Using Mouthwash While Taking Antibiotics...

[jaimetheunlucky]

I was just browsing the internet and it stated that even the use of mouthwash could effect the absorption of the antibiotics.

I took the 1 dose Zithromax powder on October 4, 2004 and every day when I woke up to brush my teeth I also used mouthwash.

I had completely forgotten that the label on the prescription bottle said "AVOID ALCOHOLIC DRINKS & BEVERAGES".

I didn't "drink" any alcohol beverages at all but I had forgot that mouthwash contained a small percentage of alcohol.

Now my antibiotics are probably not going to work now. I probably have to get some more because of me using mouthwash, the antibiotics are probably less effective now and probably did not kill my bacterial infection due to me using mouthwash.

The doctor didn't say anything at all about me using mouthwash but he said do not drink alcoholic beverages and I didn't drink the alcoholic beverages but I am still scared that my antibiotics didn't even get its full effect of killing the bacteria due to me using mouthwash after I brush my teeth.

Even though the doctor did not say anything about me using mouthwash, I should of asked him is it safe for me to use mouthwash but it did not cross my mind at all, I guess thats my fauly. the only thing I was thinking of is to avoid "BOTTLED ALCOHOL BEVERAGES FOR DRINKING CONSUMPTION" and I did avoid that but I still used mouthwash.......

I think that i really messed up now.

[reni]

I think from this post and other posts that you have OCD issues.

You can't drink alcohol with the antibiotic (metronidazole) that you took because it would make you feel ill; it doesn't affect the antibiotic itself. And mouthwash has nothing to do with it either. Your tests showed you did NOT have an STD and you were given two powerful antibiotics anyway. AND now you don't have any symptoms. What more do you want? Sorry to sound harsh but I'm having a hard time grasping this. Even if your worst fears came true and your antibiotics were somehow not fully effective, what is so horrible about having to get a different prescription? Or are you never going to believe you're cured and are just going to take antibiotics forever?

[Sunlover]

I wouldn't go by what the internet said, even if you feel stupid calling your doctor, call a pharmacist, they definitely would be able to tell you if you messed up. Unless you swallowed mass quantities of the mouthwash I highly doubt it had any effect at all. But if it would ease your mind, call the pharmacist, they are always there and you can get an answer immediately.