Unsure whether you can safely have a drink while taking amoxicillin 500mg?
Let’s clear that up for you today.
We’ll also discuss how alcohol affects the body when you’re ill, why it’s recommended to abstain for that period, and what happens if you feel your drinking may be getting out of hand.
Amoxicillin 500mg is a type of penicillin antibiotic that treats bacterial infections, such as:
This antibiotic is only available on prescription in the UK, and usually comes as a tablet, powder, or capsule.
It’s important to note that amoxicillin only kills bacteria, and not viruses.
Whilst amoxicillin 250mg is commonly prescribed to patients, the 500mg version tends to be used for more severe infections.
It’s taken three times a day, before or after food, and a full course of amoxicillin 500mg is generally 5-7 days.
That being said, some people need to take amoxicillin for up to two weeks.
It’s important for patients to only take the dose they were prescribed, and to contact their doctor if they do not feel better after three to five days of amoxicillin 500mg.
If someone takes an extra dose of amoxicillin by mistake, there are usually no serious consequences. However, it’s always best to check with your GP just in case.
In the event that you forget to take your dose, and it’s nearly time for your next dose, don’t take another tablet to compensate.
Instead, doctors advise missing one dose and continuing as normal when it’s time for your next tablet.
Even without amoxicillin, it’s recommended to avoid drinking when you’re not well.
A key part of recovery is a strong immune system, yet alcohol weakens the immune system.
It does this by preventing red blood cells from fighting infections, as well as damaging the gut microbiome through inflammation.
Alcohol also affects sleep quality, which can significantly lengthen and worsen illness as the body doesn’t have time to recover.
Dehydration is another effect of drinking alcohol, and when you are dehydrated, existing symptoms of illness (such as headaches) often become much worse.
Finally, many medications interact with alcohol, such as over-the-counter cough medication.
Drug interactions can cause painful side effects, which can be avoided if the individual abstains from alcohol while they are ill.
No, alcohol does not interact with amoxicillin 500mg chemically.
People taking amoxicillin can continue to drink alcohol without experiencing serious side effects or dealing with a reduced efficacy of amoxicillin.
However, it is still healthier to avoid alcohol when on amoxicillin 500mg for other reasons.
Firstly, alcohol can exacerbate the gastrointestinal side effects of amoxicillin, such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting.
As well as making for a more uncomfortable period of illness, this can extend the timeframe of the illness.
Secondly, if someone is regularly drinking alcohol, particularly to excess, it’s more likely that they will forget to take their dose of amoxicillin or fail to complete their course.
This increases the chances of the individual not making a full recovery or experiencing a setback after initial recovery.
Below, we outline when you might be at an increased risk by mixing alcohol and amoxicillin:
If someone already has a history of stomach problems, drinking while on amoxicillin means they may suffer from serious symptoms relating to their stomach, such as frequent vomiting.
Many people are taking strong painkillers for their illness alongside amoxicillin 500mg, and this can cause dangerous drug interactions and worse symptoms.
Having a couple of drinks while taking amoxicillin is generally safe, but heavy or binge drinking is never recommended. It can severely impact the way the body responds to the illness.
As we’ve discussed, you can drink while taking amoxicillin, though it isn’t ideal.
For those who want to avoid alcohol entirely, how long is recommended?
Generally, once the course of amoxicillin has been completed, drinking alcohol will not impair your health any more than normal.
However, if you experienced side effects during the course of amoxicillin, it’s wise to wait 1-2 days before drinking again, to make sure your health is restored and your body is functioning as usual.
If the thought of giving up alcohol during your amoxicillin course is daunting, it’s possible you are dealing with alcohol dependence or addiction. Other signs include:
If you relate to any or all of these behaviours, you’re not alone. Recovery is possible, but it requires you to first accept that there is a problem.
Our trained helpline advisers would love to talk you through recovery options, from home detoxing to inpatient rehab in your local area.
Alternatively, they can simply give you advice on coping with your alcohol use. Whatever you need, please get in touch with us to get the ball rolling.
Being concerned about your drinking habits is enough reason to get in touch with us. We are here to listen to your concerns and, with your consent, look for the best solution.
With Rehab 4 Addiction, you benefit from a free initial consultation, a referral to a reputable treatment service, and expert advice on alcohol addiction, for yourself or a loved one.
Don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 140 4690 (UK) or +44 345 222 3508 (international) and find out why our clients rate us so highly.
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
