Can antibiotics and alcohol be safely combined. What are the risks of mixing antibiotics with alcohol. How do different types of antibiotics interact with alcohol. What are the potential side effects of combining antibiotics and alcohol. How can you safely use antibiotics while avoiding alcohol.

Understanding Antibiotics and Their Function

Antibiotics are powerful medications designed to combat bacterial infections. They operate by either eliminating bacteria or inhibiting their growth within the body. These drugs can be administered orally or through injection, depending on the nature and severity of the infection. Some commonly prescribed antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, cefdinir, doxycycline, and Bactrim.

How do antibiotics work? Antibiotics target specific components of bacterial cells, such as cell walls or protein synthesis mechanisms, that are not present in human cells. This selective action allows them to destroy harmful bacteria without causing significant damage to the host’s cells. However, the effectiveness of antibiotics can be compromised by various factors, including interactions with other substances like alcohol.

The Risks of Combining Antibiotics and Alcohol

Mixing antibiotics with alcohol can lead to several potential risks and complications. The primary concerns include:

• Reduced antibiotic effectiveness
• Increased risk of side effects
• Potential liver damage
• Prolonged recovery time
• Increased chance of infection recurrence

Why does alcohol interfere with antibiotics? Alcohol can impede the absorption of antibiotics into the bloodstream, potentially reducing their efficacy. Additionally, both antibiotics and alcohol are processed by the liver, which can lead to increased strain on this vital organ when consumed together.

Impact on Antibiotic Effectiveness

When alcohol is consumed while taking antibiotics, it can prevent the medication from entering the bloodstream efficiently. This interference can result in suboptimal levels of the antibiotic in the body, potentially leading to a longer recovery period and an increased risk of the infection returning or becoming resistant to treatment.

Exacerbation of Side Effects

Certain antibiotics, such as doxycycline and metronidazole, are known to cause side effects like nausea and vomiting. Consuming alcohol while taking these medications can exacerbate these unpleasant symptoms, making the treatment experience more difficult for patients.

Interactions Between Specific Antibiotics and Alcohol

The interaction between antibiotics and alcohol can vary depending on the specific type of antibiotic. Understanding these differences is crucial for patients to make informed decisions about alcohol consumption during their treatment.

Penicillin and Amoxicillin

Penicillin and its derivative, amoxicillin, are among the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. Fortunately, these medications are not significantly affected by alcohol consumption. While it’s generally advisable to avoid alcohol during any antibiotic treatment, drinking moderately while taking penicillin or amoxicillin is less likely to cause severe interactions.

Cefdinir

Cefdinir, a cephalosporin antibiotic, is another medication that does not have a direct interaction with alcohol. However, as with all antibiotics, it’s important to consider the potential impact of alcohol on your overall health and recovery process.

Doxycycline

Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, can interact with alcohol in ways that increase the risk of side effects. Patients taking doxycycline who consume alcohol may experience heightened nausea and vomiting, which can be particularly uncomfortable and may interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness.

Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim)

Bactrim, a combination antibiotic containing sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, can have more serious interactions with alcohol. Drinking while taking Bactrim may lead to increased dizziness, drowsiness, and stomach discomfort. In some cases, this combination can also cause a reaction similar to that produced by disulfiram, a medication used to treat alcohol dependence, resulting in flushing, headache, and rapid heartbeat.

Potential Side Effects of Mixing Antibiotics and Alcohol

The side effects of combining antibiotics and alcohol can range from mild discomfort to more severe health issues. Some potential side effects include:

1. Dizziness and drowsiness
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Stomach upset and abdominal pain
4. Headaches
5. Rapid heartbeat
6. Liver damage (in severe cases or with prolonged misuse)

How does alcohol increase the risk of antibiotic side effects? Alcohol can enhance the side effects of antibiotics by affecting the body’s ability to metabolize both substances effectively. This interaction can lead to higher concentrations of the antibiotic in the bloodstream, potentially increasing the intensity and duration of side effects.

Liver Concerns

One of the most significant risks of combining antibiotics and alcohol is the potential for liver damage. Both substances are processed by the liver, and their simultaneous consumption can place excessive strain on this organ. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, scarring, and even permanent liver damage.

What are the signs of liver stress when mixing antibiotics and alcohol? Symptoms of liver stress may include:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Chronic fatigue
• Nausea or loss of appetite

Safe Practices for Antibiotic Use

To ensure the most effective treatment and minimize risks, it’s important to follow safe practices when using antibiotics. Here are some key guidelines:

Consultation with Healthcare Providers

Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions between your prescribed antibiotics and alcohol. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific medication, health condition, and overall treatment plan.

Abstaining from Alcohol During Treatment

The safest approach is to abstain from alcohol completely during your antibiotic treatment. This practice ensures that the medication can work as intended and reduces the risk of adverse effects.

Following Prescription Instructions

Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and duration of your antibiotic treatment. Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial for effectively eliminating the infection and preventing antibiotic resistance.

Monitoring for Side Effects

Be vigilant about any unusual symptoms or side effects during your antibiotic treatment. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Alternatives to Alcohol During Antibiotic Treatment

For those who typically enjoy alcoholic beverages, finding alternatives during antibiotic treatment can help maintain social routines without compromising health. Consider the following options:

• Mocktails and non-alcoholic versions of favorite drinks
• Sparkling water with fruit or herbs
• Herbal teas (hot or iced)
• Fresh fruit juices or smoothies
• Kombucha (non-alcoholic varieties)

How can you maintain social connections without alcohol during antibiotic treatment? Focus on activities that don’t center around drinking, such as coffee dates, outdoor activities, or game nights. This approach can help you stay connected with friends and family while prioritizing your health.

Recognizing and Addressing Alcohol Use Disorders

For some individuals, the prospect of abstaining from alcohol even for a short period during antibiotic treatment may be challenging. This difficulty could be indicative of an underlying alcohol use disorder.

What are the signs of an alcohol use disorder? Common indicators include:

• Inability to control alcohol consumption
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Neglecting responsibilities due to drinking
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
• Needing to drink more to achieve the same effect (tolerance)

If you find it difficult to abstain from alcohol during antibiotic treatment or in general, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. Organizations like the Indiana Center for Recovery offer comprehensive support for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders, providing a path to lasting recovery and improved overall health.

The Importance of Antibiotic Stewardship

Antibiotic stewardship refers to the responsible use of antibiotics to preserve their effectiveness and reduce the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This concept extends beyond just avoiding alcohol during treatment and encompasses a broader approach to antibiotic use.

Proper Use of Antibiotics

How can patients contribute to antibiotic stewardship? Key practices include:

• Only using antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional
• Completing the full course of antibiotics as prescribed
• Never sharing antibiotics with others or using leftover antibiotics
• Properly disposing of unused antibiotics
• Practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of infections

Understanding Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to withstand the effects of antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. This global health concern is exacerbated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.

How does antibiotic resistance develop? Bacteria can develop resistance through genetic mutations or by acquiring resistance genes from other bacteria. When antibiotics are used improperly or too frequently, it creates selective pressure that favors the survival of resistant bacteria.

The Future of Antibiotic Development and Use

As antibiotic resistance continues to pose challenges to global health, researchers and healthcare professionals are exploring new approaches to combat bacterial infections and preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.

Novel Antibiotic Discovery

Scientists are actively searching for new sources of antibiotics, including exploring previously untapped natural environments and using advanced screening techniques to identify potential new drugs.

Alternative Therapies

Research is also focusing on alternative approaches to treating bacterial infections, such as:

• Bacteriophage therapy: Using viruses that specifically target bacteria
• Immunomodulatory therapies: Enhancing the body’s natural immune response
• Antimicrobial peptides: Developing synthetic versions of natural defense molecules
• Nanotechnology: Creating targeted delivery systems for antibiotics

Personalized Medicine in Antibiotic Treatment

Advancements in genetic testing and diagnostic technologies are paving the way for more personalized antibiotic treatments. This approach aims to tailor antibiotic selection and dosing to individual patients based on their genetic makeup and the specific characteristics of the infecting bacteria.

How might personalized medicine improve antibiotic use? By matching patients with the most effective antibiotics for their specific infections, personalized medicine could potentially reduce treatment failures, minimize side effects, and slow the development of antibiotic resistance.

Educating Patients on Responsible Antibiotic Use

Improving public understanding of antibiotics and their proper use is crucial for combating antibiotic resistance and ensuring the continued effectiveness of these life-saving drugs.

Dispelling Common Myths

Many misconceptions about antibiotics persist among the general public. Some common myths include:

• Antibiotics can treat viral infections like colds and flu
• Leftover antibiotics can be saved for future use
• Stopping antibiotics early when feeling better is okay
• Antibiotics have no side effects

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in educating patients about these misconceptions and promoting responsible antibiotic use.

Promoting Health Literacy

Improving health literacy regarding antibiotics involves helping patients understand:

1. The difference between bacterial and viral infections
2. When antibiotics are necessary and when they are not
3. The importance of completing prescribed antibiotic courses
4. Potential side effects and interactions of antibiotics
5. The risks of antibiotic resistance and how to prevent it

By empowering patients with this knowledge, healthcare systems can foster a more informed and responsible approach to antibiotic use, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and the preservation of antibiotic effectiveness for future generations.

Can You Take Antibiotics And Alcohol?

Taking antibiotics and drinking alcohol can be a risky combination, especially for those who consume alcohol frequently. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics, and both can cause adverse side effects. 

Before you reach for a glass of wine while on antibiotics, it is important to understand the risks of combining antibiotics and alcohol. 

In this blog, we will discuss the risks and side effects of drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics, as well as tips for avoiding alcohol while on antibiotics.

Key Takeaways

Antibiotics can help treat infections, but mixing them with alcohol can be dangerous. In this blog you will learn:

• Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics.
• Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects of antibiotics, such as nausea or vomiting.
• Mixing antibiotics and alcohol can cause liver damage.

If you struggle to abstain from alcohol, even when presented with a prescription for antibiotics, you may have an alcohol use disorder. Seek lasting help with Indiana Center for Recovery.

Antibiotics Explained

Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. They work by either killing or stopping the growth of bacteria in your body. 

Antibiotics can be taken orally or injected, depending on the type of infection you have. Common antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, cefdinir, doxycycline, and Bactrim.

Antibiotics and Alcohol: Understanding the Risks

Combining antibiotics and alcohol can be dangerous. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics and can lead to serious side effects. 

It is essential to understand the risks of combining antibiotics and alcohol before you decide to drink while on antibiotics.

The most common risk of drinking while taking antibiotics is that it can reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic. 

Alcohol can prevent the antibiotic from entering your bloodstream, which can make it less effective. This can lead to a longer recovery time and an increased chance of the infection returning.

Another risk is that drinking alcohol can increase the side effects of certain antibiotics. Some antibiotics, such as doxycycline and metronidazole, can cause nausea and vomiting. Drinking alcohol while taking these antibiotics can make these side effects worse.

The risk of combining antibiotics and alcohol also depends on the type of antibiotic you are taking. Some antibiotics, such as penicillin, are not affected by alcohol. 

However, other antibiotics, such as Bactrim, can interact with alcohol and increase the risk of severe side effects.

How Different Types of Antibiotics Interact With Alcohol

There are many different types of antibiotics, and each one has a different interaction with alcohol. The most common antibiotics are penicillin, amoxicillin, cefdinir, doxycycline, and Bactrim.

• Penicillin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, and it is not affected by alcohol. Therefore, you can safely drink alcohol while taking penicillin.
• Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin and, like penicillin, it is not affected by alcohol. Therefore, you can drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin.
• Cefdinir is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, and it is not affected by alcohol. Therefore, you can safely drink alcohol while taking cefdinir.
• Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, and it can interact with alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking doxycycline can increase the risk of nausea and vomiting.
• Bactrim is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, and it can interact with alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking Bactrim can increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, and stomach upset.

How Alcohol Affects Antibiotics

Alcohol can affect the effectiveness of antibiotics. Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics, and it can also increase the risk of side effects. 

Therefore, it is important to understand the risks of combining antibiotics and alcohol before deciding to drink while on antibiotics.

Potential Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Antibiotics

The potential side effects of combining antibiotics and alcohol depend on the type of antibiotic you are taking. Some antibiotics, such as doxycycline and Bactrim, can interact with alcohol and increase the risk of side effects. 

Common side effects of mixing alcohol and antibiotics include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset.

It is important to note that drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics can also increase the risk of liver damage. Drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics can increase the levels of the antibiotic in your blood, which can cause liver damage. Therefore, it is essential to talk to your doctor before deciding to drink while on antibiotics.

Safe Practices for Antibiotic Use

It is essential to wait at least 72 hours after taking antibiotics before drinking alcohol. This is because antibiotics can remain in your system for up to 72 hours after taking them.  

Drinking alcohol while the antibiotic is still in your system can increase the risk of side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic.

Tips for Avoiding Alcohol While Taking Antibiotics

If you are taking antibiotics and want to avoid drinking alcohol, there are some tips that can help.

First, it is essential to read the labels of your medications to make sure that alcohol is not listed as a potential side effect. If alcohol is listed as a potential side effect, it is best to avoid drinking while on antibiotics.

Second, it is essential to talk to your doctor about the potential risks of mixing alcohol and antibiotics. Your doctor can help you understand the risks of combining alcohol and antibiotics.

Third, it is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking antibiotics. This can help flush the antibiotic out of your system and reduce the risk of side effects.

Finally, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol while you are feeling ill. Drinking alcohol while you are feeling unwell can make the symptoms worse.

Antibiotics and Alcohol: In Summary

Combining antibiotics and alcohol can be risky. Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics and can also increase the risk of side effects. 

Therefore, it is important to understand the risks of combining antibiotics and alcohol before deciding to drink while on antibiotics. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, reach out to Indiana Center For Recovery today for help.

By understanding the risks of combining antibiotics and alcohol, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to drink while on antibiotics. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking antibiotics. Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic and can increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, it is essential to talk to your doctor before deciding to drink while on antibiotics.

Does alcohol affect antibiotics?

Yes, alcohol can affect the effectiveness of antibiotics. Alcohol can prevent the antibiotic from entering your bloodstream, which can make it less effective. Therefore, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics.

How long after taking antibiotics should you wait before drinking again?

It is essential to wait at least 72 hours after taking antibiotics before drinking alcohol. This is because antibiotics can remain in your system for up to 72 hours after taking them. Drinking alcohol while the antibiotic is still in your system can increase the risk of side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic.

Are there any tips for avoiding alcohol while taking antibiotics?

Yes, there are some tips that can help you avoid drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics. First, it is important to read the labels of your medications to make sure that alcohol is not listed as a potential side effect.  
Second, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks of mixing alcohol and antibiotics. Third, it is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking antibiotics. 
Finally, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol while you are feeling ill.

Indiana Center for Recovery Understands Addiction

If you find yourself unable to stop drinking, even while on antibiotics, it is time to get treatment.

Indiana Center for Recovery provides comprehensive and holistic treatment for those suffering from alcoholism. We provide alcohol detox in a safe and comfortable setting, as well as post-detox treatment, to minimize the risk of relapse.

We offer a wide range of treatment services, which include inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, dual diagnosis, and evidence-based therapies.

Along with alcohol addiction, our medical professionals also treat addictions to other drugs, including benzos, meth, cocaine, opioids, suboxone, and many others.

Contact us today at (844) 650-0064 to get started on your recovery journey.

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Can I drink alcohol with antibiotics and how long after antibiotics can I drink alcohol

What to do?

11/14/22

Anonymous

asked in the Community T⁠—⁠F

A month ago I caught a cold – or rather, I thought so. The disease developed into something similar to bronchitis, and yesterday the doctor diagnosed pneumonia and prescribed antibiotics. But there is a problem: on the weekend, my father’s birthday is 60 years. There will be a festive table and alcohol.

I have a question: how dangerous is it to combine alcohol and antibiotics, and what happens if you still drink so as not to offend your father and guests?

Daniil Davydov

medical journalist

Author profile

Alcohol does not affect the effectiveness of most antibiotics – drugs will fight pathogenic bacteria as effectively as if you did not drink. However, some antibiotics interact with alcohol. Because of this, adverse reactions may occur that would otherwise be avoided.

What are antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in humans and animals. These are bacterial poisons that act on vulnerable points of microbes. As a result, the latter either die or lose the ability to grow and multiply. Viruses do not have vulnerable points characteristic of bacteria, so antibiotics do not work on them.

Like all medicines, antibiotics can cause side effects. The problem is that when taken together with some antibiotics, alcohol not only increases unwanted reactions to the drug, but can also provoke new ones.

Why you shouldn’t mix antibiotics and alcohol – American Addiction Center

How alcohol affects how antibiotics work

In addition to antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs are not combined with alcohol. Even some herbal medicines can cause negative effects when taken with alcohol.

Alcohol and Drug Interactions – Journal of Alcohol and Health ResearchPDF, 99 KB

Alcohol interacts with drugs in two ways.

Alcohol interferes with drug metabolism. A small amount of ethyl alcohol is constantly produced in our body – this is a normal process. But the excess ethyl alcohol that enters the body along with alcoholic beverages, like most drugs, including antibiotics, it perceives as a poison.

Over-the-counter drugs in combination with alcohol can also turn into poison – US National Institute of Alcohol Addiction and Alcoholism

Special proteins, enzymes produced by the liver, are responsible for neutralizing poisons. If not only an antibiotic, but also excess alcohol enters the liver, the load on enzymes increases. As a result, they either do not have time to do their job, or, conversely, do it too quickly. In the first case, the level of the antibiotic in the body increases, and this can lead to greater toxicity of the drug and side effects that could have been avoided with the exact dosage. And in the second case, the antibiotic is destroyed too quickly – before it has time to act.

Alcohol inhibits enzymes and increases antibiotic toxicity – International Drug Database Drugs

Alcohol increases the side effects of the drug and provokes new ones. For example, metronidazole itself causes drowsiness and suppresses attention, and alcohol further enhances these effects. As a result, a person runs the risk of simply falling asleep at the festive table.

Alcohol and metronidazole – NHS

In addition, metronidazole in combination with alcohol has additional side effects such as headache, nausea, abdominal pain and arrhythmia. No one knows why this happens: the interaction of this antibiotic with alcohol has not yet been sufficiently studied.

In addition to alcohol, antibiotics are not compatible with other drugs. These are anticoagulants such as warfarin, anticonvulsants such as phenytoin and phenobarbital, antidiabetic drugs in tablets such as tolbutamide. Therefore, before you start taking antibiotics, you need to tell your doctor about all your diseases and the medicines that you take.

Antibiotics: what are the differences and how to take them

Can I drink alcohol at the same time as antibiotics

It depends on which antibiotic to take along with alcohol and what kind of relationship a person has with alcohol.

Alcohol and Antibiotic Interactions – Journal of Antimicrobials and ChemotherapyPDF, 536KB

Erythromycin. Even small doses of alcohol accelerate the work of liver enzymes that are responsible for the processing of the drug. As a result, the medicine may not work – additional doses will be required.

Ketoconazole and griseofulvin. If a person drinks alcohol on the same day as one of these drugs, the risk of developing a disulfiram-like reaction will increase – this is the name for a condition similar to a very severe hangover. A person is sick and vomits, his head is splitting, and some even have pains in the chest and stomach.

Doxycycline. In people suffering from chronic alcoholism, doxycycline accelerates the work of liver enzymes that are responsible for the processing of the drug. That is why alcohol-dependent people require higher dosages of this medicine.

At the same time, not all antibiotics are equally badly combined with alcohol. There are drugs that are relatively safe to take alcohol at the same time. Moderate doses of alcohol, i.e. no more than one standard drink per day for women and two for men, are compatible:

• with oral penicillins, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines;
• some cephalosporins – cefdinir and cefpodoxime;
• azithromycin;
• nitrofurantoin.

Standard drink of alcohol is 14 g of pure ethanol – National Institute of Alcohol Addiction and Alcoholism USA

How long after taking antibiotics can you drink alcohol

There is no consensus on this issue. British Ministry of Health experts say that it is enough to wait 48 hours after the end of the course. It is believed that this time is sufficient to remove the antibiotic from the body. And a pharmacist at Drugs thinks it’s safer not to drink alcohol for at least 72 hours after you’ve stopped taking your medication.

Do not drink alcohol 48 hours after stopping antibiotics – NHS

Do not drink alcohol 72 hours after stopping antibiotics – Drugs

It is difficult to say which advice is more accurate. But perhaps it makes sense to wait at least two days.

So to drink or not to drink

Although some antibiotics are combined with moderate doses of alcohol, alcohol is still not recommended for patients who are being treated for bacterial infections. Alcoholic drinks not only affect the functioning of liver enzymes, but also disrupt normal sleep – all this interferes with a full recovery.

Alcohol prevents people from getting enough sleep – NGO Sleep Foundation

Even if your doctor has given you an alcohol-compatible antibiotic, it’s still safer not to drink, even in honor of the holiday.

What to do? Readers ask – experts answer

Medical myths: Is alcohol compatible with antibiotics?

• Claudia Hammond
• BBC Future

21 September 2015

Sign up for our Context Newsletter to help you understand what’s going on.

Image copyright Thinkstock

Medical studies show that alcohol does not block the effects of most medications and does not usually cause side effects when combined with medications. But we should not forget about some other important points, the correspondent of warns
BBC Future .

Women in the early stages of pregnancy, not yet ready to share this joyful news with others, are well aware that others can easily guess everything themselves if the expectant mother refuses to drink at a party.

But there is a good excuse: you can tell colleagues and friends that you are being treated with antibiotics, and all questions will disappear. Even excessively curious acquaintances are unlikely to inquire why the medicine was prescribed.

But is it really necessary to abstain from alcohol in combination with a course of antibiotics?

(More BBC Future articles in Russian)

Some believe that alcohol can prevent the drug from working, others believe that this combination causes side effects.

The staff of one of the urogenital clinics in London interviewed 300 patients – it turned out that 81% of them adhered to the first point of view, and 71% – the second.

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But with most antibiotics, neither is true. From the point of view of doctors, it is much more dangerous when a patient who believes in one of these myths decides not to take the medicine after drinking a glass of wine.

Any factor that causes a drug to be skipped exacerbates the serious global problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

In fact, alcohol does not interfere with most commonly used antibiotics.

But there are exceptions: for example, the drug of the cephalosporin group cefocetane slows down the process of splitting alcohol, resulting in an increase in the level of acetaldehyde in the body.

And this can lead to undesirable consequences in the form of dizziness, vomiting, flushing of the face, headaches, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Disulfiram, a drug sometimes used in the treatment of alcohol dependence, has similar side effects. The idea is that the patient in treatment begins to feel bad after drinking – which in theory should make him stop drinking further.

These sensations are unpleasant, therefore, during treatment with cefocetane and disulfiram (and for several days after the end of the course), you should abstain from alcohol.

Another antibiotic that is poorly compatible with alcohol is metronidazole. It is used in the treatment of infections in the mouth, infected leg ulcers and bedsores. It is believed that in combination with alcohol, it gives the same side effects as the already mentioned cephalosporins.

Photo caption,

Of course there are different types of antibiotics. But most of them are not affected by alcohol

However, this view was called into question after a 2003 analysis of pharmacological studies. In addition, an experiment was made on a small control group of Finnish men, during which they consumed alcohol with metronidazole for five days without any unpleasant consequences.

However, the authors of this study acknowledge that the possibility of adverse effects cannot be completely ruled out, and doctors still do not recommend combining alcohol with metronidazole.

There are several other antibiotics that are best avoided when taking alcohol, such as tinedazole, linezolid, and erythromycin. But this incompatibility is well known, and doctors specifically warn patients about it when prescribing a medicine.

This leaves a long list of other antibiotics that are safe to drink. Of course, alcohol is unlikely to help cure the disease: it can make your body dehydrated and lethargic, but this has nothing to do with drugs.

Perhaps the myth about the incompatibility of antibiotics and alcohol appeared after some separate unpleasant cases, but there are two more interesting theories.

One is that antibiotics are used in the treatment of common sexually transmitted diseases, and doctors allegedly punished patients for their dissolute behavior by forbidding them to drink a glass or two.

There is another explanation given by James Bingham, one of the authors of the above-mentioned survey of patients at the London Urogenital Clinic.

He met with retired Brigadier General Ian Fraser, who began using penicillin to treat wounded soldiers in North Africa during World War II.

At that time, there was so little penicillin that after taking the drug inside, urine was taken from patients and the drug was again isolated from it.

The soldiers who were treated were allowed to drink beer, but this led to an increase in the volume of urine produced by the body and, as a result, complicated the extraction of medicine. According to General Fraser, therefore, the command decided to ban beer.

Agree, a good story, regardless of whether it influenced the spread of the myth about the incompatibility of alcohol and antibiotics.

But debunking myths is a double-edged sword. When a patient who cannot live without a glass of wine nevertheless diligently drinks a course of antibiotics, this is good, because it helps fight drug resistance in bacteria.

But if the general public learns the whole truth, then women who do not want to talk about their pregnancy will have to be more creative in refusing alcohol at parties.