Alcohol and Anti-biotics

[BreenM]

I am currently on a course of anti-biotics that finish up on Friday. I also have a night out on Friday that I want to drink at. Why are you told not to take alcohol while on anti-biotics? Is this just doctors erring on the side of caution? Anything to do with your liver?

Cheers

[alijangra]

metronidazole, cephamandole and oral ketoconazole should not be mixed with alcohol as they can cause some side-effects like facial flushing.

All your common anti-b's are ok, and also you finish the course that day so you will be fine.

If you had chronic liver disease due to severe alcoholism, then this would affect the absorbtion of the antib's.

[alijangra]

Well if I was you I would enjoy your night and have a few drinks. I have listed the ones that are contraindicated and as you take your last dose on Friday having a drink later that evening will not in any way wipe out the beneficial effects!!

[moppettshow]

With some you can get away with it. All drugs come with a warning not be taken in conjunction with alcohol- this is standard practice. Some antibiotics, however, such as erythromycin and metronidazole, inhibit the liver's ability to metabolise alcohol, so the body is effectively poisoned. The common antabuse drug used to stop alcoholics drinking works in this way- even a tiny amount of alcohol (say, splashing a bit of aftershave on), can make you feel nauseous, and can cause vomiting.

[caz21]

Just a cautionary tale...I was on antibiotics in feb. and we went to a murder mystery night half way through the course for Valentines, i thought i would be fine to have a few drinks, (around my normal intake on a night out,) i was so drunk i do not remember anything about that night! but i was very very sick! and it ruined a night i was really looking forward to and spent a lot of money on. i would never drink on antibiotics again! but it is your decision!

[caz21]

Those were Erythromicin! have just noticed the post above! wish i'd asked this question back in feb!

[BreenM]

Thanks guys for the help, just checked the bottle and i have 200Mg Metronidazole. I think she said they were the stronger ones anyway. It's for a dental abcess that's all. Might just leave the booze alone for a night.

Thanks.

[smudge]

As the others have said, drinking whilst taking anti-biotics can cause some side effects - I know, 'cos I've done it myself & it wasn't pleasant!

I'm sure you can still go out & have a good time without drinking alcohol - just for one night!

[smudge]

Was still typing out when you posted Breen - sorry about that!

[rockyracoon]

Breen, I drank with Metronidazole and puked my guts up all the way home from the pub. And it was the day I finished the course. DON'T DO IT

[Quizmonster]

I've been around for longer than antibiotics have and drinking whilst on them has never - ever - had the slightest ill effect on me. And I never failed to get over whatever the infection was, so they still worked.
Clearly, you have never before had a drink whilst on antibiotics, or you wouldn't be asking the question, so why not try it this time? Then you'll know whether you're like me or like the others here who have had bad experiences. You can then act appropriately in future.