Antibiotics and Alcohol: If you have an infection and are taking medicines to treat it, you might wonder if you can have a drink or two. Even if the answer isn’t what you want to hear, it’s important to think about your health at this time.
As a family medicine doctor at Stanford Healthcare, Dr. Neha Narula gets this question a lot from her patients. Her advice is clear: most of the time, you shouldn’t drink while taking antibiotics. Here’s why.
First, for your immune system to fight off the sickness well, it needs to be at its best. If you drink booze, you might make it harder for your body to fight off the infection, which could slow down your recovery process. Getting enough rest and food is very important during this time.
Also, drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics can raise the chance of side effects like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. When mixed with booze, some antibiotics can be very dangerous, while others are safe. It’s best to talk to your doctor to find out how alcohol might interact with the antibiotic you’re taking and your
health background.
Besides booze, there are other things you shouldn’t do while on antibiotics. For instance, grapefruit and grapefruit juice can change how much drugs are in your blood, making them less effective. Herbs and supplements that haven’t been cleared by the FDA should also be avoided because they can make the antibiotic less effective or cause
more side effects.
Also, you shouldn’t eat dairy products or take antacids with calcium, aluminum, iron, or magnesium within two hours of taking your medicine. When these things bind to the antibiotic in the digestive system, they may make it harder for the antibiotic to get into the body.
Overall, the best thing to do while taking antibiotics is to rest and let your body heal. By giving your immune system the help it needs, you can make sure that you get better faster and for good.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Is it OK to drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?
Alcohol doesn’t just mix poorly with certain medications and produce serious side effects; it could also disrupt your body’s ability to heal naturally. Its best to steer clear of alcohol until you finish your antibiotics and give your body plenty of rest and nourishment.
Can you drink alcohol when taking amoxicillin?
The usual side effects of amoxicillin include nausea and diarrhea. Liquid amoxicillin might stain your teeth temporarily, but you can easily remove it by brushing. It’s okay to drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin.
What medication can you not drink alcohol with?
Benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan), are often used for anxiety and sleep, but can have negative interactions with alcohol. Another group of medications, known as “Z-drugs,” used for insomnia, can also have harmful effects when mixed with alcohol. Additionally, certain antidepressants are known to interact negatively with alcohol.
How long should I wait to drink alcohol after taking medicine?
Consult a medical professional about when it is safe to resume drinking. In some cases, it may be necessary to wait 48 to 72 hours after your last dose before consuming alcohol. Keep in mind that the antibiotic or antifungal medication will only be taken for a short period of time, typically a few days or weeks.