Title: Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Amoxicillin? | 25 Doctors
Headings: Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Amoxicillin?
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Amoxicillin?
In This Article Hide
Alcohol and Amoxicillin
1. Alcohol Is Not Good For A Recovering Body
2. Confusing Side Effects
3. Dehydration
4. You Might Have an Alcohol Addiction
Amoxicillin Side Effects
Other Antibiotics and Alcohol
Summary
Raliat Ola-Dauda, PharmD

Content: You Might Have an Alcohol Addiction
Usually, amoxicillin is prescribed for 5 to 10 days. If it is quite difficult to stay away from alcohol for a few days in order to complete your amoxicillin regimen, you might have an underlying alcohol addiction. If you think you have an alcohol addiction, you should see your doctor for professional help. Amoxicillin Side Effects
Amoxicillin has side effects of its own, some of which may be aggravated by the use of alcohol: Gastrointestinal effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
Dehydration
Dizziness
Headaches
Chest pain due to difficulty in breathing
Flushed skin
Increased heart rate
Other Antibiotics and Alcohol
Taking alcohol while on medication is best avoided. That is why the patient information leaflets on many drugs come with the warning not to take them with alcohol. When it comes to antibiotics though, some drugs like amoxicillin may not cause considerable harm especially with small quantities of alcohol. However, there are some antibiotics that can lead to very critical side effects when taken in combination with alcohol. Advertisements
Metronidazole (Flagyl) is reported to cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, hypotension (low blood pressure), thirst, chest pain and some other effects in what is known as a Disulfiram-like reaction. Other drugs that can cause a Disulfiram-like reaction include tinidazole, benznidazole, and Septrin (Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole combination).