Is it okay to drink alcohol with antibiotics?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Mixing alcohol with antibiotics is generally not recommended. While not every antibiotic reacts dangerously with alcohol, combining the two can increase side effects like nausea, dizziness, stomach upset, and drowsiness. In some cases, alcohol may also reduce how well the antibiotic works or slow your body's recovery from infection. Certain antibiotics—such as metronidazole, tinidazole, and sulfamethoxazole—can cause serious reactions when combined with alcohol, including rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and severe headaches.

Because reactions depend on the specific antibiotic, your health history, and your symptoms, it's important to understand what's really going on before making decisions about your treatment. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes of your symptoms, clarify whether antibiotics may be involved, and guide you on the safest next steps—so you can protect your recovery and avoid preventable complications.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if alcohol and antibiotics are safe Learn what your symptoms could mean Find out if you need care today See OTC options for nausea or dizziness Find an doctor for medication concerns Understand home remedies for alcohol side effects Check if side effects need urgent care

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Explanation

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.

If you're experiencing symptoms and want to understand whether you might need antibiotics or other treatment, try Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to get personalized guidance. 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.

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