Penicillin and Alcohol Interaction

Penicillin and Alcohol

Penicillin is the generic name for a drug sold under brand names PC Pen VK and Pen-V and is known as an antibiotic which combats bacteria in the body. It is used to treat different kinds of infection which may occur in the body.

It is suggested that patients do not consume alcohol even moderate drinking while using this drug as the effectiveness of the drug will be greatly reduced.

At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. If anything more than that it is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.

If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.

If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.

Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.

Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.

When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.

Before using Penicillin advise your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or substance, if you are using dietary or herbal supplements, are pregnant, plan to be or are breastfeeding, have asthma, kidney disease, bleeding or blood clotting disorder or a history of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics.

Side Effects

Less serious side effects are nasusea, vomiting, stomach pain, vaginal itching or discharge, headache, swollen black hairy tongue pr thrush which is white patches inside your mouth or throat. If these occur call your physician for advice.

Serious side effects are severe allergic reactions such as hives difficult breathing, tight chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, diarrhea that is watery or bloody, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, bruising or bleeding, weakness, changes in urination or not at all, severe skin rash, itching, peeling, agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behaviour, seizures and convulsions. If these occur get emergency medical help.

This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.

Penicillin and alcohol

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