[dj9928]

I finish Co amoxiclav yesterday, Im going out tonite will it b ok to have a drink or 2?

[dreamfish]

Yes fine. I read online recently that it is a total myth that alcohol shouldn't be drunk whilst on antibiotics.

[Caxton]

No it is certainly not a myth it depends on the type of antibiotics some it is OK some certainly not. Where you read it on line dreamfish I don't know but it certainly is not correct information.

There are certain antibiotics that you must certainly not drink with, one of them is metronidazole I was taking for a rather obstinate infection, my doctor told me if I drank alcohol while taking them I would be violently sick, and this was also stressed by the pharmacist. When I asked why, he said it was similar to a drug that they gave to alcoholics to stop them drinking, he said it would not kill me but I would certainly be vomiting and feeling nauseous and I would deeply regret it.

Though another antibiotic Amoxicillin often prescribed by dentists to combat gum infections it is perfectly OK to drink alcohol while taking them. Best thing is to seek the advice of a pharmacist.

[diablo]

I'm not sure that it is a total myth, there are probably some which have effects. This info on co amoxiclav says it is okay with moderate amounts of alcohol.

Someone I know has had all the antibiotics in the world and drunk a few pints with each of them to no ill effect. Not that I'm recommending that.

[Kaz159]

Don't know if things have changed but I was told not to drink with my antibiotics because the alcohol could reduce the effectiveness of them (used to suffer with streptococcal (sp?) throats when y9ounger). I do realise that there are different types of antibiotics. Kaz

[fi~]

i've been violently sick after drinking when on antibiotics so wold never do so again

[hoopy]

I have to take penicillin for the rest of my life and the doctor said it was ok to drink while taking them.

Although I don't drink a great deal, I wouldn't have liked never to be able to drink again

[Vic Mackey]

I can confirm that metronidazole and alcohol aren't the best combination ever, ignored my doctor and threw up everywhere after 3 pints!!

[Sigurd]

Information from NHS Direct:

Can I drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?

Although it is sensible to avoid drinking alcohol when taking any medication, it is unlikely that drinking alcohol, in moderation, will cause problems if you are taking most common antibiotics.

It is, however, necessary to completely AVOID drinking when taking the following antibiotics:

* Metronidazole – the side-effects include flushing, breathlessness, headache, increased or irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting.

* Tinidazole is chemically similar to metronidazole and so may cause the same reaction.

When taking co-trimoxazole and alcohol, there is a very slight possibility of side effects that are similar to metronidazole. However these effects are very rare and drinking alcohol in moderation does not normally cause a problem.

It should be noted that antibiotics may have a variety of side effects that might be made worse by alcohol, for example, sleepiness and dizziness. Alcohol is likely to worsen these effects. You should never drink alcohol and drive if you are affected.

http://newdesign.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/ar...?articleId=871