After how much time we can take alcohol after medicine

What are the effects of drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics?

Antibiotics and alcohol can cause similar side effects, such as stomach upset, dizziness and drowsiness. Combining antibiotics and alcohol can increase these side effects.

A few antibiotics — such as metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), and sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim) — should not be mixed with alcohol because this may result in a more severe reaction. Drinking any amount of alcohol with these medications can result in side effects such as flushing, headache, nausea and vomiting, and rapid heart rate.

Also, the antibiotic linezolid (Zyvox) interacts with certain alcoholic beverages, including red wine and tap beer. Drinking these beverages with this medication can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

Keep in mind that some cold medicines and mouthwashes also contain alcohol. So check the label and avoid such products while taking these antibiotics.

Although modest alcohol use doesn't reduce the effectiveness of most antibiotics, it can reduce your energy and delay how quickly you recover from illness. So, it's a good idea to avoid alcohol until you finish your antibiotics and are feeling better.

With

Pritish K. Tosh, M.D.

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March 19, 2022

  1. Overview of antibiotics. Merck Manual Consumer Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/antibiotics/overview-of-antibiotics. Accessed Jan. 9, 2018.
  2. Alcohol. Merck Manual Consumer Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/special-subjects/recreational-drugs-and-intoxicants/alcohol. Accessed Jan. 9, 2018.
  3. Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 11, 2018.
  4. Metronidazole. Micromedex 2.0 Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedexsolutions.com. Accessed Jan. 9, 2018.
  5. Tinidazole. Micromedex 2.0 Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedexsolutions.com. Accessed Jan. 9, 2018.
  6. Linezolid. Micromedex 2.0 Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedexsolutions.com. Accessed Jan. 15, 2018.
  7. Buss Preszler LK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 15, 2018.

See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Antibiotics 101
  2. Antibiotics: Are you misusing them?
  3. Antibiotics: Not a magic bullet
  4. Aspirin allergy
  5. Bioidentical hormones: Are they safer?
  6. Don't save leftover pain pills
  7. Grapefruit and meds don't mix
  8. Grapefruit: Beware of dangerous medication interactions
  9. NSAIDs: Do they increase my risk of heart attack and stroke?
  10. Exercise and opioids
  11. Tapering off opioids: When and how
  12. What are opioids and why are they dangerous?

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It depends on the type of painkiller.

It is usually safe to drink a moderate amount of alcohol (no more than the daily guideline of alcohol units) if you are taking a painkiller that can be bought over the counter such as paracetamol or ibuprofen; providing you get relevant advice.

It is not recommended to drink alcohol if you are taking a prescription-only painkiller such as tramadol or codeine. Doing so could increase side effects such as drowsiness.

Over-the-counter painkillers

Paracetamol and ibuprofen

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are available without a prescription. Drinking a small amount of alcohol while taking paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually safe.

Paracetamol should be used with caution if you have certain health conditions, such as liver problems. A GP or pharmacist can advise you.

If you have liver or kidney problems, do not take ibuprofen unless a GP tells you it is safe to do so.

Never take more than the recommended dose of either painkiller as this could increase the risk of side effects; some of which can be severe.

Aspirin

Aspirin is now less commonly used as a painkiller due to the fact that it is more likely to cause side effects than paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Children under the age of 16 should not use aspirin.

People now often take low-dose aspirin for its blood-thinning properties as this can reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Drinking a small amount of alcohol while taking aspirin is usually safe.

Drinking more than the recommended daily limits may lead to bleeding from the stomach.

Prescription-only painkillers

Prescription-only painkillers for moderate pain include dihydrocodeine, gabapentin and tramadol. Morphine and pethidine are used for more severe pain.

Drinking alcohol with any of these medicines may make you drowsy and increase the risk of other side effects occurring, such as nausea.

Do not drink any alcohol while you're taking them.

Read the answers to more questions about medicines.

Further information

  • Can I drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?
  • Alcohol misuse

Page last reviewed: 11 January 2020
Next review due: 11 January 2023

Can I drink alcohol after 2 hours of taking medication?

Mixing alcohol and medicines puts you at risk for dangerous reactions. Protect yourself by avoiding alcohol if you are taking a medication and don't know its effect. To learn more about a medicine and whether it will interact with alcohol, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider.

Can I drink alcohol 4 hours after taking paracetamol?

Drinking a small amount of alcohol while taking paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually safe. Paracetamol should be used with caution if you have certain health conditions, such as liver problems.

Can I drink alcohol 4 hours after taking cough medicine?

Unfortunately, alcohol and cough syrup do not mix. Combining cough syrup and alcohol can lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness and impair your coordination and driving.