Can I Take antibiotics and alcohol Together?

SUMMARY:

Alcohol is generally safe with many antibiotics but can cause serious or unpleasant reactions with certain antibiotics and may increase the risk of liver injury or worsen side effects; avoid alcohol with antibiotics known to cause disulfiram‑like reactions or that are hepatotoxic and check your specific drug.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Key concerns: - Disulfiram‑like reaction: metronidazole and tinidazole (and some cephalosporins such as cefotetan) can cause flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, tachycardia and low blood pressure when combined with alcohol; avoid alcohol during treatment and for the recommended washout period after finishing the drug. - Hepatotoxicity: drugs used for tuberculosis (like isoniazid, rifampin) and some other antibiotics can increase liver injury risk when combined with alcohol—avoid heavy drinking and monitor for signs of liver injury (jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain). - Increased side effects: alcohol can worsen antibiotic side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset or slow recovery from infection. - Action: check the specific antibiotic you were prescribed and follow prescriber/pharmacy advice; if you experience severe symptoms after drinking (severe vomiting, fainting, rapid heartbeat, jaundice), seek medical care.