What not to do while taking antibiotics?

Reviewed by: Dr Nelson Lau Written by: Dr Nelson Lau

Updated on 17 September 2026

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This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment.

Overview

Antibiotics are essential medications for managing bacterial infections, but using them inappropriately can limit their effectiveness and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is a major public health problem in Australia and worldwide, making some infections more difficult to treat over time. Taking antibiotics exactly as recommended by a healthcare professional helps protect both individual and community health.

If you have symptoms of an infection and are unsure whether you need medical treatment, a telehealth consultation can provide a convenient way to speak with a telehealth doctor from home when your condition is suitable for online care. A doctor can discuss your symptoms, medical history and treatment options, and advise if an in-person assessment or testing is needed.

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What are antibiotics, and when are they used?

Antibiotics are medications that manage bacterial infections in the throat, skin, chest, and urinary tract. They are ineffective against viral illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, and viral sore throats.

Some infections, particularly those involving the chest or skin, may require an in-person assessment, physical examination, or diagnostic testing to ensure safe management.

Common mistakes people make while taking antibiotics

Here are some common antibiotic mistakes:

Stopping therapy early when symptoms improve
Skipping dosages
Taking somebody else’s antibiotics
Saving leftover antibiotics for later
Taking antibiotics for colds or flu
Mixing medicines and alcohol without seeking medical advice
Not following the food or timing instructions

Why you should not stop antibiotics early

You should not discontinue antibiotics early unless instructed by a doctor. Even if you feel better, germs may still exist in your body. Stopping management too soon might allow the illness to recur and lead to antibiotic resistance, making future infections more difficult to manage.

Can you drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?

It depends! Some antibiotics might interact with alcohol and cause adverse effects like nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, or stomach discomfort. Alcohol can also harm sleep and hydration, slowing recovery. It is important to see a doctor or pharmacist before consuming alcohol while on antibiotics.

Foods and medicines to avoid while taking antibiotics

Certain antibiotics may interfere with meals, supplements, or prescriptions. Depending on the antibiotic, doctors may recommend avoiding:

Alcohol
Dairy products close to dosing time
Antacids
Iron or calcium supplements
Some herbal supplements
Several prescription drugs

Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

What happens if you miss a dose?

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take a double dosage unless directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Missing multiple doses may impair the antibiotic’s effectiveness.

Antibiotics vs viral infections

Condition type	Do antibiotics help	Examples
Bacterial infection	Yes	Urinary tract infections, bacterial pneumonia, and skin infections
Viral infection	No	Common Cold, Flu, Covid-19, Viral Sore Throat

Antibiotics do not work against viral illnesses. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily may increase side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Note: This information is for educational purposes. Hola Health does not prescribe antibiotics.

Possible side effects to watch for

Possible negative consequences might include:

Seek medical attention if your side effects are severe or worsening.

When to see a doctor

Talk to a doctor if you:

Feel worse after beginning antibiotics
Develop severe diarrhoea
Experience redness or swelling
Have breathing troubles
Continue to have a fever, or worsening symptoms
Miss several doses

If you experience severe, worsening, or life-threatening symptoms, call 000 immediately or attend your nearest Emergency Department (ED). Examples include breathing difficulties, severe allergic reactions, or loss of consciousness.

Telehealth vs in-person visit for infections 

Telehealth consultation	In-person consultation
Suitable for mild symptoms or follow-up care	Suitable for severe or complex symptoms
Convenient for discussing symptoms remotely	Allows physical examination
Doctors may provide prescriptions if appropriate	May allow immediate testing
Helpful for medical advice and referrals	Better for emergency or worsening conditions

Telehealth can be a convenient option for assessing some infections, but it does not replace face-to-face care in all situations. Some conditions may require physical examination, testing, or urgent in-person treatment.

How Hola Health can help

Hola Health offers online consultations with doctors for a variety of common health issues, including infections. Doctors can diagnose symptoms online and discuss relevant management choices.

Depending on the clinical evaluation, doctors may:

Evaluate infection symptoms
Provide medical advice
Prescribe medication if clinically appropriate
Arrange referrals if necessary
Provide medical certifications as needed

Hola Health provides access to consultations for a variety of healthcare needs. Based on a clinical review, a medical practitioner may provide advice or management options and Hola Health does not prescribe antibiotics.

Telehealth may not be appropriate for serious symptoms or crises that necessitate physical evaluation.

Conclusion

Antibiotics are vital medications that must be used exactly as prescribed. Misuse of antibiotics, such as missed doses or premature discontinuation of management, may reduce their effectiveness and contribute to antibiotic resistance. If you are unclear how to take your antibiotics or have any troubling symptoms, see a doctor or pharmacist for advice. Following adequate medical guidance promotes safe and successful therapy.

Stats & data

✓ Do not stop or change your antibiotic without medical advice. Take it according to the instructions provided by your doctor, pharmacist or medicine information.
✓ Do not assume every antibiotic has the same food and drink restrictions. Some antibiotics can be taken with food, while others need to be taken on an empty stomach or separated from certain foods or supplements.
✓ Alcohol can interact with some antibiotics. Healthdirect specifically identifies antibiotics such as metronidazole, tinidazole and isoniazid as medicines that can cause unpleasant effects when combined with alcohol.
✓ Some antibiotics interact with dairy products, minerals or supplements. For example, calcium-containing foods or drinks can reduce absorption of some antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, while iron and zinc supplements can interact with doxycycline.
✓ Do not take antibiotics with other medicines, vitamins or herbal products without checking for interactions. Your pharmacist or doctor can check whether your medicines are safe to use together.
✓ Antibiotics can cause side effects, including diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. Probiotics may reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhoea for some people, but ask your doctor or pharmacist whether they are appropriate for you.
✓ Seek urgent medical attention for signs of a serious allergic reaction. Hives, swelling, difficulty breathing or other symptoms of anaphylaxis require emergency medical attention.

Sources & references

healthdirect— Antibiotics Best Australian source for antibiotic use, side effects, antibiotic resistance and what to do if you have concerns about your medicine. healthdirect — Antibiotics
healthdirect— Medicines and alcohol Use this for alcohol interactions with antibiotics, including metronidazole, tinidazole and isoniazid. healthdirect — Medicines and alcohol
healthdirect— Questions to ask before taking a medicine Useful for general guidance on checking medicine interactions, alcohol and other medicines. healthdirect — Questions to ask before taking a medicine
NHS — Antibiotics: Interactions Useful supporting source for food,alcohol and medicine interactions, including the specific metronidazole, tinidazole and ciprofloxacin examples. NHS — Antibiotics: Interactions
NHS — Ciprofloxacin Use this specifically for the interaction between ciprofloxacin and dairy/calcium-containing foods and drinks. NHS — Ciprofloxacin
NHS — Doxycycline Useful for food, alcohol, antacids,iron and zinc interactions with doxycycline. NHS — Doxycycline

Authors

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Disclaimer

This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not indicate that Hola Health provides all treatments or preventive measures mentioned. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000. Any medical topics discussed are intended to educate, not to imply availability through Hola Health.

Note: At Hola Health, we're committed to offering trustworthy, accurate and up-to-date health information. Our Editorial Process entails thorough research, fact- checking, and medical review by doctors in diverse health fields, including medical practitioners, doctors, and psychotherapists based in Australia. We take guidance from qualified Australian doctors. We prioritise primary sources and avoid tertiary references wherever possible.

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