Pocket Doc
Issue date: 1/15/07 Section: Pulse
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Is it okay to stop taking antibiotics for a night in order to go out and drink, if I resume taking them the next morning?
The "no alcohol with antibiotics advice" is one of the oldest myths out there! There is little evidence to support alcohol abstinence when taking a course of antibiotics. One exception is an antibiotic named Flagyl, which is used for vaginal trichinosis, some dental infections and sometimes for intestinal infections. It is related to a drug known as Antabuse which, when ingested with alcohol, causes a violent vomiting episode. Antabuse has been used to help alcoholics abstain and become conditioned to associate vomiting with drinking.
In a few rare cases, Flagyl has caused a similar reaction. The other thing that comes to mind when one is taking a course of antibiotics, is that he or she is presumably ill.
In general, drinking when you are sick is not a great idea. (Unless, of course, it is to celebrate something really important like the White Sox World Series Championship. In that case, I would certainly drink.)
What's the difference between Percocet and Vicodin?
The only difference between Percocet and Vicodin is that Percocet is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, while Vicodin is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. There is no significant difference between oxycodone and hydrocodone. Each are similarly potent narcotics.
One drug would be chosen over the other based on a patient's preference or allergic reaction to one or the other. Percocet and Vicodin have different strengths of both of their components written with the narcotic component first, such as 5/325 indicating 5 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen in the case of Percocet 5/325.
These drugs are commonly prescribed and are generally considered safe, but they have risks based on chronic or excessive use for both of their components. The narcotic component can be dangerous causing respiratory depression with a single large dose, especially if combined with alcohol. It is also dangerous with chronic low level use because of decreased effectiveness leading to increased use and eventual physical dependency (just ask Brett Favre or Rush Limbaugh about this). The acetaminophen component also can be dangerous with large doses as it can cause liver toxicity leading to liver failure. And, while UIC is very good at liver transplants, it is none-the-less something to be avoided.
Dr. Ralph and Dr. George are Emergency Room physicians with the University of Illinois at Chicago's Medical Center.
As with all medical advice, consult your physician before beginning any regimen or if symptoms persist for more than 5 days
Send your anonymous questions to pulse@chicagoflame.com.
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