotics. It has a harsh reaction with alcohol that will cause them to puke all night long if you drink large amount of alcohol. Although I have a friend who claims that is not true. He has been taking antibiotics and drinks fairly regularly.

I am with the friend, never made me puke, certainly not when drinking in moderation. Depends on the drug and the person I would think though, probably best not to chance it if you are not a risk taker.

I think the antibiotics you should avoid alcohol while taking are those, such as the rifamycins, that inhibit RNA polymerase. Not all do, but this is one of several ways to prevent bacteria from reproducing, and thus help the body get rid of them.

But the liver also uses RNA polymerase (or an enzyme derived from it) to regenerate itself, which it needs to do more if clobbered by ethanol at the same time. In other words you put more of a strain on the liver by combining both at once.

A deadly poison called, if I recall, amatoxin and found in certain mushrooms works the same way, by binding to RNA polymerase in the liver. But unlike therepautic antibiotics, it never lets go (and no known chemical will force it off), and the result is uncontrollable puking for days followed by hepatic coma and death ..

[NickFitz]

Urban myth as far as I am concerned. Found on the Internet:

Yes, they should be careful consuming alcohol while taking antibiotics. It has a harsh reaction with alcohol that will cause them to puke all night long if you drink large amount of alcohol. Although I have a friend who claims that is not true. He has been taking antibiotics and drinks fairly regularly.

I am with the friend, never made me puke, certainly not when drinking in moderation. Depends on the drug and the person I would think though, probably best not to chance it if you are not a risk taker.

Not all antibiotics are the same, you know. With some you can drink and experience no effects (though it will render them slightly less effective), with others you'll get the head rush thing, and then there are the ones that basically act the same way as Antabuse - drink even a small amount and you will puke, and feel like death to boot.

[SallyAnne]

As someone who has worked in phase 1 clinical trials

Now THAT explains a lot!

[oracleslave]

Having a drink every day didn't do him any harm

Did you forget a couple of these??

[Bagpuss]

Nicholas Cage in Leaving Las Vegas?

Having a drink every day didn't do him any harm

[PAH]

Never tried the train thing but I would have to agree

Strange how they stop when there are leaves on the line, but it's ok to run over people.

[oracleslave]

That was an aspirational film. Beats chucking yourself under a train.

Never tried the train thing but I would have to agree

[PAH]

Nicholas Cage in Leaving Las Vegas?

That was an aspirational film. Beats chucking yourself under a train.

[Lucy]

Why are calling me a liar?

To wind you up pussycat.

[oracleslave]

I recall hearing about someone who tried to drink themselves to death. Apparently it took a long time and wasn't much fun for anyone.

Nicholas Cage in Leaving Las Vegas?

[NotAllThere]

I recall hearing about someone who tried to drink themselves to death. Apparently it took a long time and wasn't much fun for anyone.

[oracleslave]

I've been meaning to become an alcoholic for some time. It is difficult though.

Like all things worth achieving it requires effort, dedication and perseverance.

HTH.

[BlasterBates]

I've been meaning to become an alcoholic for some time. It is difficult though.