DrugPair interaction guide

Metformin and Alcohol

Metformin is one of the most common diabetes medicines. Drinking alcohol while on metformin can cause blood sugar swings and in some cases raise the risk of lactic acidosis.

Written by DrugPair Editorial Team. Updated 16 July 2026.

A licensed-clinician review is not yet documented. Review policy

Moderate interaction

Use with caution — ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What you need to know

Alcohol can affect blood sugar and may increase the rare risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, particularly with binge drinking or other risk factors such as kidney, liver, or heart problems. A safe amount cannot be determined from an app because individual risks and other diabetes medicines matter.

What to do

Ask the clinician who manages your diabetes how much alcohol, if any, is appropriate for you.

Avoid binge drinking and follow the alcohol warning in your prescription information.

If you also use insulin or another glucose-lowering medicine, ask how alcohol changes your low-blood-sugar plan.

When to call your doctor

Symptoms of low blood sugar: shakiness, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat.

Muscle pain, weakness, or difficulty breathing — possible signs of lactic acidosis.

Sources

Metformin: Drug InformationNIH MedlinePlus. Accessed 2026-07-16.Drug Interactions: What You Should KnowU.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed 2026-07-16.

Source databases can disagree or omit an interaction. Report an error.

DrugPair provides educational safety information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always ask a doctor or pharmacist before changing medicines, supplements, food, drinks, or prescription timing.

Check your medicines Read safety guides