AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 4th Edition published in November 2003 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith Date: 6/29/2006 Subject: Percocetl, Amoxicillin, and Alcohol
Question I live in the USA, and just got my wisdom teeth out two days ago. I've been taking percocet 4-6hrs prn pain and Amoxicillin 500mg t.i.d.. The bleeding has stopped, the swelling has gone down. Can I drink alcohol tonight? If not, when is the soonest? What will happen if I do drink alcohol with percocet and/or amoxicillin? Will it increase the effect of percocet? Or decrease the effect of the antibiotic?
Answer Dear Risa
Contrary to popular believe there is no problems with alcohol and amoxycillin; most people including some doctors have this complete misconception. Normally alcohol is only banned for 24 hours after such oral surgery and would be OK to drink after this time but I would stay clear of spirits, wine or beer would be safer for another couple of days. If you feel drowsy with the Percocet, this effect could be exacerbated but it would be unlikely to be dangerously so. Remember thouigh moderation is the word and two standard drinks is enough for a woman (and beneficial in most cases).
