While taking antibiotics can you drink alcohol
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Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Antibiotics?
Common Beliefs and Medical Advice on Antibiotics and Alcohol
Many people believe that alcohol should be avoided while taking antibiotics. This belief is widespread, even among healthcare professionals, despite the lack of strong evidence supporting it. A survey found that 76% of clinic staff believed in the myth that alcohol should be avoided with all antibiotics, although this belief has no foundation in the British National Formulary.
Evidence on Antibiotic and Alcohol Interactions
Safe Combinations
Research indicates that several antibiotics can be safely used with alcohol. These include oral penicillins, cefdinir, cefpodoxime, fluoroquinolones, azithromycin, tetracycline, nitrofurantoin, secnidazole, tinidazole, and fluconazole. For these antibiotics, there is no significant alteration in their pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics, nor is there a notable change in their efficacy or an increase in toxicity when consumed with alcohol.
Equivocal Data
For some antibiotics, the data are less clear. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole falls into this category, where the evidence is not definitive regarding its interaction with alcohol.
Reduced Efficacy
Certain antibiotics may have reduced efficacy when taken with alcohol. Erythromycin is one such antibiotic, and doxycycline may also be less effective in individuals with chronic alcoholism.
Disulfiram-like Reactions
A significant concern with some antibiotics is the potential for a disulfiram-like reaction, which can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms when alcohol is consumed. This reaction is classically associated with metronidazole, although its frequency and severity are uncertain. Cephalosporins with a methylthiotetrazole (MTT) side chain or a methylthiodioxotriazine (MTDT) ring, ketoconazole, and griseofulvin also carry an increased risk of this reaction .
Conclusion
While the belief that alcohol should be avoided with all antibiotics is widespread, the evidence does not support this for many common antibiotics. However, caution is warranted with specific antibiotics like metronidazole and certain cephalosporins due to the risk of disulfiram-like reactions. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific situation.
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