Should Antibiotics and Alcohol Mix?

SHOULD ANTIBIOTICS AND ALCOHOL MIX?

Some key things to consider before consuming Alcohol while on some common Antibiotics use:

In most cases, alcohol interferes with how antibiotics are absorbed by the body. This interference makes the antibiotic slower at fighting off the bacterial infection in your body. Since different types of antibiotics are processed differently, the effects of consuming alcohol while on antibiotics may vary.

Antibiotics and Alcohol are both processed by the liver and removed from the blood via the kidneys. Antibiotics are prescribed to be taken 1-3 times a day over the course of 7-14 days to treat some sort of bacterial infection (think Urinary Tract Infection, Sinus Infection, Pneumonia, Gingivitis, or even acne). Alcohol is consumed in units of one standard drink, AKA 2oz liquor, 5oz wine, or 12oz beer.🩸

Stress on the liver and kidneys increases with larger doses of antibiotics and higher amounts of alcohol. Since the liver and kidneys are already working hard while you’re on antibiotics, consuming alcohol can overburden these organs. Binge drinking while on antibiotics increases your risk for conditions such as kidney stones, liver toxicity, and internal bleeding.

Alcohol is also dehydrating. This puts additional stress on the body that slows recovery from a bacterial infection.

It is extremely important to remember that TACO is in no way a replacement for medical advice from your doctor. Be sure to consult your primary physician before consuming alcohol if they prescribe antibiotics. Only your doctor knows the severity of your condition and your particular circumstances. Many antibiotics will have warning labels that provide information about alcohol use.