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Is It Safe to Combine Flucloxacillin with Alcohol?

Alex Tree
Alex Tree

There are no known interactions caused by taking flucloxacillin with alcohol. It is a common myth that taking an antibiotic with alcohol causes severe negative side effects. The truth is that while it is not safe to combine some medications with alcohol, most medications do not effect an intoxicated user. It is important to read a medication bottle before taking the medication, in addition to reading any pamphlets the medication comes with. If a person is taking flucloxacillin with alcohol, he or she should look out for symptoms of an allergic reaction, which can be severe and life threatening.

Combining alcohol with most antibiotics is usually not a problem. Some antibiotics pose a threat to the user’s kidneys, however, to which alcohol can also do damage. Therefore, these antibiotics are often not prescribed to people with drinking problems. Drinking in moderation is key, in addition to stopping if the medication’s side effects are exacerbated by the effects of the alcohol.

Individuals taking flucloxacillin should not operate heavy machinery.
Individuals taking flucloxacillin should not operate heavy machinery.

Prescription medication bottles and packages typically contain clear warning signs of things to avoid. Alcohol, exposure to sun, and driving large machinery are common things to warn against. As there is no known adverse side effect of combining flucloxacillin with alcohol, these medication packages usually do not warn against such. Instead, they may warn against using heavy machinery until the user knows exactly how the medicine will affect him or her.

There are no known adverse side effects of combining alcohol with flucloxacillin.
There are no known adverse side effects of combining alcohol with flucloxacillin.

On the other hand, there are some reasons flucloxacillion should not be taken. This antibiotic's class is penicillin, so anyone who is allergic to penicillin should inform his or her doctor to avoid being prescribed this drug. Women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding must also inform their doctor to determine whether the medication is safe to take. It is also generally discouraged to drink alcohol when pregnant because the substance could negatively affect the unborn child.

Combining flucloxacillin with alcohol cannot increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction, though it may increase the severity.
Combining flucloxacillin with alcohol cannot increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction, though it may increase the severity.

Some symptoms of an allergy to flucloxacillion are swelling of the face, tongue, or other body part; yellowing of the eyes or skin, which is known as jaundice; or an itchy rash. These issues are severe and deserve immediate medical attention. Taking flucloxacillin with alcohol should not increase the likelihood of having an allergic reaction, but it could increase the severity of certain ones, such as dizziness. Drinking large amounts of alcohol may also impair a person’s ability to get help as soon as possible.

Flucloxacillin Dosage For Adults

A woman who is pregnant needs to consult her obstetrician before taking flucloxacillin or any other medication.
A woman who is pregnant needs to consult her obstetrician before taking flucloxacillin or any other medication.

The most common dose of flucloxacillin is 250-500 milligrams per dose, taken four times per day. Doses should be spaced as evenly as possible throughout the day. Because flucloxacillin is an antibiotic, it is important to finish the entire prescription, even if you feel better. Flucloxacillin caplets should not be chewed or broken. It is best to take this medication on an empty stomach, which means at least 30 minutes before eating or two hours after eating.

Flucloxacillin Side Effects

Signs of an allergic reaction may include a swollen tongue.
Signs of an allergic reaction may include a swollen tongue.

Flucloxacillin causes side effects in some people. The most common side effects happen in just over 10% of people. You may experience nausea or vomiting with this medication, especially if you do not take it on an empty stomach. Other common side effects include diarrhea, feeling bloated, or having indigestion.

Very rarely, flucloxacillin causes serious side effects. Serious side effects happen in less than 10% of people. Serious side effects include diarrhea that contains blood, severe diarrhea for more than four days, joint or muscle pain that starts after two days of taking flucloxacillin; or bruised or discolored skin. Another serious side effect is liver damage, which may be noted by pale feces, dark urine, and yellowed skin. If you experience any of these serious side effects contact your doctor or go to the emergency room right away.

What Is Flucloxacillin Used To Treat?

Flucloxacillin is an antibiotic that is most often used to treat infected wounds or skin. It can also be used to treat bone infections, which can occur in recently broken bones, artificial hips, in people who have a weakened immune system, or in people who have diabetes. Finally, in children, flucloxacillin can be used to treat ear infections.

Is Flucloxacillin Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?

Flucloxacillin is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Only tiny amounts of the medication get into the breastmilk and do not typically cause any side effects If you are taking the medication and notice that your baby is not feeding as well, has diarrhea, or has a rash, contact your doctor for guidance.

Who Should Not Take Flucloxacillin?

People who have ever had an allergic reaction to flucloxacillin in the past, or those who have reacted to penicillin or similar antibiotics, should not take this medication. Those who have problems with their liver or kidneys should also avoid this medication, as should anyone who recently had a vaccine or who is due to have any.

What Should You Do if You Forget To Take a Dose?

If you forget to take a dose of your flucloxacillin, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Then, you should just take your next dose when it is time. Never take two doses at the same time. If you are having trouble remembering to take your antibiotic, consider setting an alarm or asking someone to remind you.

Does Flucloxacillin Interact With Any Medications?

Flucloxacillin may increase the chance of side effects if taken in combination with methotrexate, warfarin, or other antibiotics. If you are taking any of these medications or if you've recently had an oral typhoid vaccine.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

I wouldn't drink while on flucloxacillin simply because flucloxacillin is very hard on the stomach. I remember I was nauseated and had a stomach ache during my flucloxacillin treatment. Alcohol would only make it worse.

SteamLouis

@fBoyle-- I've heard this as well. I think the theory behind this is that if the patient takes alcohol while on antibiotics, the antibiotics may not be metabolized as well by the liver because it is too busy metabolizing alcohol. I'm not a doctor so I'm not sure. But if it's true that the liver gives priority to metabolizing alcohol, then there may be a delay or reduction in the metabolism of the antibiotics because both antibiotics and alcohol are metabolized in the liver. But I'm sure that there are many factors involved in this. Not taking the two at the same exact time might prevent this. Or it might only be an issue for those with reduced liver function. It's probably best to go by the doctor's orders. If your doctor says you can drink in moderation, then you definitely can.

fBoyle

I know that combining antibiotics and alcohol doesn't cause severe side effects. But I heard that drinking while taking antibiotics will reduce the antibiotic's effectiveness and cause the infection to continue. Is there any truth to this?

Even if there is no connection between flucloxacillin and alcohol, I think I prefer to be on the safe side and avoid taking them together.

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    • Individuals taking flucloxacillin should not operate heavy machinery.
      By: Anton Gvozdikov
      Individuals taking flucloxacillin should not operate heavy machinery.
    • There are no known adverse side effects of combining alcohol with flucloxacillin.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      There are no known adverse side effects of combining alcohol with flucloxacillin.
    • Combining flucloxacillin with alcohol cannot increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction, though it may increase the severity.
      By: orcea david
      Combining flucloxacillin with alcohol cannot increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction, though it may increase the severity.
    • A woman who is pregnant needs to consult her obstetrician before taking flucloxacillin or any other medication.
      By: Radek Sturgolewski
      A woman who is pregnant needs to consult her obstetrician before taking flucloxacillin or any other medication.
    • Signs of an allergic reaction may include a swollen tongue.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Signs of an allergic reaction may include a swollen tongue.