Mixing alcohol with antibiotics can increase the risk of certain side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the medication. According to the Mayo Clinic, consuming alcohol while taking antibiotics can cause nausea, dizziness, and increased heart rate [3]. In some cases, it can also reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic, making it less able to fight off an infection [3].

The alcohol rehab guide states that certain antibiotics, such as metronidazole, tinidazole, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, can have severe interactions with alcohol, leading to symptoms such as flushing, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure [2]. These interactions can occur because alcohol and these antibiotics are both processed by the liver, which can lead to an overload of the organ [2].

The Drug Patent Watch website also notes that alcohol can interact with a variety of medications, including antibiotics, and that these interactions can lead to increased side effects and reduced effectiveness of the medication [1].

In summary, mixing alcohol with antibiotics can increase the risk of side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Certain antibiotics, such as metronidazole, tinidazole, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, can have severe interactions with alcohol, leading to symptoms such as flushing, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure. It is recommended to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics to ensure the medication is able to effectively fight off an infection.

Sources:

1. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ALCOHOL>
2. <https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/alcohol/drinking-drugs/antibiotics/>
3. <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/antibiotics-and-alcohol/faq-20057946>