Unlike other antibiotics, amoxicillin doesn’t directly interact with alcohol. However, drinking may worsen its side effects and potentially slow your healing process.
Amoxicillin is a common antibiotic that people often use to treat conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, and infections of the ears, nose, or throat.
Although it doesn’t have any direct interactions with alcohol, it may still be best to avoid drinking in excess when you’re taking it. Amoxicillin can cause other potential complications, including gastrointestinal issues, and alcohol can worsen these.
Read on to learn more about alcohol and amoxicillin.
According to the National Capital Poison Center, it’s generally safe to drink while taking amoxicillin. So far, research doesn’t suggest any significant reactions between drinking and taking this medication.
For this reason, amoxicillin
However, although it may technically be safe, it’s not a good idea to drink while taking the medication.
Although combining amoxicillin and alcohol is generally safe, drinking alcohol may potentially worsen the gastrointestinal side effects that may come with taking this antibiotic. For example, amoxicillin can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which alcohol can worsen.
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Remember that drug side effects may vary based on your age, any preexisting health conditions you have, and any other medications you take. When in doubt, always discuss potential side effects with your doctor.
Some people experience hypersensitivity reactions, which means their immune system mistakenly reacts to harmless substances. According to research, these may occur in up to 10% of people who take amoxicillin, and they’re more common in people with a history of allergies, asthma, hay fever, or urticaria.
Reactions may range from mild to severe and may cause:
- taste perception changes
- headache
- rash
- skin blisters
- skin peeling
- wheezing
- issues with swallowing or breathing
- severe diarrhea that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps
Amoxicillin may interact harmfully with several drugs, including:
- blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin)
- birth control pills
- gout drugs probenecid (Probalan) and allopurinol (Zyloprim)
- other antibiotics
Before taking amoxicillin, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you’re taking. Your doctor and pharmacist can warn you about any potential interactions.
Also, since amoxicillin may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, always use another method of birth control while taking this drug.
It can also cause false positives on urine glucose (sugar) tests, so keep this in mind if you have one scheduled.
Although research suggests it’s generally safe to take amoxicillin while pregnant, it’s a good idea to let your doctor know if you’re pregnant or nursing to avoid issues.
Amoxicillin can also cause issues in people with certain conditions, including:
- Mononucleosis: If you have mono, you’re more likely to develop a skin rash while taking amoxicillin. For this reason, your doctor most likely won’t prescribe you this antibiotic while you have mono.
- Severe kidney issues: If you have kidney problems like chronic kidney disease, speak with your doctor before you take amoxicillin. They may prescribe a lower dose or recommend a different treatment option, as this antibiotic may exacerbate kidney issues.
- Allergic reactions: If you’ve had allergic reactions to other beta-lactam antibiotics, like penicillin, or their ingredients, it’s best not to take amoxicillin. For that reason, always be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you may have.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU): If you have PKU, an inherited condition that requires you to follow a special diet, talk with your doctor. Some amoxicillin chewable tablets are sweetened with aspartame, which can cause health issues in those with PKU.
Keep in mind that when you’re dealing with an infection, alcohol may not be the healthiest choice. That’s because drinking alcohol, especially in large quantities,
Alcohol can impede your body’s healing process by:
- weakening your immune system
- dehydrating your body
- disrupting your sleep patterns
Amoxicillin isn’t known to interact very negatively with alcohol, but that’s not the case with other antibiotics.
Due to the serious risk of side effects, it’s never advisable to drink alcohol while taking any of
- cefoperazone
- cefotetan
- metronidazole
- tinidazole
- ketoconazole
- isoniazid
- linezolid
- griseofulvin
Drinking alcohol before, during, or up to 3 days after taking some of the above drugs may cause:
- nausea
- vomiting
- flushing
- headache
- rapid heartbeat
- stomach pain or cramps
It’s a good idea to speak with a doctor if you experience any of the following while taking amoxicillin:
- severe or persistent side effects
- no improvement in symptoms after a few days
- symptoms of an allergic reaction
- new or worsening symptoms
If you experience serious side effects like difficulty breathing, cloudy or bloody urine, or swelling of body parts, call Poison Control at 800-222-1222, seek emergency support, or call 911.
Although amoxicillin doesn’t directly interact with alcohol, combining the two can worsen the gastrointestinal side effects of the drug. Drinking with a bacterial infection can also impede your immune system and hinder the healing process.
Amoxicillin may also interact with medications like blood thinners and birth control pills as well as conditions like kidney issues and mono. In general, it’s always best to speak with a doctor about any potential interactions.