Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Antibiotics? The Truth

Around 6.6 million Australians — about 1 in 3 people aged 14 and over — are drinking at risky levels, according to the latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey. At the same time, Australia has the highest rate of antibiotic prescribing in primary care among OECD countries, with roughly 28 daily doses dispensed per 1,000 people every day.

Put those two facts together and it’s no surprise that, every summer, the same question pops up at backyard barbecues and long lunches:

“Can I drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?”

Maybe you’ve just started doxycycline for an STI, amoxicillin for a sinus infection, or metronidazole for a gut bug — and now you’ve got a wedding, a festival, or a big weekend away. Your friends say “one drink won’t hurt,” the pharmacy label looks vague, and Google gives you 10 different answers.

In this guide, we’ll unpack the truth about alcohol and antibiotics, with a special focus on common medicines in Australia like doxycycline and amoxicillin. We’ll look at:

• When drinking on medication is downright dangerous
• When it’s technically allowed, but still not a great idea
• What you need to know about doxycycline and alcohol
• How amoxicillin side effects might be worsened by booze
• Practical, Australian-specific general health advice you can actually use

At NextClinic, we speak with Australians every day about antibiotics, alcohol, STIs, and recovery. This article draws on Australian government and independent health sources (like Healthdirect, AIHW, and state health departments) as well as our clinical experience to help you make safer decisions — especially when that “just one drink” feels tempting.

By the end, you’ll have a clear, no-nonsense answer to: “Can I drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?” — and a simple framework you can apply any time you’re drinking on medication, not just antibiotics.

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Why this question matters so much in Australia

Alcohol is baked into Aussie social life — Friday knock-offs, long lunches, sports finals, Christmas parties, beach trips, and festivals.

Recent national data suggest around 68% of Australian adults drink alcohol in an average four‑week period, and roughly a third exceed the national guidelines at least occasionally.

At the same time, our antibiotic use is high by international standards. In 2022, Australia topped the OECD for antibiotic volume prescribed in primary care.

So statistically speaking, it’s very common for Aussies to:

• Be prescribed antibiotics, and
• Be invited for a drink before they’ve finished the course.

Throw in sexual health (for example, treating chlamydia with doxycycline) and party season, and you have a perfect storm where many people are:

• On antibiotics
• Drinking socially
• Often getting mixed or incomplete information

That’s where clear, evidence-based guidance becomes vital.

The big myth about alcohol and antibiotics

You’ve probably heard one of these:

• “You can never drink on antibiotics.”
• “It’s totally fine, it’s all a myth.”

The truth is more nuanced:

• Some antibiotics + alcohol = genuinely dangerous combinations that can make you very sick, fast.
• Others don’t have a direct chemical interaction, but alcohol can still:
  • Worsen side effects
  • Slow your recovery
  • Increase the risk of missing doses or making poor decisions (like unprotected sex while being treated for an STI).

Australian guidance from Healthdirect puts it simply: alcohol can interact with many medicines, including some antibiotics, and you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist if it’s safe to drink.

So instead of one blanket rule, think in three categories:

1. Absolutely don’t mix – dangerous or severe reactions are possible
2. Technically allowed, but not wise – especially if you’re quite unwell
3. Usually OK in moderation – but only if your doctor agrees and you feel well

Let’s start with the red‑flag group.

When alcohol is a hard “no” with antibiotics

There really are some antibiotics where any alcohol can trigger nasty — and occasionally serious — reactions.

Metronidazole and tinidazole

These two are the classic “do not drink” antibiotics. They’re often used for:

• Dental infections
• Certain gut infections
• Bacterial vaginosis and some STIs
• Some skin and pelvic infections

Why they’re a problem with alcohol

Metronidazole and tinidazole interfere with how your body breaks down alcohol. The result can be a disulfiram‑like reaction, which may include:

• Flushing (hot, red skin)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe headache
• Stomach cramps
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Feeling very unwell, very quickly

Australian consumer guidance and prescribing resources are crystal clear: don’t drink while you’re on these medicines, and keep avoiding alcohol for at least a couple of days after your last dose — commonly 48 hours for metronidazole and 72 hours for tinidazole.

This includes hidden alcohol in:

• Some mouthwashes
• Certain cough or cold tonics
• Herbal tinctures

If you’re on one of these antibiotics and have a big event coming up, this is one time where “I’ll just have one” can really backfire.

Linezolid and some other less common antibiotics

Other antibiotics where alcohol can be an issue include:

• Linezolid – can interact with certain alcoholic drinks (like tap beer and red wine), potentially causing a dangerous spike in blood pressure
• Co‑trimoxazole (trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole) – rarely causes a metronidazole‑style reaction with alcohol (more likely at higher amounts)
• Doxycycline, erythromycin, isoniazid – not always a strict “no alcohol ever”, but regular or heavy drinking can increase side effects or reduce effectiveness

These medicines are often used in more specific or serious conditions, so you should be under close medical care anyway. Your doctor or pharmacist should give you very specific instructions about alcohol — always follow them.

How alcohol affects your body when you’re on antibiotics

Even if your particular antibiotic doesn’t chemically clash with alcohol, drinking while you’re sick isn’t exactly a health hack.

Alcohol can:

• Worsen side effects you already get from antibiotics — like nausea, stomach upset, diarrhoea, dizziness, or drowsiness
• Dehydrate you, especially in hot Aussie weather or at festivals
• Disrupt sleep, which you need for your immune system to work properly
• Weaken your immune response over time, making it harder to clear an infection
• Lower your inhibitions, which can be a big deal if you’re:
  • Being treated for an STI and should be avoiding sex
  • On medicines that already affect mood or thinking
  • At risk of drinking more than intended

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation notes that mixing alcohol with medicines in general can worsen side effects, reduce how well the medicines work, and in some cases lead to overdose or serious harm (for example, with sedatives and opioids).

So even when it’s “allowed”, it’s worth asking: Is this drink helping my recovery, or slowing it down?

Doxycycline and alcohol: a closer look

Doxycycline is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in Australia. You might be on it for:

• Acne
• Chest infections or sinusitis
• Certain tick‑borne infections
• Sexually transmitted infections, especially chlamydia
• Newer uses like doxycycline post‑exposure prophylaxis (Doxy‑PEP) for some high‑risk groups to reduce the risk of syphilis and chlamydia

Because it’s so widely used — and often taken by otherwise healthy, sexually active people — questions about doxycycline and alcohol come up all the time.

Does alcohol make doxycycline less effective?

It depends how much and how often you drink.

Evidence suggests that:

• Chronic or heavy drinkers can clear doxycycline faster from the body
• This can lower the drug levels in your bloodstream
• Lower levels may make the antibiotic less effective, especially for more stubborn infections

Regular heavy drinking also stresses the liver, and doxycycline — like many medicines — is processed through the liver. Combine the two, and the risk of liver‑related side effects goes up.

For people who drink lightly or occasionally, a small amount of alcohol isn’t likely to completely cancel out doxycycline. But that doesn’t mean it’s a great idea.

Side effects: alcohol can make them worse

Doxycycline commonly causes:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Reflux or heartburn
• Diarrhoea
• Headaches
• Increased sensitivity to the sun (photosensitivity)

Alcohol can:

• Irritate your stomach and oesophagus
• Make you more likely to vomit
• Dehydrate you (especially in the sun)
• Worsen headaches and dizziness

Add in the famous Aussie combination of doxy + summer sun + booze at a BBQ, and you could be dealing with:

• A savage hangover and
• Worse antibiotic side effects and
• A higher risk of sunburn or rash from photosensitivity

Not exactly the dream weekend.

Sexual health and doxycycline

Doxycycline plays a major role in sexual health in Australia:

• It’s first‑line treatment for uncomplicated chlamydia (usually 100 mg twice daily for 7 days).
• Some people (e.g. certain gay and bisexual men and trans women at higher risk) may use Doxy‑PEP after sex to reduce syphilis and chlamydia risk.

If you’re on doxycycline for an STI:

• You’re usually advised to avoid sex until at least 7 days after finishing treatment and symptoms have resolved, to avoid passing the infection on or being reinfected.
• Alcohol can lower your inhibitions and make it easier to forget:
  • Doses of your antibiotic
  • Condom use
  • The “no sex yet” plan you agreed with your doctor

In other words, drinking can undermine both your treatment and your sexual health plan.

So… can you drink on doxycycline?

The safest, most sensible answer (and the one we’d give our own friends and family) is:

"If you’re taking doxycycline, avoid alcohol for the duration of the course if you can."

If you ask your own doctor or pharmacist, they might say that a single, small drink is unlikely to cause catastrophic harm for most healthy adults. But from a practical health perspective — especially when treating an STI or significant infection — you want doxycycline to work as well as possible, with minimal side effects.

Choosing to stay alcohol‑free for a week or two:

• Maximises your chance of a smooth recovery
• Reduces the risk of missed doses and poor decisions
• Protects your liver and gut
• Makes it easier to stay on top of sexual health recommendations

If you’re unsure what’s safe in your situation, our doctors can talk through your medications, health history, and drinking patterns in a private telehealth consult before you decide.

Amoxicillin and alcohol: why advice is more relaxed (but still cautious)

Amoxicillin is a penicillin‑type antibiotic used for things like chest infections, ear infections, sinusitis, dental infections, and sometimes STIs (for example, in pregnancy or as part of certain regimens).

The research and guidelines here are a bit kinder.

Is it safe to drink alcohol on amoxicillin?

The UK’s NHS and other major authorities state that you can drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin, as long as you stay within the usual low‑risk drinking guidelines.

There is no known direct, dangerous chemical interaction like we see with metronidazole or tinidazole.

However — and this is where “technically allowed” differs from “a good idea” — you still need to think about:

• Side effects
• How sick you are
• How much you plan to drink

Amoxicillin side effects + alcohol

Common amoxicillin side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea or soft stools
• Abdominal discomfort
• Skin rash
• (Less commonly) thrush, allergic reactions, or changes in liver tests

Alcohol can:

• Irritate your stomach and bowel
• Increase the chance of vomiting or diarrhoea
• Dehydrate you (which is especially unhelpful if you already have diarrhoea)
• Stress the liver — relevant if you’re on amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (Augmentin Duo), which has a small but real risk of liver‑related side effects

For many people, a single standard drink with dinner while on amoxicillin, when you’re otherwise well and tolerating the medicine, is unlikely to cause major drama.

But if you’re:

• Already feeling rotten
• Needing strong doses or combination therapy
• Prone to stomach upset or liver issues
• Planning a big night or binge session

…then it’s smarter to hit pause on alcohol until you’re better.

Our practical take on amoxicillin and alcohol

If you’re on amoxicillin (or plain amoxicillin‑based combinations) and wondering about alcohol:

• Check the label – if it says “do not drink alcohol”, follow it
• Consider how sick you feel – if you’re still feverish, exhausted, or dizzy, adding alcohol is not doing you any favours
• Keep it small, if at all – one standard drink with plenty of water is very different from six drinks at the pub
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have liver disease, are on other interacting medicines, or are pregnant or breastfeeding

Many people choose a simple rule of thumb: no alcohol until the antibiotics are finished and they feel well again. It’s not the only safe option, but it’s the easiest to remember — and the safest for your future self.

Other common antibiotics in Australia: what about them?

You might also come across antibiotics like:

• Cephalexin
• Trimethoprim (for UTIs)
• Azithromycin
• Roxithromycin or erythromycin
• Flucloxacillin

For most of these, moderate alcohol use isn’t strictly contraindicated, but the same general principles apply:

• They can cause nausea, diarrhoea, or dizziness on their own
• Alcohol can worsen those side effects
• Being sick and dehydrated makes you more vulnerable to even “usual” amounts of alcohol
• Heavy or chronic drinking can reduce effectiveness or increase liver stress, especially with some macrolides (like erythromycin) or with prolonged courses

Because interactions depend on the specific drug, dose, and your health, Healthdirect and other Australian resources consistently recommend checking with a doctor or pharmacist before you mix any medicine with alcohol.

If you want a deeper dive into how antibiotics work and how to use them responsibly, you might like our post: **Antibiotics 101: How to Use Them Responsibly**.

Drinking on medication: the bigger picture

While this article focuses on alcohol and antibiotics, it’s worth zooming out.

Alcohol can have much more dangerous interactions with:

• Sedatives and sleeping tablets (benzodiazepines)
• Strong painkillers (opioids)
• Many antidepressants and antipsychotics
• Some antihistamines that cause drowsiness
• Certain diabetes medicines (risk of low blood sugar)

These combinations can lead to:

• Dangerous drowsiness
• Breathing problems
• Low blood pressure
• Loss of coordination, accidents, and injuries
• Overdose and death

So the habit of thinking, “I’ll just check if it’s safe to drink on this medication before I have a beer” is a really healthy one to build — and not just during an antibiotic course.

A simple decision guide: should I drink on this antibiotic?

When you’re staring at your script and weighing up that glass of wine, ask yourself four questions:

1. What exactly am I taking?
   • If it’s metronidazole or tinidazole → No alcohol, full stop (including 2–3 days after finishing).
   • If it’s doxycycline, linezolid, erythromycin, isoniazid → Strong caution; talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
   • If it’s amoxicillin, cephalexin, trimethoprim, etc. → Usually no direct ban, but still weigh up how unwell you are and how much you plan to drink.
2. How sick am I?
   • High fevers, chest pain, severe diarrhoea, or profound fatigue? Your body doesn’t need alcohol right now.
   • Mild symptoms and improving quickly? You may have more wiggle room, but it’s still a trade‑off.
3. How much and how often am I planning to drink?
   • One standard drink with food and plenty of water is very different from six cocktails at a festival.
   • Regular or heavy drinking during a course can reduce effectiveness and increase side effects for many antibiotics.
4. What else is going on?
   • Other medications (especially for mood, sleep, pain, or diabetes)?
   • Liver or kidney disease?
   • Pregnancy or breastfeeding?
   • Treating an STI and under advice to avoid sex?

If any of those raise a red flag, it’s safest to skip the alcohol and speak with a doctor instead.

Real‑life Aussie scenarios

Here are a few common situations we see, and how we’d approach them from a general health advice perspective.

1. “I’m on metronidazole for a dental infection and have a 21st this weekend.”

This one’s straightforward:

• Metronidazole + alcohol can cause severe, sudden symptoms (flushing, vomiting, fast heart rate, pounding headache).
• You should avoid alcohol while taking it and for at least a couple of days afterwards.

Best move: Stay off alcohol completely. Let friends know you’re on meds and sticking to soft drink. Your future self will thank you.

2. “I’m on doxycycline for chlamydia and heading to a summer festival.”

Layered risks here:

• You need to finish your 7‑day course and avoid sex until at least 7 days after finishing and symptoms have resolved.
• Doxycycline can cause nausea, diarrhoea, and photosensitivity (you burn more easily).
• Festivals = hot weather, long days outside, patchy meals, lots of temptation to drink or use drugs, and sometimes spontaneous sex.

Best move:

• Treat this as a rest and recovery week, if at all possible. Skip alcohol, prioritise your meds, hydration, and shade.
• If you do end up at the festival:
  • Stick to non‑alcoholic drinks
  • Use high‑SPF sunscreen, hat, and long sleeves
  • Keep condoms handy but remember you’re actually meant to be avoiding sex until cleared; if anything happens, get STI advice ASAP.

This is also where a quick telehealth consult with us can help you plan realistically around your treatment, travel, and sexual health.

For more on staying on top of sexual health during party season (without killing the fun), check out: **Stay Safe: Your Guide to Contraception This Party Season**.

3. “I’m on amoxicillin for a sinus infection and have a family dinner. Can I have a glass of wine?”

Here, the nuance matters:

• Amoxicillin doesn’t have a known dangerous interaction with alcohol.
• If you’re otherwise stable, past the worst of the infection, and not on interacting meds, one small drink with food is unlikely to cause major harm.
• But if antibiotics are upsetting your stomach or you still feel quite unwell, alcohol may make you feel worse.

Best move:

• If you really want a drink and feel well:
  • Keep it to one standard drink
  • Drink slowly, with plenty of water
  • Avoid driving or risky activities if you feel dizzy or drowsy
• If you’re still wiped out or nauseated, give alcohol a miss this time. There’ll be other dinners.

When in doubt, err on the side of your recovery — not the wine list.

How we at NextClinic can help

Navigating alcohol and antibiotics isn’t always straightforward, especially if:

• You’re juggling multiple medications
• You have a history of liver disease, mental health issues, or heavy drinking
• You’re dealing with sexual health concerns and don’t feel comfortable asking your usual GP

Through NextClinic, you can:

• Speak to an AHPRA‑registered doctor via telehealth from anywhere in Australia
• Get e‑scripts for antibiotics (when clinically appropriate) sent straight to your phone
• Ask specific questions about drinking on medication, sexual health, or side effects
• Receive medical certificates if you’re too unwell for work or study
• Get referrals for further face‑to‑face care where needed

We also regularly publish educational content — like our Antibiotics 101 guide — to help you make informed decisions about your health, not just prescriptions.

Key takeaways: the truth about alcohol and antibiotics

Let’s recap the most important points:

• Not all antibiotics are equal when it comes to alcohol.
  • Metronidazole and tinidazole are clear “no alcohol” medicines — including for a few days after.
  • Doxycycline, linezolid, erythromycin, and others warrant strong caution and individual advice.
  • Amoxicillin and similar antibiotics usually allow moderate drinking, but that doesn’t always mean it’s wise.
• Alcohol can worsen side effects and slow healing, even if it doesn’t directly “cancel” your medicine.
• If you’re on doxycycline and alcohol is on your mind, the safest general rule is to avoid alcohol entirely during the course — especially if it’s for an STI or you’ll be in the sun.
• With amoxicillin, a single standard drink with food is often acceptable for many people, but skipping alcohol until you’re better is still the simplest, safest option.
• Always check:
  • The patient information leaflet
  • The warning labels on your medicine
  • With your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure
• Remember, this isn’t just about antibiotics. Drinking on medication can be dangerous with many drug types, especially sedatives, opioids, and some mental health meds.

Your challenge this week

Here’s a simple, practical challenge:

*Next time you’re prescribed any medication — antibiotics or otherwise — make a conscious decision before your first dose about how you’ll handle alcohol.*

That might be:

• “I’m going completely alcohol‑free until I finish this course,” or
• “I’ll only have a single drink if my doctor confirms it’s safe,” or
• “I’ll skip alcohol altogether whenever I’m on any new prescription.”

Then stick with that plan, and notice how it affects:

• Your recovery
• Your energy levels
• Your sleep and mood
• Your sense of control over your health

We’d love to hear from you:

What’s one change you’ll make to how you handle alcohol when you’re on antibiotics or other medications?

Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments — your story might help another Aussie make a safer choice before their next summer BBQ or festival weekend.

References

• National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023, Alcohol consumption - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
• Medicines and alcohol | healthdirect
• Over 14 million Australians are now consuming alcohol – driven by increases for wine and ‘RTDs’ - Roy Morgan Research
• OECD health care quality and outcomes indicators, Australia 2022–23, Prescribing in primary care - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
• Metronidazole and Tinidazole - Infections - MSD Manual Consumer Version
• Combining Antibiotics and Alcohol: Is It Safe?
• Prescription meds and alcohol – what are the risks? - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
• Chlamydia fact sheet
• Doxy-PEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis): Should I take antibiotics to prevent STIs?
• Chlamydia (chlamydial infection) | Australian Centre for Disease Control
• About amoxicillin
• Side effects of amoxicillin
• Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid
• Antibiotics - Side effects

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