Alcohol and Aspirin: Is it safe?

In general, alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding when combined with aspirin, especially with heavier drinking or higher aspirin doses. If you drink, doing so in moderation is safer for many people, but chronic or heavy alcohol use should be avoided while taking aspirin because it meaningfully raises bleeding risk. Drinking three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using aspirin is specifically linked to a higher chance of severe stomach bleeding. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Key takeaways

• Alcohol plus aspirin increases the chance of stomach bleeding and ulcers; the risk rises with age, prior ulcer/bleeding history, concurrent blood thinners or steroids, and higher NSAID use. ^{[1] [4]}
• Having three or more alcoholic drinks every day while using aspirin significantly raises bleeding risk and should be avoided. ^{[5] [6]}
• If you choose to drink, moderate intake is generally advised for otherwise healthy adults on daily aspirin. ^[7]

Why the interaction matters

Aspirin thins the blood and can irritate the stomach lining, and alcohol also irritates the stomach and affects clotting, so together they can compound bleeding risk. Labels for aspirin products warn that severe stomach bleeding is more likely in people who drink three or more alcoholic beverages daily while using aspirin. ^{[8] [9]}

How much alcohol is considered “moderate”?

For healthy adults, moderate drinking is typically defined as up to one standard drink per day for women and up to two per day for men. If you are on daily aspirin, this level is generally considered the upper limit; personalized advice from your clinician is still recommended. ^{[7] [10]}

Who should be extra cautious or avoid alcohol

• Adults age 60 or older. ^{[1] [2]}
• Anyone with a history of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or frequent heartburn. ^{[11] [3]}
• People taking blood thinners (anticoagulants), steroid medicines, or other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen). ^{[1] [8]}
• Those who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily. ^{[5] [12]}

If you fit any of these, avoiding alcohol while taking aspirin is safer. ^[1]

Practical tips if you drink

• Keep it moderate and avoid binge or daily heavy drinking. ^[7]
• Use the lowest effective aspirin dose and avoid doubling up with other NSAIDs. ^[8]
• Consider enteric‑coated/low‑dose aspirin if prescribed, but remember the alcohol warning still applies. ^{[12] [9]}
• Watch for warning signs: black/tarry stools, vomiting blood or coffee‑ground material, persistent stomach pain, dizziness, or unusual bruising seek urgent care if these occur. ^{[13] [14]}

Special situations

• Long‑term daily aspirin for heart or stroke prevention: discuss safe alcohol limits with your clinician; even moderate alcohol can add to bleeding risk, so a personalized plan is best. ^{[15] [7]}
• Combination products containing aspirin (for example, aspirin with dipyridamole) carry the same alcohol‑related bleeding cautions. ^[16]

Bottom line

• Light to moderate alcohol may be acceptable for some people on aspirin, but heavy or daily drinking (three or more drinks) should be avoided because it raises the risk of serious stomach bleeding. ^{[1] [3]}
• If you have risk factors (age 60+, prior ulcers/bleeding, blood thinners/steroids, or other NSAIDs), it’s safer to skip alcohol while on aspirin and consult your clinician for individualized guidance. ^{[1] [8]}

Would you like help estimating your personal risk based on your aspirin dose, how often you drink, and any other medicines you take?