Can I drink alcohol while taking penicillin?

Generally, penicillin should not be administered after drinking alcohol.

Penicillin is an antibiotic with low inherent toxicity, but its most common adverse reaction is drug allergy, particularly when alcohol has been consumed. If penicillin is administered after drinking, ethanol in the alcohol may interact chemically with active components of penicillin, triggering a disulfiram-like reaction. Mild symptoms typically include skin itching, redness, swelling, and the development of hives or urticaria. In more severe cases, arrhythmia may occur, accompanied by chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, and headaches. Some patients may even experience confusion or fall into a coma. Alcohol can also interfere with the absorption of penicillin, reducing its therapeutic effectiveness and impairing disease recovery. Furthermore, the interaction between alcohol and penicillin may increase the burden on the kidneys and potentially lead to liver damage or elevated transaminase levels.

Patients are advised not to receive penicillin injections or take oral penicillin after drinking alcohol, and they should also avoid alcohol consumption during and after penicillin treatment.