Can you drink alcohol while on antibiotics?

It is advisable to avoid any amount of alcohol when taking antibiotics, as this may result in different side effects. Both alcohol and antibiotics have side effects when used, so when combined, the effects increase.

Several types of antibiotics, such as tinidazole, metronidazole and co-trimoxazole, can lead to a severe reaction if a person takes alcohol while using them. A person may experience side effects, such as vomiting, increased heart rate, nausea, flushing and headache. However, consumption of alcohol does not affect the effectiveness of antibiotics, but it reduces a person's energy and delays recovering from an illness. Alcohol may also make people skip their doses.