How Long After Minor Surgery Can You Drink Alcohol?

What the official sources say

The NHS page on general anaesthesia lists “do not drink any alcohol” among the things to avoid in recovery, and says the effects of a general anaesthetic can last around 24 hours. You will be given advice about what to avoid for at least 24 hours.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust says to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after sedation or general anaesthetic, and adds that after a general anaesthetic you should follow the instructions for an extra 24 hours. It also says not to drive any vehicle, including a bicycle, and not to take sleeping tablets.

These pages are about anaesthetic and sedation. We found no official page that gives a single waiting time for alcohol after every minor operation, and we did not find one for local anaesthetic alone. Your surgeon or nurse decides.

If you are taking painkillers

NIAAA’s fact sheet on mixing alcohol with medicines lists opioid pain medicines used after surgery and says the combination raises the risk of overdose, slowed or difficult breathing and impaired motor control. It lists acetaminophen with a warning of liver damage, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen with stomach bleeding and ulcers. It also lists metronidazole among antibiotics with a reaction risk. Ask your pharmacist about each medicine you were given.

A practical approach

• Read your discharge sheet; it overrides general advice.
• Do not drink for at least 24 hours after any sedation or anaesthetic.
• Keep avoiding alcohol while on opioids or antibiotics your pharmacist flags.
• If the wound is healing slowly or you are unsure, call the surgical team.