antibiotics and alcohol...

[Maggoty]

Now I know you are not supposed to drive whilst on them but why?

is it because the antibiotics won't work or does if make you ill, dizzy etc?

Anyone know the reason?

Ta

Ali

x

[Eve]

I thought alcohol could interfere with them working though I guess it depends which antibiotics as some are a complete rule out with alcohol - metronidazole is one I think.

[woofgang]

I have never heard that you aren't supposed to drive on antibiotics. Some antibis are the same substance as antabuse and if you drink alcohol you will throw up muchly. Some antibis will give you upset tum and I guess the alcohol wouldn't help.

[smilingcrow]

You can drink if they are penecillin based. Thats the beauty of penecilin.

[mike11111]

I drink and i have to take antibiotics every day. It is perfectly safe to do so unless there is a specific instruction to the contrary on the bottle. I know that alcohol cannot be taken with Flagyl but I have seen no such prohibition on other forms which I have taken.

[rowanwitch]

there is one that is a big no no as it can make you really sick that is metronidazole (flagyl) you will spend a lot of time talking to god on the big white telephone if you try

[woofgang]

yup that's the antabuse one. originally made from a mushroom.

[Maggoty]

Thank you

(shamed face : meant 'drink' not 'drive' Oooops sorry for the typo)

Thanks guys!!

x

[Baldric]

Excuse me madam, have you been Driving, blow into this please.

[Graham-W]

This myth about early antibiotics and alcohol was put about when penicillin was used to treat syphilis in the forces. Often the sailors etc. would get reinfected before the penicillin had the desired effect. Stop them getting drunk and they were in with a chance of being cured.

[Sqad]

It's a myth.

Flagyl and Septrin (I think) have also been incriminated.

It's still a myth.

[mike11111]

I don't think it's a myth about Flagyl. I was once prescribed it by a dentist, and a pharmacist and drinking buddy of mine dispensed the prescription. He warned me that any alcohol would make me sick. I ignored him and went out to the club. I managed one G&T before I had to go and throw up.

[Sqad]

mike....right.

Nausea and severe vomiting are well recognized side effects of Flagyl without taking alcohol.

But your point is well taken.

[lardhelmet]

This question came up in a QI programme recently and Graham W's is the right answer according to the lovely Stephen...

[nannybooby]

agree with GrayhamW and Lardhelmet!