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Is It Safe to Combine Erythromycin and Alcohol?

Helen Akers
Helen Akers

The effects of combining erythromycin and alcohol are not necessarily life threatening, but in most cases, it is not recommended the antibiotic be consumed with large amounts of alcohol. When combined with alcohol, erythromycin has been shown to increase the amount of alcohol the body absorbs, which can lead to a higher risk of liver disease and damage. The increased absorption might also magnify the sedative side effects of alcohol, which may cause impulsive, risky behavior and problems with coordination and cognitive reaction time.

Most prescribing doctors will recommend that patients not consume erythromycin and alcohol at the same time. This is because there is some concern that the positive effects of antibiotics are reduced when mixed with alcohol. In addition, since erythromycin enhances the body's ability to absorb alcohol in the small intestine and liver, the negative effects of alcohol can be enhanced. Some of those effects include irreversible damage to the liver and small intestine, memory or time loss, increased likelihood of making poor decisions, and inability to safely drive a vehicle.

Erythromycin should not be combined with large amounts of alcohol.
Erythromycin should not be combined with large amounts of alcohol.

When combined, the substances have not been shown to cause any immediate side effects that could lead to a medical emergency. Unlike the interactions seen with barbiturates and anti-depressants, consuming antibiotics along with light amounts of alcohol in the same day does not lead to serious health risks. Heavy consumption of alcohol with erythromycin use, however, tends to raise some concerns about the increased likelihood of prematurely developing liver disease.

Combining erythromycin with alcohol may cause an increased sedative effect.
Combining erythromycin with alcohol may cause an increased sedative effect.

Some of the side effects associated with taking antibiotics may also be enhanced when combining erythromycin and alcohol. For example, in some individuals, antibiotics can cause an upset stomach and nausea. Consuming alcohol at the same time as erythromycin might increase the severity of these uncomfortable side effects. Alcohol might also reduce the body's ability to absorb antibiotics effectively, increasing the probability that the individual's infection may worsen or spread.

Individuals should not operate a vehicle when taking erythromycin with alcohol.
Individuals should not operate a vehicle when taking erythromycin with alcohol.

The sedative and numbing effects seen with alcohol consumption could be increased when erythromycin and alcohol are consumed together. Since inhibitions tend to become lowered when an individual consumes alcoholic beverages, he may be more likely to engage in potentially harmful behavior. The increased absorption that occurs in the body when alcohol is mixed with erythromycin may lead to riskier behavioral choices after just a few drinks. In other words, the sedative effects of alcohol will be felt more strongly and quickly when taken with antibiotics.

Discussion Comments

anon997033

Wow, you totally like to freak people out! You are saying it's 'not life threatening', whereas in reality, there is little or no relationship between the uptake of erythromycin and alcohol. If there is any effect at all, it is a delaying effect - so a slower uptake of erythromycin.

By your standards of stupidity, if it increases the amount of alcohol the body absorbs, and possibly magnify the sedative side effects; then I'm all for it. Sadly, it is not true!

Erythromycin is not one of the antibiotics that poses any risk when combined with alcohol.

ZipLine

@ankara-- It's because not all antibiotics are the same. They all work differently and while some antibiotics can be mixed with alcohol without problems, it can be very dangerous with some other antibiotics. Erythromycin is not one of the antibiotics that poses a major risk when combined with alcohol.

I think if you ask any doctor, they would prefer that you didn't take both together. They would prefer you to finish your antibiotics first. But if a patient insists on drinking moderately while on erythromycin, it can be acceptable.

However, it's important to leave some time in between the two to decrease the interaction. It's also important to prefer light alcohol and not hard liquor, you should eat well before drinking and consume lots of liquids. There should also be someone with you who can help if you feel dizzy or unwell in general.

bluedolphin

Some people say that antibiotics and alcohol is unacceptable, while others say it's okay. I don't understand why there isn't a clear cut answer to this. It's so frustrating.

discographer

I'm going to an event this weekend and I forgot to ask my doctor if I can drink. I'm on erythromycin for a mild infection. I don't plan on drinking a lot, maybe a glass or two. Is that okay?

I will have a designated driver as well, so I'm not worried about being sleepy from mixing the two.

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    • Erythromycin should not be combined with large amounts of alcohol.
      By: emirkoo
      Erythromycin should not be combined with large amounts of alcohol.
    • Combining erythromycin with alcohol may cause an increased sedative effect.
      By: William Casey
      Combining erythromycin with alcohol may cause an increased sedative effect.
    • Individuals should not operate a vehicle when taking erythromycin with alcohol.
      By: naka
      Individuals should not operate a vehicle when taking erythromycin with alcohol.
    • Erythromycin can cause the small intestine to absorb alcohol differently, which can potentially lead to liver damage and memory loss.
      By: psdesign1
      Erythromycin can cause the small intestine to absorb alcohol differently, which can potentially lead to liver damage and memory loss.
    • Erythromycin is a substitute antibiotic for patients who are allergic to penicillin.
      By: donfiore
      Erythromycin is a substitute antibiotic for patients who are allergic to penicillin.
    • Erythromycin should not be consumed with large amounts of alcohol.
      By: orcea david
      Erythromycin should not be consumed with large amounts of alcohol.