Some antibiotics are not suitable to take with alcohol, other medication or during pregnancy.
Antibiotics and alcohol
It's best not to drink alcohol when you're feeling unwell and taking antibiotics. Alcohol can make antibiotic side effects worse.
Some antibiotics can cause serious side effects when mixed with alcohol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can drink alcohol while you're taking antibiotics.
Read more about the side effects of antibiotics
Antibiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and need antibiotics. They'll choose an antibiotic that is safe for you and your baby.
Your doctor or prescriber will choose an antibiotic once they know:
- the kind of infection you have
- if you are taking other medicines
- your stage in pregnancy
- if you have other illnesses
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and think you have side effects from antibiotics.
Antibiotics and the contraceptive pill
Tell your doctor or prescriber if you are on the contraceptive pill and need antibiotics. Some antibiotics may not mix well with the contraceptive pill.
Antibiotics side effects can include vomiting (being sick) and diarrhoea. If you get these side effects while taking antibiotics and the contraceptive pill, take another form of contraception.
Related topic
Antibiotics and other medicines
Tell your doctor if you're prescribed antibiotics and are taking other medication. Some antibiotics don't mix well with other medicines.
Your doctor may not know all the medicines you're taking. They may have been prescribed by different doctors.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the antibiotic is safe to take with your other medicine.