I am being treated with antibiotics for an STI. Can I drink alcohol?

Whether you can drink alcohol during the treatment of an STD depends on the drug being treated. This in turn depends on whether the pathogen is a virus, a bacterium or a parasite. In some cases, alcohol can influence the effect of medication.

The most common STDs are caused by bacteria. A bacterial infection is treated with antibiotics. Both alcohol and antibiotics are broken down in the body by the liver. Alcohol can reduce the function of the liver, slowing down the breakdown of antibiotics. As a result, the concentration of antibiotics in the blood can become too high, which can lead to side effects. Excessive alcohol consumption (men > 21 units per week, women > 14 units per week) can cause the antibiotic to break down too quickly because the liver is used to working harder. If the antibiotic is broken down faster than intended, the pathogen will not be controlled optimally.

The table below shows the medicines for which drinking (a glass) of alcohol does no harm (+) and the medicines for which it is not recommended (-). N.B. Excessive alcohol consumption is strongly discouraged.
I am being treated for an STD. Can I still drink alcohol?
Whether you can drink alcohol during the treatment of an STD depends on the treatment. This in turn depends on whether the agent is a virus, a bacterium or a parasite. In some cases, alcohol can influence the effect of medication, e.g. azithromycin.

The most common STDs are caused by bacteria. A bacterial infection is treated with antibiotics. Both alcohol and antibiotics are broken down in the body by the liver. Alcohol can reduce the function of the liver, slowing down the breakdown of antibiotics. As a result, the concentration of antibiotics in the blood can become too high, which can lead to side effects. Excessive alcohol consumption (men > 21 units per week, women > 14 units per week) can cause the antibiotic to break down too quickly because the liver is used to working harder. If the antibiotic is broken down faster than intended, the pathogen will not be controlled optimally.

The table below shows which medicines (a glass of alcohol) are harmless to drink (+) and which medicines are not recommended (-). N.B. Excessive alcohol consumption is strongly advised against.

* Do not use alcohol in combination with metronidazole for at least 72 hours after taking the last pill. If alcohol is consumed in combination with metronidazole, the following complaints may occur: vomiting, headache, accelerated heartbeat and heavy perspiration.