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Is it Safe to Combine Antibiotics and Alcohol?

man discusses antibiotics and alcohol with doctor

People think it is safe to take many medications with alcohol when, in fact, it is not as safe as they think it may be. Alcohol does not make them less effective, but it may increase certain side effects. Learn about how to take antibiotics safely.

Antibiotics and Alcohol

Some antibiotics are not good to consume with alcohol in any amount. People should take precautions not to take these drugs with alcohol:

  • Cefoperazone
  • Cefotetan
  • Doxycycline
  • Erythromycin
  • Metronidazole
  • Tinidazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Isoniazid
  • Linezolid

People should take care when combining these with alcohol as it may cause a potentially dangerous reaction.

Dangerous Combinations

Some of the following drugs have dangerous combinations and may cause nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, and fast heartbeat when taken with alcohol:

  • Metronidazole
  • Tinidazole
  • Cefoperazone
  • Cefotetan
  • Ketoconazole

How to Respond

The warning label on the antibiotic should include information regarding any alcohol use with the medication. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist to be sure about details of the medication. For people in recovery from addiction, there should most likely be no drinking happening at all and in the absence of that should make this easier, but that is not always the case. Alcohol can also prohibit healing in people who have an infection for which they are taking antibiotics. Talk to your doctor and make sure you are taking medication properly without issue.

Arbor Behavioral Healthcare knows that lifetime sobriety, health, and wellness, are completely possible. Each of our treatment programs offer the opportunity for holistic healing utilizing an integrative approach for the recovery of mind, body, and spirit. You can recover. You will recover. Call us today for more information: 844-560-7269