Sip or skip: Can you drink on antibiotics?

Have you ever wondered whether it’s safe to drink alcohol while taking antibiotics? Antibiotics are powerful medications used to treat bacterial infections like respiratory illnesses and urinary tract infections—but it’s important to use caution when coming antibiotics and alcohol. Here’s what to know about mixing the two.

What happens if you drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?

When you drink alcohol while taking antibiotics, you may experience a variety of minor side effects. The side effects you experience will vary depending on the type of antibiotic, amount of alcohol consumed and reason for prescribing.

For the most part, alcohol in moderation (which equates to one drink for women, two drinks for men) is fine when taking antibiotics and not likely to cause harm. However, certain antibiotics do require you to refrain from drinking while taking them so you should always discuss this with your prescribing physician.

Below are a few of the most common side effects of drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics.

• Increased side effects: Common side effects of antibiotics include drowsiness, dizziness and digestive issues, all of which can be magnified by drinking alcohol.
• Decreased effectiveness of the antibiotic: Alcohol can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb some antibiotics, making them less effective.
• Hindered recovery: Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration and weaken your immune system, making it harder for you to recover quickly.

The effects of mixing antibiotics and alcohol

Different antibiotics react differently with alcohol, so it’s important to know which specific antibiotic you’ve been prescribed so you can understand the potential interactions.

Penicillins

Penicillins are often used to treat bacterial infections like strep throat, urinary tract infections and meningitis. Consuming penicillin and alcohol is not likely to cause side effects but it can slow the rate of absorption of the antibiotic.

Sulfonamides

Sulfonamides are often prescribed alongside other drugs to treat infections. Drinking alcohol while taking sulfonamides may cause facial flushing but is not likely to cause other side effects.

Oxazolidinones

The class of antibiotics referred to as oxazolidinones is often used when other antibiotics fail to resolve an illness like pneumonia, a severe skin infection or serious conditions like endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart muscle, or osteomyelitis, an infection in the bones.

Consuming alcoholic beverages that are low in tyramine has been shown to be safe while taking oxazolidinones. This would include many bottled beers, as well as home-brewed beer, beer on tap, Korean beer and vermouth.

Tetracyclines

Tetracyclines are often used for skin conditions like acne and rosacea, as well as bacterial respiratory tract infections and other common infections. Studies suggest that in moderation, drinking alcohol while taking tetracyclines should not cause harmful side effects.

Nitroimidazoles

You may be prescribed nitroimidazoles to treat a parasitic or anaerobic bacterial infection. It’s best to avoid alcohol on certain types of nitroimidazoles, like metronidazole, because there is a risk of buildup of a certain toxin. Symptoms can include nausea, headache, dizziness, vomiting, flushing, and chest and abdominal discomfort.

Fluoroquinolones

Fluoroquinolones can be used to treat various types of infections. If you are prescribed fluoroquinolones, talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe to drink alcohol, as some people have noted side effects.

Does alcohol make antibiotics less effective?

In moderation, alcohol does not make antibiotics less effective. However, it’s important to keep in mind that alcohol does impair healing and can impact your immune system’s ability to function optimally.

If your body is currently fighting an infection, it’s best to abstain from alcohol to allow your body to heal and your immune system to be fully functional, so you can feel better faster.

How long after taking antibiotics can you drink alcohol?

For some antibiotics, you may need to wait 48-72 hours after finishing your course before you drink alcohol. Refer to the warning label and instructions on the drug packaging for information specific to the antibiotic you’ve been prescribed.

It’s always a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist when it’s okay to start drinking again. They can advise you based on the specific antibiotic you’re taking, the condition you’re taking it for and your individual health factors.

Avoiding antibiotics and alcohol? Tasty alternatives to drink instead

Fortunately, you can still enjoy fun, non-alcoholic drinks without having to worry about how they’ll interact with your antibiotic treatment. For an added bonus, focus on beverages that will boost your hydration, helping you keep your energy up and recover faster.

Whether you’re at a social event or just want a refreshing beverage, here are a few good alternatives:

• Flavored water
• Sparkling water
• Coffee
• Herbal teas
• Fruit juice
• Coconut water
• Mocktails (non-alcoholic drink created to be similar to a cocktail)

If you have any questions about a medication you’ve been prescribed, don’t hesitate to ask your primary care doctor or pharmacist.