Free tool
Can I eat this with Antibiotics?
Some antibiotics must be taken with or without food, certain antibiotics interact with alcohol, and dairy can affect absorption of some types.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 27 foods and drinks for Antibiotics (24 to avoid, 3 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Antibiotics with food?
- Some antibiotics need to be taken with food, while others need to be taken on an empty stomach.
- Can I drink alcohol with Antibiotics?
- No, avoid it. Completely avoid alcohol with metronidazole or tinidazole; continue avoiding 48 hours (metronidazole) or 72 hours (tinidazole) after stopping.
- Can I drink wine with Antibiotics?
- Yes, with care. This medicine can be affected by undistilled (fermented) alcoholic drinks if you're taking linezolid.
- Can I drink beer with Antibiotics?
- Yes, with care. This medicine can be affected by undistilled (fermented) alcoholic drinks if you're taking linezolid.
- Can I eat sherry with Antibiotics?
- Yes, with care. This medicine can be affected by undistilled (fermented) alcoholic drinks if you're taking linezolid.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Some antibiotics must be taken with or without food, certain antibiotics interact with alcohol, and dairy can affect absorption of some types.
Most antibiotics can be taken with moderate alcohol, but metronidazole and tinidazole must be avoided completely with alcohol (continue avoiding 48-72 hours after finishing). Some antibiotics need food, others an empty stomach—always check your leaflet. Rifampicin and rifabutin reduce contraceptive pill effectiveness.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: Some antibiotics need to be taken with food, while others need to be taken on an empty stomach.
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Foods to avoid with Antibiotics· 24
Take care with Antibiotics· 3
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Antibiotics
The pages our answers quote. Open “Where this comes from” on any answer to see the exact words, checked 24 September 2026. How we check
NHS website
Antibiotics - Uses
Read about the uses of antibiotics, including treating or preventing some types of bacterial infections.
NHS website
Antibiotics - Side effects
Find out about the side effects of antibiotics, including the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
NHS website
Antibiotics - Interactions
Find out how antibiotics can sometimes work differently when you're taking other medicines or substances.
NHS website
Antibiotic resistance
Find out about antibiotic (antimicrobial) resistance and why antibiotics are no longer prescribed to treat certain infections.
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Antibiotics guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Antibiotics
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.