Ask the Doctor: Alcohol & Antibiotics; Colon Hydrotherapy; Proper Hygiene for False Teeth
Q: I usually have a glass of red wine with my evening meal. Is it safe to drink wine or other types of alcohol if I’ve been prescribed antibiotics?
A: You don’t say which antibiotic you’ve been prescribed or why you’re taking it, but if it is one that is metabolized by the liver, such as doxycycline (Doryx), it is possible that wine could influence its effectiveness. This is because alcohol also is metabolized by the liver, meaning that the alcohol will essentially “compete” with the drug, possibly preventing it from being metabolized. Alternately, antibiotics that speed up digestion, like erythromycin (Erythrocin), may cause more alcohol to enter your bloodstream. Some antibiotics also can cause side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness, which might be exacer-bated by drinking alcohol.
If you have been prescribed metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax), you should avoid consuming alcohol until 72 hours after you’ve completed the course. If you have questions about whether alcohol will cause side effects while you’re on your medication, your pharmacist can advise you, and also inform you if the drug may interact with any other medications you may be taking.
Q: I saw an advertisement claiming that “colon hydrotherapy” could help boost my immune system and energy levels and aid weight loss. What is this, and would you recommend that I try it?
A: This procedure—also known as colonic irrigation—involves flooding the colon with large amounts of water via the rectum in order to flush out fecal matter. It frequently is marketed as a way to rid the body of “toxins” from the gastrointestinal tract, but it is not necessary, since the digestive system naturally eliminates toxins from the body. Also, people who perform the procedure are often not certified or li-censed healthcare practitioners.
The procedure also can be harmful, resulting in bowel perforation, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Since electrolytes—for example, sodium, calcium, and potassium—affect important processes in the brain, nervous system, and muscles, any imbalance can be dangerous, so this type of “therapy“ is not recommended.
Q: Is oral hygiene still important when you wear false teeth?
It is just as important to keep false teeth as clean as natural teeth, since poor denture hygiene puts you at risk of oral yeast infections, even if you aren’t at risk of cavities. As with natural teeth, false teeth also are vulnerable to plaque and tartar build-up.
Your dentist can advise you on denture care, but as a rule, they should be cleaned twice a day, using a soft toothbrush and denture cleaner or mild soap. They also should be soaked overnight in plain water or denture soaking solution, since dentures need to remain moist to hold their shape.
—Editor-in-Chief Orli R. Etigin, MD
The post Ask the Doctor: Alcohol & Antibiotics; Colon Hydrotherapy; Proper Hygiene for False Teeth appeared first on University Health News.
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