Does alcohol interact with Coumadin?

My mother is taking Coumadin. For years when my brother comes over for Monday night dinner my mom and brother have one shot of Crown Royal. Could my mom have a tiny bite of alcohol? If she does, what will happen? She is 91 years old.

The Health meets Food Team Says...

Most physicians deal with alcohol use in their patients on a case by case basis.

The amount of Crown Royal is small enough that it would likely not be a problem for your mom's warfarin use. However, patients who take Coumadin® are often on a number of other medications that alcohol can interact with.

Check with her doctor to make sure that he or she feels a drink with your Monday night dinners is OK.

Thanks for writing.