Important note
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before drinking alcohol with any antibiotic, even ones listed here as generally safe. Certain individual health factors may affect the safety of treatment.
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Home / Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) / The Effects of Alcohol on Antibiotics: Complete Safety Guide
The Effects of Alcohol on Antibiotics: Complete Safety Guide
If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics before, you’ve probably been told to avoid alcohol during treatment. But did you know that not all antibiotics require such strict measures?
Key takeaways
- Alcohol doesn’t stop antibiotics from working, but it can increase the risk of side effects or weaken your recovery.
- Advice surrounding antibiotics and alcohol is often too vague, or guidance too general.
- Some antibiotics should never be mixed with alcohol as they can cause serious reactions.
- Some common antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Penicillin don’t interact with alcohol directly and are generally safe to take.
- Liver or kidney problems can make side effects from drinking on antibiotics worse.
- Always check the patient information leaflet to see if it’s okay to drink while on your antibiotic.
Does alcohol stop antibiotics from working?
Alcohol does not stop antibiotics from working directly, but it can seriously interfere with your recovery in other ways:
- Increased side effects: like nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness
- Immune system strain: making it harder for your body to fight infection
- Reduced absorption: potentially lowering antibiotic effectiveness
- Delayed healing: especially if you’re dehydrated or undernourished
Understanding which antibiotics interact with alcohol is crucial for your safety during treatment. Keep reading to learn the science behind alcohol and antibiotics, including which ones are safe, which require moderation, and which shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol at all.
Can I drink alcohol on my antibiotic?
Generally, it is advised to avoid alcohol when taking antibiotics, but this largely depends on which one you are taking. Some antibiotics are generally safe to take with alcohol, while others can cause harmful reactions when mixed. For some antibiotics, alcohol can reduce how well they work or increase side effects, but drinking isn’t strictly off limits.
Antibiotics & alcohol
compatibility checker
Check if your antibiotic is safe to take with alcohol
Never mix with alcohol
Some antibiotics have serious interactions with alcohol, and no amount should be drunk during treatment. Avoid alcohol entirely while taking the following:
- Metronidazole
- Used for: dental infections, bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, Clostridium difficile, and other stomach or intestinal infections.
- Avoid alcohol for: 48 hours after your last dose.
- Tinidazole
- Used for: similar infections to metronidazole, including trichomoniasis, giardiasis and amoebiasis.
- Avoid alcohol for: 72 hours after your last dose.
- Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole
- Used for: urinary tract infections, chest infections, and traveller’s diarrhoea.
- Avoid alcohol for: 72 hours after your last dose.
Why these antibiotics are unsafe with alcohol
When alcohol is consumed with these antibiotics, the body is unable to properly break it down, causing a build-up of a chemical called acetaldehyde. This is known as a disulfiram-like reaction, which has been shown to cause:
- nausea and vomiting
- facial flushing
- headache
- rapid heartbeat
- dizziness or lightheadedness
If you drink alcohol while taking one of these antibiotics and experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
Keep in mind that some cold medicines and mouthwashes have alcohol in them and should also be avoided if you are taking certain antibiotics.
Dr. Caroline Fontana
Lead Prescribing Doctor
Exercise caution with alcohol
Alcohol isn’t strictly forbidden with these antibiotics, but it can interfere with how well they work or make side effects worse:
- Doxycycline
- Used for: acne, chest infections, Lyme disease, malaria prevention, and some sexually transmitted infections.
- When alcohol is consumed: alcohol can lower Doxycycline levels in the body, making it less effective.
- Azithromycin
- Used for: chest infections, STIs (such as chlamydia), and traveller’s diarrhoea.
- When alcohol is consumed: may cause nausea or stomach upset, which can be worsened by alcohol.
- Nitrofurantoin
- Used for: urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- When alcohol is consumed: can cause nausea or dizziness, which alcohol can make worse.
- Linezolid
- Used for: serious or resistant infections such as MRSA or hospital-acquired pneumonia.
- When alcohol is consumed: Linezolid can interact with drinks high in tyramine, such as red wine or beer, potentially causing a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
- Erythromycin
- Used for: chest infections, skin infections and STIs.
- When alcohol is consumed: alcohol may worsen irritation in the stomach, making nausea or gastrointestinal trouble more likely.
Why caution is advised
Research shows that antibiotics like Doxycycline don’t directly react with alcohol in the same way as ones like Metronidazole or Tinidazole, but drinking can still cause issues.
If you’re feeling unwell, it’s best to skip alcohol altogether. If you do drink, keep it to a low amount and monitor how you feel.
Generally safe with alcohol (in moderation)
These antibiotics don’t have known interactions with alcohol, and drinking in moderation is unlikely to cause harm:
- Amoxicillin
- Used for: chest infections, ear infections, dental abscesses and urinary tract infections.
- Clarithromycin
- Used for: chest and sinus infections, and in combination therapy for Helicobacter pylori (stomach ulcers).
- Ciprofloxacin
- Used for: bone and joint infections, respiratory tract infections, skin infections, typhoid fever, urinary tract infections.
- Flucloxacillin
- Used for: skin infections such as cellulitis or infected cuts.
- Penicillin
- Used for: strep throat, tonsilitis, skin infections, syphilis, pneumonia, ear infections.
Why these are considered safe
Research suggests that alcohol does not affect how these antibiotics work or increase the risk of serious side effects. However, drinking too much while you're unwell may still delay recovery.
It’s generally okay to drink in moderation when taking these antibiotics, but you should still pay attention to your body and how it makes you feel. If you notice any changes or believe alcohol consumption may be interfering with treatment, stop drinking and talk to a doctor for personalised advice.
Individual risk factors
While certain antibiotics are considered safe with alcohol, one person may react differently if they have certain underlying health conditions:
- Liver or kidney problems: Studies show that liver or kidney problems in particular can make drinking while taking antibiotics quite taxing on your body, and even change the way your body processes the medication.
- Age: Older adults may be more vulnerable to side effects from both alcohol and medication, especially if they’re on multiple prescriptions or have age-related organ decline.
- Gender: some research suggests gender differences can affect how alcohol and antibiotics are metabolised, potentially leading to varied side effects or efficacy between men and women.
If you have a preexisting condition and you’re not sure how it affects your treatment, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before drinking on antibiotics.
Practical guidelines for staying safe on antibiotics
Essential safety information and best practices
The easiest way to see if your antibiotic allows for the consumption of alcohol is by checking the patient information leaflet. This is usually found in the box your medicine is sent in, but it can also be found online.
Besides that, there are a few general guidelines you can follow if you’re unsure.
- Drink in moderation – even if your antibiotic doesn’t interact directly with alcohol, it’s still a good idea to limit your alcohol intake to reduce the risk of side effects like nausea and dizziness.
- Give your body a break – even in small amounts, alcohol forces your body to work harder. This is especially taxing if you’re already unwell. To give yourself the best chance at recovery, keep alcohol intake to a minimum.
- Stay hydrated – water is your best friend. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and night, especially if you drink alcohol.
Even if alcohol doesn’t interfere with your specific antibiotic, it’s still wise to let your body focus on healing. Prioritise rest, eat well, and avoid anything that could slow recovery, including alcohol.
Dr. Caroline Fontana
Lead Prescribing Doctor
What to do if you’ve already mixed alcohol and antibiotics
In most cases, if the antibiotic you're taking doesn’t have a known interaction with alcohol, a small amount isn’t likely to cause serious harm. If your antibiotic does interact with alcohol, however, you may experience issues.
Alcohol with antibiotics can sometimes cause:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flushed skin
- Headache or dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially after drinking with a “high-risk” antibiotic like Metronidazole, seek medical help.
When to ask a doctor about antibiotics and alcohol
If you're taking a new or unfamiliar antibiotic, it’s worth checking in with your doctor or pharmacist about alcohol, especially if:
- You're on a long course of treatment
- You take any other medications
- You have liver issues or other medical conditions
Even if an antibiotic is considered generally safe with alcohol, your situation might be different. If unsure, don’t rely solely on general rules—ask your doctor for personalised advice.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait to drink alcohol after finishing my course of antibiotics?
Will one drink really interfere with my antibiotics?
Can I use an alcohol-based mouthwash while taking antibiotics?
Can I cook with alcohol while taking antibiotics?
Will alcohol make my infection last longer?
How much alcohol is considered “moderate” when taking antibiotics?
Can you skip a day of antibiotics to drink?
What happens if you accidentally drink alcohol while on antibiotics?
Information on this page
Further reading
5 foods to eat while on antibiotics
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