It is generally not recommended to drink beer or any alcohol while taking antibiotics. Alcohol can increase the side effects of antibiotics such as stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness. Additionally, for certain antibiotics like metronidazole, tinidazole, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and linezolid, drinking alcohol can cause severe reactions including flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, fast heart rate, and dangerous rises in blood pressure. Even for antibiotics where alcohol does not cause a direct harmful reaction, drinking can slow recovery by weakening the immune system and causing dehydration. It is usually best to avoid alcohol until finishing the full course of antibiotics and feeling better.
