It depends on the antibiotic. Drinking coffee with most antibiotics is generally fine, but certain types like quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) can interact with caffeine, potentially increasing side effects such as jitteriness, headaches, rapid heart rate, or insomnia by slowing caffeine breakdown in the body.

Key Interactions

Recent lab studies show caffeine may reduce the effectiveness of some antibiotics against E. coli by blocking entry into bacterial cells, possibly requiring higher doses, though human impacts remain unclear. For amoxicillin, no direct interaction exists, but moderation helps manage overall symptoms like fatigue.

Recommendations

• Consult your doctor or pharmacist about your specific antibiotic before consuming coffee.

• Limit intake, wait 2 hours after coffee to take doses, or switch to decaf to minimize risks.

• Stay hydrated, as both coffee and antibiotics can cause dehydration or stomach upset.