Is It Bad to Drink Alcohol With a UTI?
It is best to avoid it. The NHS says to avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder, like fruit juices, coffee and alcohol, when you have UTI symptoms. See a GP or call NHS 111 if symptoms get worse quickly or do not improve within 48 hours of starting treatment.
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What the NHS advises
For UTI symptoms, the NHS suggests you rest, drink enough fluids to pass pale urine regularly, take paracetamol for pain and fever, and avoid drinks that may irritate the bladder. Alcohol is on that list.
It also says not to drink lots of alcoholic drinks as they may irritate your bladder.
Antibiotics
If you are prescribed an antibiotic, read the leaflet for that medicine or ask a pharmacist about alcohol. The NHS page we read does not cover individual antibiotics.
When to get help
The NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if:
- symptoms get worse quickly or do not improve within 48 hours of starting treatment
- you keep getting UTIs (2 within 6 months, or 3 within 12 months)
- you have blood in your urine, or pain in your lower tummy or back
- you are 65 or older, a child, a man, pregnant, have diabetes, a catheter or a weakened immune system
If you become confused, drowsy or have trouble speaking, call 999 or go to A&E. This is general information, not medical advice.
People also ask
Does alcohol make a UTI worse?
The NHS says alcohol may irritate your bladder, so it advises avoiding it during symptoms.
Can alcohol cause a UTI?
We found no official source that says so. The NHS only says lots of alcohol may irritate the bladder.
When should I see a doctor for a UTI?
If symptoms worsen quickly or do not improve within 48 hours of treatment, or you have blood in your urine, per the NHS.
Sources
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