Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 6/9/2009

Question
I have an infection of the womb, and I have been prescribed Augmentin 625 mg one 3 times a day and Metronidazole 400 mg also one 3 times a day is it ok to have the odd glass of wine with dinner? Also I am meant to be going on holiday after I have completed the medication or on the day that I am to complete will I be able to have a drink then? I am obviously keen to get this cleared up asap and don't want to take any risks... so if I were to drink on holiday it would make the infection reoccur would it?

I thank you in advance for your time...

Answer
Hi Kelly,
Alcohol does nothing to the infection, will neither increase it nor decease it. The only problem of alcohol is with metronidazole. We generally advice that you should not drink at least 24 hours after the last dose of metronidazole since you may get a reaction. Such a reaction is seen in about 20% of all people taking metronidazole. So the advice. Howevr a glass of wine may not really cause problem, the risk is higher if you have hard liquor in large amounts. The risk is actually proportional to the amount you drink after metronidazole, keep that under control and you will be fine.
Ravi Ghooi