Amoxicillin does not immediately interact with alcohol, in contrast to other antibiotics. However, alcohol might exacerbate its adverse effects and perhaps impede your recovery.
A typical antibiotic used to treat infections of the ears, nose, and throat as well as bronchitis and pneumonia is amoxicillin.
Even if there are no direct interactions between it and alcohol, it might still be advised to abstain from excessive drinking while taking it. Other possible side effects of amoxicillin include gastrointestinal problems, which alcohol can exacerbate.
Continue reading to find out more about amoxicillin and alcohol.
Is it safe?
The National Capital Poison Center states that drinking alcohol while taking amoxicillin is usually safe. There haven’t been any noteworthy interactions between drinking and using this drug, according to research thus far.
Amoxicillin does not have any cautions about alcohol consumption because of this.
But even if it can be safe in theory, drinking alcohol while taking medication is not a smart idea.
Possible side effects
While it is typically safe to use amoxicillin with alcohol, alcohol consumption may exacerbate any gastrointestinal adverse effects that this antibiotic may cause. For instance, alcohol can exacerbate the nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that amoxicillin can induce.
A 2020 review found that while alcohol use influences the pace of amoxicillin absorption, it does not affect the amount. Therefore, it shouldn’t immediately reduce the antibiotic’s effectiveness. However, it might make it less effective.
Keep in mind that the adverse effects of drugs can differ depending on your age if you have any underlying medical issues, and if you take any other prescriptions. Talk to your doctor about possible side effects whenever you’re unsure.
Hypersensitivity reactions occur when an individual’s immune system unintentionally reacts to an innocuous chemical. Up to 10% of amoxicillin users may experience symptoms, and those with a history of allergies, asthma, hay fever, or urticaria are more likely to experience them.
From mild to severe reactions, the following outcomes are possible:
- taste perception changes
- headache
- rash
- skin blisters
- skin peeling
- wheezing
- issues with swallowing or breathing
- strong diarrhea that can happen with or without cramping in the stomach
Amoxicillin interactions
Amoxicillin may have negative interactions with several medications, such as:
- blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin)
- birth control pills
- gout drugs probenecid (Probalan) and allopurinol (Zyloprim)
- other antibiotics
Make sure your doctor is aware of all the drugs and supplements you take before starting amoxicillin treatment. You can get advice about any possible interactions from your pharmacist and doctor.
Additionally, always use a different type of birth control while taking amoxicillin, as it may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
Additionally, it can result in false positives on urine glucose (sugar) tests, so be aware of this if you have one coming up.
Even though studies indicate that taking amoxicillin while pregnant is generally safe, it’s a good idea to let your doctor know if you’re expecting or nursing to prevent problems.
Amoxicillin may potentially cause problems for those who have specific medical conditions, such as:
- Mononucleosis: Taking amoxicillin increases the risk of developing a skin rash if you have mono. Because of this, it’s unlikely that your doctor will give you this antibiotic if you have mono.
- Severe kidney issues: Consult your physician before using amoxicillin if you have renal issues, such as chronic kidney disease. Since this antibiotic may make renal problems worse, they might suggest a different course of treatment or a lower dosage.
- Allergic reactions: It is preferable not to take amoxicillin if you have experienced allergic reactions to other beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin, or their components. Because of this, you should always be sure to disclose any sensitivities you may have to your doctor.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU): Speak with your doctor if you have PKU, an inherited illness that necessitates a special diet. Aspartame is used to sweeten some chewable amoxicillin tablets, which may be harmful to people who have PKU.
Alcohol and the healing process
Remember that drinking alcohol might not be the best option if you have an infection. This is because alcohol consumption, particularly in excessive doses, is associated with weakened immune system performance.
Alcohol can obstruct your body’s ability to heal through:
- weakening your immune system
- dehydrating your body
- disrupting your sleep patterns
Which antibiotics interact with alcohol?
Alcohol and amoxicillin don’t seem to mix too badly, but other antibiotics don’t either.
When taking any of the following, it is never suggested to drink alcohol due to the significant risk of negative effects:
- cefoperazone
- cefotetan
- metronidazole
- tinidazole
- ketoconazole
- isoniazid
- linezolid
- griseofulvin
Taking some of the aforementioned medications before, during, or up to three days after drinking alcohol may result in:
- nausea
- vomiting
- flushing
- headache
- rapid heartbeat
- stomach pain or cramps
When to contact a doctor
If any of the following occur while taking amoxicillin, it’s a good idea to see a doctor:
- severe or persistent side effects
- no improvement in symptoms after a few days
- symptoms of an allergic reaction
- new or worsening symptoms
If you encounter severe adverse reactions such as breathing difficulties, bloody or foggy urine, or swelling in any area of your body, contact Poison Control at 800-222-1222, seek immediate medical attention, or dial 911.
The bottom line
Alcohol and amoxicillin don’t directly interact, but doing so together can exacerbate the medication’s gastrointestinal adverse effects. Drinking while infected with bacteria can also impair your immune system and delay recovery.
Amoxicillin may potentially interact with diseases including renal problems and mono, as well as drugs like birth control pills and blood thinners. Generally speaking, it’s preferable to discuss any possible interactions with a doctor.