Is it risky to drink alcohol if you’re taking both?
Yes it can be risky – alcohol can pose risks to your health if you are taking antibiotics, the contraceptive pill or both. If you have been prescribed antibiotics it is sensible to avoid alcohol altogether as it can make you feel unwell. However, if you drink in moderation while taking antibiotics it is unlikely you will have any significant problems.
When to avoid drinking altogether – there are some antibiotics which you should avoid drinking alcohol altogether. They are:
Drinking alcohol with either one of these antibiotics can cause the following side effects:
You should avoid alcohol for the duration of the course of these antibiotics and for 48 hours after you stop taking metronidazole and 72 hours after tinidazole.
Risk of drinking when you take your pill – if you drink and it makes you sick within two hours of taking your contraceptive pill, your body may not have absorbed the pill. Therefore, this can also increase your chance of getting pregnant. If you are planning to drink, consider these factors:
- Drink less to avoid being sick
- Set yourself reminders to take the pill
- Always have another form of protection just in case
Remember condoms are the only form of contraception which protects you and your partner from STIs
What else can affect the Pill or antibiotics? – if you take antibiotics or the contraceptive pill they may interact with other medications and substances, such as:
The Pill |
Antibiotics |
Alcohol |
Each other (for some antibiotics only) |
Carbamazepine |
Methotrexate |
Phenytoin |
Heparin |
Phenobarbital |
Warfarin |
Primidone |
Antifungal medication |
St John's Wart |
Diuretics |
|
Muscle relaxants |
|
Nutritional supplements |
|
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |