Macrobid is the brand name for a prescription medication known as nitrofurantoin. It is an antibiotic that is commonly prescribed to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder infections. Macrobid works by stopping the growth of bacteria, so it is only intended to treat bacterial infections.
Doctors advise their patients to take Macrobid every 12 hours with food. If you are taking Macrobid, you might be wondering if you can consume alcohol. While there are no serious interactions associated with alcohol and Macrobid, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol.
Consuming alcohol while you are on Macrobid could result in adverse effects. For example, alcohol could cause increased side effects of Macrobid like vomiting or drowsiness. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption could make the antibiotic ineffective, putting you at risk of having a more severe infection.
What is Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin)?
Macrobid is an antibiotic that may be prescribed under the generic name nitrofurantoin. This medication helps you fight off infections by preventing bacteria from continuing to grow. If you have a bladder or urinary tract infection, your doctor might prescribe you Macrobid.
The common side effects of nitrofurantoin include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Heartburn or gas
- Hair loss
- Headaches
If you regularly abuse alcohol, you should consult with a healthcare professional before taking Macrobid. They might suggest that you pause your alcohol consumption while you allow the medication to fight your bacterial infection. Drinking while taking Macrobid could increase the risk of your infection becoming more severe.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?
Alcohol has several effects on the body. First, it is considered a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down activity in your brain. This is why you experience dizziness, drowsiness, and impairments in coordination when you drink alcohol.
Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, and drinking frequently could lead to liver damage. Other risks of excessive alcohol intake include cardiovascular issues, impaired judgment, and addiction.
Drinking alcohol heavily also impacts your immune system. In other words, your alcohol consumption could make it harder for your body to fight off illnesses. Additionally, alcohol will decrease the amount of healthy bacteria and antibodies that your body needs to regain health.
Can You Mix Alcohol and Macrobid?
While there are no life-threatening interactions between alcohol and Macrobid, that does not mean they are good to combine. Alcohol weakens your immune system, so you should not be drinking it while you are recovering from an infection. Additionally, the presence of alcohol in your system can make Macrobid less effective.
There is also a risk of increased side effects when combining alcohol and nitrofurantoin. You should always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations on using alcohol while taking Macrobid.
What are the Risks of Drinking Alcohol on Macrobid?
When it comes to drinking while taking Macrobid, you should always be aware of the risks you are facing. Combining these substances can lead to various side effects and decrease the effectiveness of nitrofurantoin.
The dangers of mixing Macrobid and alcohol include:
Increased Side Effects
Drinking alcohol while taking Macrobid can increase the severity of certain side effects. These side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting – Drinking alcohol will irritate your stomach lining, leading to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. If alcohol is combined with Macrobid, these symptoms become more intense.
- Drowsiness and dizziness – Alcohol and Macrobid are known to cause dizziness and drowsiness when taken on their own. When combined, you might experience these symptoms in a severe manner.
- Headaches – Both alcohol and Macrobid can cause headaches and they may become more pronounced when the substances are combined.
- Liver damage – Both substances are metabolized in the liver. If you are drinking excessively while taking Macrobid, it might become too much for your liver to handle, leading to injury and damage.
Due to these side effects, you should ensure your safety by avoiding alcohol consumption while taking nitrofurantoin.
Decreased Effectiveness
The other reason you should avoid mixing alcohol and Macrobid is decreased effectiveness. Alcohol is known to interfere with your body’s ability to metabolize drugs effectively. If you are not metabolizing your Macrobid correctly, it might not work to fight off the infection you are experiencing.
If Macrobid does not treat your UTI or bladder infection, your illness could progress into something serious like a kidney infection. Additionally, you could experience recurring UTIs if Macrobid only treats the infection partially.
Find Help for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
If you or a loved one cannot stop drinking alcohol to take an antibiotic like Macrobid, you might be suffering from an alcohol use disorder. While alcoholism can be difficult to overcome, addiction treatment programs like Mandala Healing Center can support you throughout the process. We offer each of our patients individualized treatment plans, constant support, and a warm and compassionate environment to heal.
Contact us today to learn more about our alcohol use disorder treatment center. We can help you start your recovery journey off strong.