Bactrim and Alcohol: Interactions and Side Effects

What you will learn

• Bactrim is a brand name for a sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim antibiotic used to treat common bacterial infections.
• Bactrim can have some serious drug interactions, including dangerous interactions with alcohol.
• Mixing alcohol and Bactrim may increase the risk of certain side effects, although research on the exact interactions is not conclusive.
• It is generally advised to avoid alcohol while taking Bactrim to prevent any potential adverse reactions.

It’s normal to have a few alcoholic drinks from time to time, but they’re not always safe to combine with medications. Bactrim, the brand name for sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, is an example of a potentially dangerous antibiotic-alcohol interaction. Combining the two can worsen side effects or cause adverse reactions.

Learn more about the dangers of mixing alcohol and Bactrim, possible side effects, and some precautions to take with this medication.

What Is Bactrim?

Bactrim is a brand name for sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, a combination sulfa antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections, middle ear infections, bronchitis, traveler’s diarrhea, and shigellosis.[1] This medication is also available under brands like Septra, Sulfatrim, Apo-Sulfatrim, and Novo-Trimel.

Sulfa antibiotics like Bactrim work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, allowing the body to fight off infection. They are absorbed in the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body, interfering with the enzymes necessary for bacteria to survive.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Bactrim?

It’s important to avoid alcohol if you’re taking Bactrim. Doing so can worsen side effects and make it more difficult for your body to heal and recover from the infection Bactrim is intended to treat.

In addition to side effects, combining alcohol and Bactrim can cause more serious adverse effects, known as a disulfiram-like reaction. Studies have mixed results, but some research suggests that this combination can increase the risk of acetaldehyde-associated adverse effects like facial flushing, nausea, and vomiting.[2]

Though the research isn’t conclusive, the potential for these serious effects and the inhibited healing with alcohol are enough reasons to avoid this combination.

Alcohol and Bactrim Interactions

Bactrim and alcohol interact in a few ways that can cause negative effects. Bactrim blocks the liver’s ability to break down alcohol, making it harder for the body to clear alcohol from your system – a disulfiram-like reaction.[3] It’s possible to experience low blood pressure or a fast heartbeat that can cause complications.

Alcohol can have side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea on its own, which are worsened in large quantities. Bactrim can have similar side effects, so mixing the two can cause extreme and serious effects.

You’re also taking Bactrim to treat an infection. Drinking alcohol with Bactrim makes it more difficult for your body to fight infection and recover because alcohol weakens the immune system.[4] If you want to get better, it’s best to abstain from alcohol until you finish your antibiotics.

Are One or Two Drinks Safe with Bactrim?

Ideally, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Bactrim, no matter how little. The dangerous side effects from the combination are possible, so it’s best to eliminate the risk.

Serious Risks and Precautions

As mentioned, mixing alcohol with Bactrim can cause disulfiram-like reactions with serious effects like chest pain, difficulty breathing, and heart rhythm or blood pressure problems that can cause serious complications.

Bactrim also has its risks, even without alcohol, such as:[5]

• Watery or bloody diarrhea
• Blistering or peeling skin
• Unusual bleeding
• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain
• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Trouble breathing

Tips for Safety with Alcohol and Bactrim

If you want to drink alcohol while taking Bactrim, it’s crucial to use caution and follow some general guidelines:

• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to find out if having a few drinks while taking Bactrim is safe for your individual medical history and the infection you’re being treated for.
• Limit consumption of alcohol. Safe alcohol consumption is typically two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
• Avoid drinking alcohol close to the time you take Bactrim. Ideally, you should wait at least 24 hours after the last dose of Bactrim before drinking alcohol, though interactions can still occur.
• Pay close attention to how you feel. If you have any unusual or worrying symptoms, seek medical attention.
• Drink plenty of water in between your alcoholic drinks to ensure you’re hydrated.
• If your doctor approves, these tips can help minimize side effects and reactions.

When Is It Safe to Start Drinking After Taking Bactrim?

It’s best to wait until Bactrim has cleared your system to drink alcohol again. This can take about 48 hours or two days after your last dose, but it can vary based on many factors. Make sure you ask your doctor when it’s safe to drink alcohol again after taking Bactrim.

Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

If you’re prescribed Bactrim, you can stop drinking until you complete the course of antibiotics. However, if you struggle with alcohol abuse or addiction, stopping alcohol use suddenly can be dangerous. Over time, regular alcohol use causes dependence, which is when your body becomes accustomed to the presence of a substance and needs it to function. If you stop suddenly, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms can occur.

It’s not safe to go through alcohol withdrawal on your own. There’s a risk of serious complications, including life-threatening delirium tremens and seizures. Often, the first step in treating alcohol abuse or addiction is medical detox, which provides a medical team to monitor your health and prevent complications. At the same time, your body readjusts to the absence of alcohol.

After detox, it’s best to transition into an addiction recovery program to address the underlying emotional, social, and psychological causes of addiction. These treatment programs are tailored to your individual history and goals. However, they may include behavioral therapies, peer support groups, and individual or group counseling in a residential or outpatient setting.

Be Careful with Alcohol and Bactrim

Alcohol can interact with several antibiotics, including Bactrim, and may inhibit your healing process. Combining alcohol intake and Bactrim can worsen your side effects and leave you at risk for disulfiram-like reactions. It’s best to wait until your last dose of Bactrim has been eliminated from your system before drinking alcohol.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more