The interaction between alcohol and antibiotics is more dangerous than most people imagine. A glass of wine, beer, or a shot of liquor may not seem like a problem. Still, antibiotics and alcohol can cause common side effects like nausea, dizziness, or upset stomach, and may contribute to slower recovery.
Being prescribed amoxicillin or any other antibiotic, you may wonder, can you drink alcohol with antibiotics? You should know the facts to help recover faster and prevent severe health issues.
We Level Up Washington helps those struggling with substance issues that could influence the process of recovery and their overall wellness. Now, let us discuss the reason why it is generally safer to avoid alcoholic beverages during treatment with antibiotics.
Skip To
Table of Contents
Why Alcohol and Antibiotics Don’t Mix
Alcohol changes how your body processes medicine. It may create more hazards, uncomfortable conditions, or even fatal results.
Main reasons to avoid drinking alcohol with antibiotics:
- Weakened immune system – Alcohol has the potential to reduce the body’s capacity to recover and defend itself. Alcohol may weaken the body’s defenses against diseases such as urinary tract infection or skin infection.
- Stronger side effects – With drinking, side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches may worsen.
- Serious drug interactions – Certain antibiotics include chemicals that, when mixed with alcohol, result in rapid heartbeat, high/low blood pressure, or liver injury.
- Slower recovery – alcohol causes an increase in the duration of your illness, even in minor quantities.
End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.
Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.
Hotline: (509) 348-4077
Antibiotics That Have Dangerous Interactions With Alcohol
Antibiotics do not necessarily all pose similar problems, but occasionally, an antibiotic reaction after you consume alcohol can be extremely adverse. Antibiotic examples include the following.
- Metronidazole
- Tinidazole
- Linezolid
- Certain cephalosporins
Alcohol may limit your body’s ability to fight infection, even if your medication is not listed.
Common Side Effects of Mixing Antibiotics and Alcohol
If you drink while on antibiotics, you may experience:
- Stomach upset or vomiting
- Flushing and sweating
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure
- Liver damage from extra strain
These symptoms may be mild or severe based on your health, the amount of alcohol you consume, and the antibiotic that you consume.
Can You Drink Alcohol With Antibiotics?
The best answer is no. Don’t use alcohol during your course of antibiotics and wait at least 72 hours after you complete this medication, especially when you are using a prescription with high reactivity to alcohol. This will avoid disastrous reactions and allow your body time to recuperate.
Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.
Searching for Accredited Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Centers Near You?
Even if therapy failed previously, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about counseling alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlineAmoxicillin Antibiotics and Alcohol
Amoxicillin is frequently used in the treatment of ear, nose, skin, throat, and urinary tract infections. Side effects of amoxicillin may not generally lead to harmful drug interactions with alcohol, but it is not advisable to drink.
Alcohol can leave you feeling more sleepy, reduce the body’s ability to heal, and trigger minor side effects like nausea.
Long-Term Risks of Ignoring Medical Guidance
If you drink during antibiotic treatment, you could face:
- Longer infection recovery
- Antibiotic resistance
- Worsening symptoms
- Long-term health damage
- Higher chance of liver damage
Case Insights and Educational Examples
(Fictional, for educational purposes only — not medical advice.)
Two people are prescribed antibiotics for a skin infection:
- Case 1 – Ignoring Advice: John drinks alcohol repeatedly in his current condition, where he is on antibiotics. He acquires such forceful side effects as dizziness, nausea, and dehydration. His infection takes weeks more, and he requires another prescription.
- Case 2 – Following Advice: Sarah does not drink alcohol for the entire duration of treatment and also for 72 hours afterwards. She improves in a short time, there are no significant side effects and her infection is properly healed.
Sarah’s recovery is an indication of how the use of alcoholic beverages can hinder the recovery process and increase the risk of complications, as is the case with John.
Comfortable Facilities & Amenities
High-Quality Mental Health Services & Behaviroal Health Substance Abuse Treatment
Rehab Centers TourRenowned Mental Health Centers. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient Rehab Programs Vary.
Mental Health Helpline: (509) 348-4077Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:
15+
Years of Unified Experience
100s
5-Star Reviews Across Our Centers
10K
Recovery Success Stories Across Our Network
- Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
- Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
- Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
- Coaching, Recovery & Development Events
- Comfortable Onsite Medical Detox Center
Expert Advice / Actionable Tips
(General education only — not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a professional for personal care.)
How to recover faster while on antibiotics:
- Never stop your antibiotics even when you feel better.
- Alcohol should be avoided a minimum of 72 hours since the last dose.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat healthy foods to boost your immune system.
- Rest well to help your body heal.
- Report to your doctor in case you experience powerful side effects or abnormal symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Where in Spokane Valley, Washington, can you find help for antibiotics and alcohol?
Recovery support, in combination with mental health treatment, is possible at We Level Up Washington to prevent the consumption of alcohol during antibiotics.
-
Where in Liberty Lake can you find treatment for antibiotics and alcohol?
The residents of Liberty Lake are free to consult our programs in order to obtain advice on safe recovery and treatment for alcohol abuse.
-
Where in Post Falls, ID, can you find treatment for antibiotics and alcohol?
Our facility provides addiction treatment to residents of nearby Post Falls for anyone who requires alcohol-related help.
Final Thoughts
Antibiotics are dangerous in combination with alcohol because they might lead to common side effects, intensify infections such as urinary tract infection and skin infection, and even delay your progress. If you are using amoxicillin or any other prescription, the best option will be to abstain from alcoholic beverages.
In case you or your loved one cannot quit alcohol in the course of treatment, We Level Up Washington wants to give you a helping hand on the way to complete wellness and healing.
World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Programs. Complete Integrated Inpatient Rehab with Free Post Discharge Therapy Planning.
Hotline: (509) 348-4077End the Emotional Pain Rollercoaster. Gain Stability & Happiness Through Recovery Treatment. Start Mental Health Counseling Today. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Behaviroal Health Specialists Who Understand Mental Health Recovery.
Summary
Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.