Is it OK to drink alcohol when you are taking an antibiotic?
Since alcohol is itself a drug, alcohol consumption should be avoided entirely when taking any
medications, including antibiotics. You should avoid alcohol whether the prescription you're
taking is prescription or over the counter.
Certain antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs can interact with alcohol and make you very sick.
It therefore is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while on antibiotic therapy.
To be on the safe side, however, always check with your doctor or pharmacist regarding specific
drug interaction concerns.
Learn more about the four main types of drug interactions.
Check for drug interactions.
Learn more about alcohol use.
If you're looking for more specific answers to specific questions, ask a Walgreens pharmacist here.
DISCLAIMER:
Answers to questions regarding information about medications or health conditions are not for
diagnostic or treatment purposes and are not conclusive as to the presence or absence of any
health condition. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition.
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Advances in medicine may cause
this information to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. Professional opinions and
interpretations of the scientific literature may vary. Walgreens' terms of use and general
warranty disclaimer apply to all services provided. If you are in need of immediate medical
attention, contact your physician, poison control center or emergency medical professional. If
you need to speak with a pharmacist for non-emergency matters, contact your local Walgreens
pharmacist or call a Walgreens.com pharmacist toll-free at 1 (877) 250-5823.
