Can I drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
For most common antibiotics, yes in moderation - the NHS says moderate drinking is unlikely to cause problems, but metronidazole and tinidazole are a complete no during treatment and for 2 days after, because they trigger a reaction: sickness, stomach pain, hot flushes, pounding heartbeat, headache. Linezolid interacts with fermented drinks (wine, beer, sherry, lager), and doxycycline can lose effectiveness with heavy drinking. Any antibiotic that already makes you dizzy or queasy will feel worse with alcohol. When in doubt, ask the pharmacist. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you check your specific antibiotic.
What to do
- Most antibiotics: moderation is fine: but being ill is itself a reason to skip.
- Metronidazole or tinidazole: zero alcohol: including 2 days after the last dose.
- Linezolid or doxycycline: check the specifics: fermented drinks and heavy drinking are the issues.
- Unsure? Ask the pharmacist: they answer this daily, for free.
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