Is it an old wives tale to not drink alcohol while taking antibiotics? The thought is the alcohol makes the antibiotic ineffective.

I checked several online drug interactions for Z-pack and alcohol and not a single interaction is listed. 

why risk it? is alcohol that necessary? 

I think it's ok to some extent. I have consumed a beer or two while taking a Z-pack.

But...I only pay $2.50 for my z-pack. 

Yes. 

At least you have your priorities 

Why bother worrying about something that isn't true? Last I checked alcohol is still legal. 

"Why bother worrying about something that isn't true? Last I checked alcohol is still legal. "

Not my point. Currently, bacteria is slowly winning the fight against antibiotics. Why risk making another category of antibiotic ineffective for you? It up to you. Im sure one or two drinks won't hurt 

I agree with SleighOfHand. One or two drinks can make a difference in your system. 

The over use of alcohol has caused many a sailor to need antibiotics. 

I am too big a chicken to drink and take medicine. So I don't. (take medicine, that is) 

Yes Red, I agree...hehehe 

But alcohol has absolutely zero effect on antibiotics. I just think it's funny how some people have such a strong opinion on this (not you). I actually asked my doctor when he prescribed it and he responded "why would it". 

I would only say drink plenty of water too. 

Alcohol consumption puts stress on your body. If your body needs antibiotics, it is already stressed. Drinking makes it harder for your body to heal. It isn't medically contraindicated but it just adds more work for your body. Give it a rest and let your body heal. 

Then why do doctors recommend a glass or two of wine? 

I've never had a doctor recommend alcohol at any time I have required antibiotics. Have you? 

How alcohol affects the body
There is a small section regarding the immune system. 

The question is have you ever had a doctor discourage it? 

You are silly ooh face! I've never had a doctor discourage me from swimming in in molten lead, that doesn't mean I assume it's a healthy thing to do ;)

You want to drink despite being sick. You already know you probably shouldn't but you think that because alcohol doesn't specifically affect the antibiotic, it's ok to use. You know that it will just prolong your recover but the thought of going without for five days must be rough for you.

It's your body. Do what you want. Just don't whine when you still feel like crap after finishing the zpack. 

You get your hackles raised way to easily. LMAO. 

You should Bookmark this. For future reference :) 

There's a reason why you have a mean streak. Ask your doctor about it. 

There are a few antibiotics (such as Bactrim or Flagyl) that when mixed with alcohol can cause lots of stomach distress, but overall alcohol is an immunosuppressant so drinking while you're already trying to fight something off just makes your body that much more likely to stay sick and allow the bacteria to prevail. 

In my experience, it matters little what others think.

If you're going to drink, you're going to drink. If you're not, you're not. 

Ohh face, have a drink for me too. 

Ohh face, have a drink for me too.

;)


It's funny that not a single medical professional advises against it yet people such a strong opinion about it. Almost like you're insulting their grandma. Weird.

There is an antibiotic, maybe the one 2nd star mentioned, they give to alcoholics because of its violent reaction when alcohol is consumed. 

alcohol makes the antibiotic ineffective.

There's drinking and then there's drinking. The three tablespoons of bourbon in my tea about three times a day during this has helped a LOT more than hurt.

Don't DRIVE while doing it because some antibiotics and alcohol combos cause dizziness and drowsiness - which I have for sure.

Just don't sit there with a bottle of bourbon and chug like a moron. 

Oh, and according to the Mayo Clinic: "alcohol doesn't reduce the effectiveness of most antibiotics" 

Ogre, you drank to hallucinations. You are goofy! 

Ogre, you drank to hallucinations.

I blame the cough syrup on that...probably o.d.'d on codeine.

And apparently the steroid CAN cause hallucinations/altered mental states... fortunately today's the last high dosage of that cr@p.

NOT going there again. 

Ogre, you drank to hallucinations.

Oh, and...it's been a while, but it's not like it's the first time...jeeze. 

you should abstain from having sex when you're on BC pills, and taking antibiotics-but of course,it's up to you,if you don't believe me! LOL!! 

And apparently the steroid CAN cause hallucinations/altered mental states... fortunately today's the last high dosage of that cr@p.

Yep. I was on a very high dose of prednisone for a while. I couldn't sleep for days. I was definitely in an altered state, but at the time that wasn't a bad thing. 

so you kept busy? 

you should abstain from having sex when you're on BC pills, and taking antibiotics-but of course,it's up to you,if you don't believe me! LOL!!

Happened to a friend of mine. And it wasn't with his long-time live-in girlfriend either... OOOPS. 

HAHA!!!!! see? guys need to use protection- you shouldn't depend on what the woman says- for all you know, she isn't using anything! then there's the possibility of contracting an STD- 

And avoid very young girls with very big b(0)(0)bs who are attracted to your 'vette.

Friend was an idiot. 

very young? is friend in jail?? LOLOL!!! 

very young? is friend in jail??

Not quite that young, and he married the slut. (Sorry, I normally like sluts, I'm one myself, but I do get judgmental when one intentionally traps a guy with a pregnancy). 

You want to drink despite being sick. You already know you probably shouldn't but you think that because alcohol doesn't specifically affect the antibiotic, it's ok to use. You know that it will just prolong your recover but the thought of going without for five days must be rough for you.


If you can't go 5 days without drinking while taking antibiotics, I'm thinking AA might be in your future...just sayin...