Doxycycline is an antibiotic medication that treats bacterial infections. This antibiotic is most often used to treat skin infections and those of the respiratory system. Antibiotics have different classifications that distinguish their types from others. Doxycycline is within the tetracycline class of antibiotics.
The antibiotic functions by blocking the production of the bacteria’s protein, halting its growth and spread. Alcohol consumption can affect how well the body absorbs Doxycycline. For example, alcohol can increase the speed at which your stomach empties and potentially cause the medication to move through your system too quickly. In an instance like this, it’s possible that not enough of the medication is processed, reducing its efficiency in fighting off bacterial infections.
Moreover, the liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol and Doxycycline. When these drugs are taken together, the liver’s processing slows down, potentially for a more extended amount of time, increasing the likelihood of adverse side effects. For more information on the side effects and symptoms of mixing doxycycline and alcohol, continue reading.
Consider the side effects of mixing doxycycline and alcohol.
When doxycycline and alcohol are mixed, the side effects of both are exacerbated. For example, some side effects of Doxycycline include impaired judgment, drowsiness, dehydration, and poor coordination. With alcohol, these side effects may worsen and cause increased health risks.
Additional side effects of consuming doxycycline and alcohol include:
- the reduction of how well Doxycycline works to fight off infections
- a greater likelihood of experiencing more substantial side effects of nausea and dizziness
- adverse reactions like lightheadedness and falls, greater sun sensitivity, increased urination, and subsequent dehydration
You risk damaging your liver and harming your well-being.
Taking doxycycline and alcohol can put extra strain and pressure on your liver. This can result in liver damage and interfere with the antibiotic’s ability to get rid of the bacterial infection. Your well-being can be significantly harmed by consuming doxycycline and alcohol. Impaired judgment, coordination, and dizziness also increase your risk of slipping, falling, and fainting, all of which can injure you further. Your doctor may advise you to get rid of alcohol from your diet entirely for the duration that you take Doxycycline.
Alcohol addiction increases the side effects of antibiotics.
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, share this with your doctor to determine if Doxycycline is the right antibiotic for you. It may be necessary that you contact a rehab center to ensure you abstain from alcohol with the support you need, not only to recover but to complete the round of antibiotics you need to eliminate any bacterial infections.
Talk to your doctor before beginning any new medications.
Always speak with your doctor before beginning any medication and discuss the risks and side effects of the drug. Discussing any dietary changes, such as eliminating alcohol from your diet, may be necessary for the safe usage of the medication. Follow the guidance of your doctor and the instructional guidelines on the medication labels to avoid negative interactions and accidental misuse of the drug.
