So all my life I have been told that if you are on antibiotics and you drink alcohol, beer, wine or anything, you negate all the germ killing ability of the whole course of antibiotics. Today I read an article about this very myth….and might I say not so lightly…myth!

It is thought that the original alcohol vs. antibiotics debate began in the 1950's when penicillin came into use as the first effective treatment against sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea. The doctors were apparently more worried about the effects of the alcohol on the patient instead of its interference with the medicine. Patients were told not to consume alcohol more as a behavior deterrent than a medical issue.

Antibiotics should not be mixed with any drug, including alcohol, but for reasons other than you have been told. Alcohol doesn't stop the antibiotic from treating the infection. But, it may make side effects worse. Drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics can definitely interfere with your recovery. Alcohol has many side effects including interfering with your sleep, changes in your energy level and the body's healing abilities are lowered. Alcohol can be found in some products that you normally use without even thinking about it, like cold medicine and mouthwash. Check the ingredients label before using products which may contain alcohol while you are on the meds.

Most types of antibiotics other than those we have listed below, show no clear evidence of harm from modest alcohol consumption, note modest. But this still doesn't mean it's a good idea to drink alcoholic beverages while taking antibiotics. Alcohol can induce dilation of your blood vessels in your arms and legs and interfere with your body's attempts to slow the spread of infection. Your kidneys will have to work harder because of the alcohol which can increase your risk of dehydration. More side effects than benefits, I would say.

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics. Normally they are prescribed for a short period and surely you can resist the temptation of alcohol for 7-10 days.

Alcohol, in excess, can lower your immune system, prolong an illness and cause dehydration, all of which are not effects that you want to achieve while taking antibiotics.

Alcohol can cause serious side effects if mixed with the antibiotics listed below. If you are on one of these drugs you really should take the no alcohol warning very seriously, or you could cause yourself serious problems with only a few swallows of alcohol:

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Trimetheprim/Sulfa (Bactrim, Septra)

Plus a couple of the more rare ones:

Furazolidone (Furoxone)

Griseofulvin (Grisactin)

Antimalarial Quinacrine (Atabine)

So, as you can see, I would imagine it's better to go with the no alcohol rule when taking antibiotics but if you feel the need to indulge and are not on one of the meds listed above, please do so with moderation. Best of luck and of course, the best course of action, in my opinion, is to stay well, take care of your body, sleep well and exercise outdoors, daily if possible and stay off the antibiotics and the alcohol.

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network