Our Services
Medical Information
Helpful Resources
Published on: 11/7/2025
Is it okay to drink alcohol with antibiotics?
Drinking alcohol with antibiotics is not always safe, as it can cause side effects or make the antibiotics less effective. See below to understand more.
Questions about alcohol and antibiotics?
Not seeing your question? No worries.
Submit your own QuestionExplanation
Drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics can sometimes cause problems. Some antibiotics can interact with alcohol, leading to unpleasant side effects like upset stomach, dizziness, or drowsiness. According to the references, while not all antibiotics interact with alcohol, some, like metronidazole and tinidazole, can cause severe reactions if mixed with alcohol.
Important Points to Consider:
Side Effects: Drinking alcohol can increase the chance of experiencing side effects from antibiotics.
Effectiveness: Alcohol might make some antibiotics less effective, meaning they might not work as well to fight infections.
Specific Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics, such as metronidazole, should never be mixed with alcohol due to the risk of severe reactions.
It's always best to check with a healthcare provider or refer to the medication instructions when taking antibiotics to ensure safe use and avoid any potential interactions with alcohol.
(References)
- Mergenhagen KA, Wattengel BA, Skelly MK, Clark CM, & Russo TA. (2020). a Review of the Evidence behind Alcohol and Antibiotic .... Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 31871085.
- Seixas FA. (1975). Alcohol and its drug interactions. Annals of internal medicine, 1147446.
- Weathermon R, & Crabb DW. (1999). Alcohol and medication interactions. Alcohol research & health : the journal of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 10890797.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about diseases
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.