Have you been prescribed the antibiotic Doxycycline? Are you wondering if you are able to have a few drinks on the weekend or a glass of wine at dinner while taking the drug? It’s always best to know all the possibilities and risks of mixing alcohol with any type of drug so you can make a well-informed decision.

Here are the risks of Doxycycline alcohol usage and why it’s best to avoid using them at the same time.

What is Doxycycline?

An antibiotic that is often prescribed to treat bacterial infections, acne, rosacea, STDs, and respiratory and urinary tract infections, Doxycycline is usually taken in a capsule or tablet form. Depending on what condition it has been prescribed to treat, the antibiotic can be taken anywhere from three days up to three or four months. Due to the possibility of developing a resistance to the antibiotic, Doxycycline should not be taken for longer than four months.

What Does Doxycycline Interact With?

Like many other types of antibiotics, Doxycycline can be made less effective if it’s taken with other types of medications or supplements. Avoid taking any antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium as well as any products containing iron in the 1-2 hours before and after taking the antibiotic as they can make it less effective. You may also want to avoid foods high in dairy or iron as they can have the same result.

What are the Risks of Mixing Doxycycline and Alcohol?

Drinking alcohol while taking Doxycycline may also reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic so it is not advised. Doing so could prolong the infection or illness you are taking the antibiotic for or it could actually make it worse. However, there are more risks that just that of reduced absorption. Doxycycline alcohol combination can also cause side effects such as gastrointestinal issues like stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, central nervous system damage, kidney damage and dehydration, and liver damage as both alcohol and Doxycycline are metabolized by this organ.

Mixing these two substances can also impair your driving skills or hamper your everyday activities as the combination can result in dizziness, decreased coordination, and lightheadedness.

Doxycycline Alcohol Combination: Why to Avoid It

If you are taking Doxycycline for just a few days, it’s best to avoid alcohol completely during this time. If you are taking the antibiotic for a longer period of time—such as several months—it’s always advised that you refrain from alcohol use to be safe. However, if you decide to drink during this time, try to wait several hours after you’ve taken the antibiotic before imbibing to reduce the negative impacts.

Having Trouble Controlling Alcohol?

Not being able to quit drinking while taking an antibiotic like Doxycycline is a sign that you might have an alcohol dependence. If alcohol is impairing your daily life, affecting your relationships, or preventing you from taking needed antibiotics or other medications, you need to seek out treatment. Inpatient or outpatient therapy from a professional alcohol dependence center is the best way to confront your negative relationship with alcohol and take steps to regain your overall well-being.