Drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics can lead to several negative effects and risks, which vary depending on the antibiotic type and the amount of alcohol consumed:
- Both antibiotics and alcohol can cause similar side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness. When combined, these side effects can become more severe
- Certain antibiotics, including metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim), should never be mixed with alcohol. Drinking alcohol with these can cause a disulfiram-like reaction characterized by flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, and even chest pain or difficulty breathing
- The antibiotic linezolid (Zyvox) can interact with alcoholic drinks like red wine and tap beer, potentially causing a dangerous rise in blood pressure and other serious symptoms
- Alcohol can interfere with the body's immune response, dehydration, and sleep, which can slow recovery from infection and reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics
- Alcohol may alter how antibiotics are metabolized in the liver. Acute alcohol use can increase antibiotic levels, raising toxicity risk, while chronic alcohol use may lower antibiotic levels, reducing effectiveness and potentially leading to antibiotic resistance
- Even moderate alcohol consumption can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when taking antibiotics
- Combining alcohol and antibiotics can also strain the liver and kidneys, increasing the risk of organ damage
Overall, while moderate alcohol use might not affect all antibiotics, it is safest to avoid alcohol until the antibiotic course is completed and you are fully recovered. Always consult your healthcare provider about specific antibiotics and alcohol use
Summary of risks when drinking alcohol on antibiotics:
- Increased side effects: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, headache
- Potentially dangerous reactions with specific antibiotics (disulfiram-like reaction)
- Reduced antibiotic effectiveness or increased toxicity
- Slower recovery due to weakened immune response and dehydration
- Risk of liver and kidney damage
Avoid alcohol during antibiotic treatment to minimize these risks and promote faster healing.
