Coudamin and Alcohol

I recently was told by my electophysiologist that it would not hurt to drink as long as I did not binge.  I later was told during my pacemker check that the alcohol would thin my blood and I might begin bleeding internally. I take 5mg on friday and Tuesday.  The rest of the week I take 2.5mg. If I were going to have three glasses of wine or beer on a Saturday night could I skip the coumadin or cut back to 2.5 on Friday to prevent any chances of bleeding. I was also told I could go three days without the coumadin when I have to have any dental work done. I would appreciate your opinion.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Alcohol does not thin the blood and you should not stop taking coumadin if you drink.  Alcohol does have some anti-platelet properties and perhaps this is what they were referring to during your pacemaker check.  As far as the overall alcohol/coumadin question our recommendation is to follow your doctor's advice.

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