07/03/2026
⭐️ Pharmacist Friday with Travis & Savanna ⭐️
Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?
Our pharmacists answer:
🍷It depends on the antibiotic. For many antibiotics, having a small amount of alcohol is unlikely to make the medication less effective. However, alcohol can increase side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and stomach upset, and it may slow your recovery from an infection.
❌Some antibiotics should NOT be mixed with alcohol at all, including:
* Metronidazole
* Tinidazole
* Some cephalosporins, such as cefotetan
❌ Combining alcohol with these medications can cause flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, and a rapid heartbeat.
👨⚕️If you’re prescribed an antibiotic, it’s always a good idea to ask your pharmacist whether alcohol is safe with your specific medication.
Have a medication question? Leave it in the comments for a future Ask Your Pharmacist! 💬