Is It Advisable To Skip TB Medication After Taking Alcohol?

Posted on Wed, 12 Jul 2017

Question: Hi Doctor,

I am under TB medication from last 2.5 months as I was diagnosed with mediastinal lymph nodes TB. Though I did not possess any TB symptom leaving the occassional breathlessness which has also got better with time now. My question is - Can I take small amount of alcohol occasionally like (once a month). My LFT is so far going in normal ranges always. Also if I can take then is it advisable to skip medicine for the day or the following day ?

Thanks in advance.

PS : With small amount, I mean say 2 light beer or 2 30 ml whiskey drinks.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is better not to take alcohol.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Honestly speaking, it is better not to take alcohol during TB treatment.
Anti tubercular drugs are hepatotoxic and so is alcohol.
So better not to take alcohol.
May I know which anti tubercular drugs you are taking?
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (12 minutes later)

I am taking below :
Rcinex 600 mg before breakfast.
Combutol 1000 mg after breakfast.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is good not to take alcohol.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
Well, it is better not to take alcohol.
But I have seen many of my patients without any problems when they take alcohol during TB treatment.
So as a doctor I won't say yes to alcohol.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng