Alcohol is so widely consumed in American society that many people don’t think twice about drinking while taking prescription medications. Although most people know they shouldn’t mix alcohol with opioids or benzodiazepines, there is a common misconception that it is safe to drink alcohol with other medications, such as antifungals.
However, alcohol can lower your immune system and reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. When it comes to antifungals like fluconazole, alcohol can cause severe side effects and prevent the medication from being able to fight off infections. As a result, most doctors suggest avoiding alcohol while taking fluconazole.
What is Fluconazole?
Fluconazole, sometimes sold under the brand name Diflucan, is an azole antifungal medication used to treat fungal or yeast infections. It may be prescribed to treat vaginal candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush), esophageal candidiasis, and other candida-related infections, including some stomach and urinary tract infections.
Fluconazole works by killing Candida fungus or yeast and preventing further growth. It can also be used to prevent fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems, specifically those undergoing chemotherapy or an organ transplant.
Fluconazole usually comes in tablet form and is taken orally. It can also be prescribed as an oral suspension or administered as an intravenous (IV) fluid. The dose prescribed may depend on the individual and the severity of the infection. When taken as prescribed, fluconazole is safe and effective, generally with very few side effects.
Side Effects of Fluconazole
The most common side effects of fluconazole are headaches, nausea, and abdominal pain. Less common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset, dizziness, and changes in taste. Many of these side effects will subside on their own as your body gets used to the medication. However, drinking alcohol can increase the severity of these side effects and may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, and upset stomach.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Fluconazole?
Physicians generally advise against drinking alcohol while taking fluconazole (Diflucan). Although alcohol is unlikely to cause serious interactions, there are a few reasons that you shouldn’t drink while taking this medication.
First, both alcohol and fluconazole are processed in the liver. However, when you drink alcohol, your liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol before metabolizing other substances. This can place excess strain on the liver as it attempts to metabolize both substances, resulting in reduced effectiveness of fluconazole. If the antifungal doesn’t work properly, it won’t be able to successfully treat and eliminate the fungal infection.
Similarly, alcohol interferes with the way medications are absorbed in your gastrointestinal tract. If you drink alcohol while taking fluconazole, alcohol may hinder absorption of the medication, resulting in reduced effectiveness.
Another reason you should avoid drinking or limit your alcohol intake while taking fluconazole is because there is a risk of intensified side effects. Since both substances can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and upset stomach, consuming both at the same time can increase the severity of these side effects.
Additionally, fluconazole may be prescribed to people with weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions. Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, can make these underlying conditions worse and further suppress the immune system. This can counteract the intended benefits of fluconazole and make you feel worse.
Finally, drinking too much alcohol can impair your judgment, affecting your ability to adhere to your dosage regimen. Missing a dose of an antifungal can make it less effective, and forgetting to finish the entire prescription can make your infection come back.
When taking fluconazole, it is extremely important to adhere to your doctor’s instructions. As a result, it is advised to limit or stop your alcohol intake while taking the medication.
Will Drinking Alcohol Make a Fungal Infection Worse?
Alcohol is well known for weakening the immune system, which is why people with autoimmune conditions are encouraged to limit their alcohol intake. To explain, alcohol can impair the body’s natural defense capabilities, preventing prompt and complete healing. Alcohol can also reduce the effectiveness of antifungal medications, which can stop your fungal infection from healing properly.
In the case of Candida infections, which are the type of fungal infections fluconazole can treat, alcohol can cause irritation and inflammation, which worsens Candida infections. Alcohol also disrupts the body’s microbial balance, reducing your natural ability to fight off infections.
How Long Should You Wait to Drink Alcohol After Taking Fluconazole?
Fluconazole has a long half life and can stay in the body for up to three days after you stop taking it. To reap the maximum benefits of the medication, you should wait at least 72 hours (3 days) after completing the entire course of fluconazole before drinking alcohol. Waiting this period of time allows your body to process fluconazole and recover from the infection.
Key Takeaways: Why You Shouldn’t Drink Alcohol While Taking Fluconazole
Drinking alcohol while taking fluconazole can:
- Impair medication absorption
- Reduce medication effectiveness
- Increase the risk of severe side effects
- Cause central nervous system (CNS) depression
- Result in gastrointestinal upset
- Increase the risk of liver damage and liver toxicity
Find Help for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Today
If you or a loved one have tried to stop drinking but have found that you are unable to do so, you may be dealing with a drinking problem. The inability to limit or stop drinking when you shouldn’t drink, such as when you are taking an antifungal, is a sign that you’ve lost control over your alcohol consumption.
At PAX Memphis, we use a whole-person approach, offering a continuum of care, clinically-proven treatments, and holistic healing methods. We work closely with each client to identify their needs and facilitate individually-tailored treatments, helping them establish a solid foundation for long-term recovery.
To learn more about our alcohol rehab programs or to discuss your treatment options, please call now.
References:
- National Institutes of Health: Fluconazole, Retrieved July 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537158/
- National Institutes of Health: Fact versus Fiction: a Review of the Evidence behind Alcohol and Antibiotic Interactions, Retrieved July 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7038249/