Alcohol & Antibiotics Interactions
Antibiotics are medications that fight the growth of bacteria that cause infections. Alcohol may interact with some antibiotics or other drugs. This is because alcohol travels through the blood to the brain to cause intoxication. The body then gradually metabolizes it and excretes it from the body. Medications also travel via the blood pathways, and the body metabolizes and excretes them. If these two substances use the same route, alcohol may cause the drugs to take longer to reach the infection or to metabolize out of the body.
Other People Are Reading
-
Myth
-
It is a myth that mixing any antibiotic with alcohol will cause negative effects. Mixing alcohol with some antibiotics may not cause an interaction. This is because they often do not have the same route of metabolizing and leaving the body.
One Effect of Mixing Alcohol and Antibiotics
-
While not all antibiotics and alcohol will interact and cause a decrease in effectiveness of the medication, there are other negative possibilities of mixing the two. Many medications may have a side effect of nausea, dizziness or sleepiness. Alcohol also may have that result. Mixing the two may increase these symptoms.
-
Serious Interactions
-
Some serious interactions of mixing alcohol and some antibiotics are flushing, irregular heart beat, breathlessness and low blood pressure. In addition, the effectiveness of the antibiotic may be diminished. The antibiotics that need to be taken with the warning of avoiding alcohol are Flagyl, Tinidazole, Furoxone, Gisactin, Atabrine and Bactrim.
Other Reasons to Avoid Mixing Medications and Alcohol
-
Even if there is no interaction of alcohol and an antibiotic, you should consider carefully whether you want to drink while being treated. The better you treat your body, the faster healing will take place. If you are on an antibiotic, you have an infection. You should not do anything that will deplete your energy and slow healing.
Other Substances With Alcohol
-
If you are taking an antibiotic that should not be mixed with alcohol, it is important to remember that there is alcohol in other substances. Check the label on any cough medicines, extracts for cooking or mouth washes, as many contain alcohol.
Consultation
-
If you are prescribed an antibiotic, consult with your physician or pharmacist. They will be able to advise you on any interactions and what to avoid. Always be honest and ready to ask questions when you are being prescribed medications.
-
