Macrobid and alcohol interaction may decrease the efficacy of the former and at the same time may aggravate some of its side effects. Hence, one should avoid the combination and abandon alcohol usage until the prescribed course of Macrobid is completed.
Macrobid available under the generic name nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). To be precise, it is recommended for cystitis, a condition in which the urinary bladder and the ureters are inflamed.
UTIs are bacterial in nature and can be eliminated with Macrobid. When on antibiotic treatment, we are often advised to make certain dietary changes. For instance, it is recommended to increase the intake of probiotics, without which the medication can completely eliminate the beneficial gut bacteria. As far as alcohol consumption is concerned, people are often in two minds about how alcohol affects antibiotics. The following HealthHearty article discusses why it is unsafe to consume alcohol while on the antibiotic Macrobid.
Combining Macrobid with Alcohol is a Bad Idea
- If drinking alcohol while on Macrobid does not serve the purpose of taking the antibiotic, then one should definitely avoid such a combination. In simple words, the therapeutic effect of Macrobid may diminish when it is taken along with alcoholic beverages. So you may not be able to reap the full antibacterial effects of the medicine.
- Taking alcohol while suffering from an infection does not make any sense, since the beverage can dehydrate the body. It is obvious that alcohol consumption is not creating a good environment for Macrobid to work properly.
- The combination can increase the risk of liver problems. This is because both alcohol and Macrobid are metabolized in the liver, which can overwork the liver, making it susceptible to damage. Also, metabolism of Macrobid in the liver is crucial so that it can be converted into its biologically active form, which is efficiently utilized by the body. However, since alcohol is also broken down in the liver, it may interfere with drug metabolism, thereby making it less effective.
- Side effects is another concern when drinking alcohol while on Macrobid. Although the medication is effective, it can have a few side effects which can actually aggravate when combined with alcohol. Macrobid can cause drowsiness. Now, since alcohol is a CNS depressant, this side effect may actually aggravate, if the antibiotic is mixed with an alcoholic beverage.
- Also, alcohol is known to irritate the lining of the stomach and cause abdominal discomfort. So side effects such as nausea and stomach pain associated with Macrobid may also worsen when used with alcohol.
Some experts say that a small or a moderate intake of alcohol along with Macrobid is not a cause for concern. But then, why take a risk when fighting an infection? In short, the interaction between Macrobid and alcohol can be unpleasant and may prolong the recovery period. So to be on the safer side, one should avoid alcohol as long as the treatment is on.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
