Is the incompatibility of alcohol and antibiotics a myth?

British researchers conducted a survey of patients and doctors at Guy's and St. Thomas Hospital, whether they consider alcohol and antibiotics to be compatible.

It turned out that 76% of hospital staff and 81% of patients believe that alcohol and antibiotics are incompatible, and follow this in real life. Meanwhile, from a scientific point of view, alcohol is not contraindicated for people taking antibiotics, with the exception of metronidazole (known to many by the most popular of trade names – trichopol).

Researchers believe that the myth of the incompatibility of antibiotics and alcohol arose in World War II, when penicillin was so scarce that it had to be repeatedly extracted from the urine of treated patients. And in order to facilitate this process, the wounded, who are on antibiotics, were deprived of their beer. There are no other indications of contraindications to taking antibiotics and small doses of alcohol. But modern doctors and patients believe in this myth.

The results of the study are published in the December issue of one of the most authoritative medical publications – the British Medical Journal (Do antibiotics and alcohol mix? The beliefs of genitourinary clinic attendees). 

Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of Radio Liberty

11.01.2009