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Medicine safety

Can I drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?

With most antibiotics moderate alcohol is unlikely to cause harm, but with a few, such as metronidazole, alcohol can cause a serious reaction, so avoid it.

Diese Informationen dienen ausschließlich der allgemeinen Orientierung und stellen keine medizinische Beratung dar. Konsultieren Sie bei persönlichen gesundheitlichen Anliegen stets eine qualifizierte medizinische Fachkraft. Wählen Sie im Notfall Ihre örtliche Notrufnummer.

For many common antibiotics, a small amount of alcohol will not stop the medicine working, though alcohol can worsen side effects like drowsiness or stomach upset and slow your recovery, so it is sensible to limit it while unwell.

There are important exceptions. With metronidazole and tinidazole, drinking alcohol can cause flushing, severe nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat; you should avoid alcohol during the course and for a couple of days after. Some other antibiotics also interact.

Because the rules differ by drug, always check the patient leaflet or ask your pharmacist about your specific antibiotic before drinking.

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