From the Research
It is generally recommended to avoid consuming alcohol, including red wine, while taking amoxicillin. Although there is no direct dangerous interaction between amoxicillin and alcohol like there is with some other antibiotics (such as metronidazole), drinking alcohol while on amoxicillin can potentially reduce the effectiveness of your treatment and worsen side effects 1. Alcohol can decrease your immune system's ability to fight infection and may cause similar side effects as amoxicillin (like stomach upset, dizziness, and headaches), potentially making these symptoms worse. Additionally, both alcohol and antibiotics are processed by your liver, so combining them puts extra strain on this organ.
Some studies suggest that moderate red wine consumption may have health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes 2. However, these benefits are generally associated with long-term, moderate consumption, and it is unclear whether these benefits apply to individuals taking antibiotics like amoxicillin. In fact, a recent study found that higher alcohol consumption is associated with health loss and increased risk of all-cause mortality, and that there is no proven safe amount of alcohol for the general population 3.
For the best treatment outcome, you should complete the full course of amoxicillin as prescribed (typically 7-10 days, depending on your condition) and consider abstaining from alcohol until you've finished the medication. If you do choose to drink, do so minimally and be aware of how your body responds to the combination. It's also important to note that amoxicillin may be more effective in treating certain infections, such as those caused by bacterial pathogens, and that the use of amoxicillin should be guided by the results of diagnostic tests and clinical judgment 4.
In terms of specific guidance, the following points are relevant:
- Avoid consuming alcohol, including red wine, while taking amoxicillin
- Complete the full course of amoxicillin as prescribed
- Consider abstaining from alcohol until you've finished the medication
- Be aware of how your body responds to the combination of amoxicillin and alcohol
- Use amoxicillin judiciously and only when necessary, as guided by diagnostic tests and clinical judgment 5, 1.