Can you drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?

Drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics is not recommended, according to Mayo Clinic. Doing so can increase the side effects of the antibiotic medication which include dizziness, stomach upset and drowsiness. Drinking alcohol does not lessen the effectiveness of antibiotic medication, but it can decrease energy levels and delay recovery.

Drinking alcohol with antibiotics such as Flagyl, Tindamax and Bactrim can cause severe side effects. These side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, flushing and rapid heart rate, notes Mayo Clinic. Some over-the-counter cold and flu medications also contain alcohol; take care when administering these remedies if you are also on antibiotics.