Coffee lovers might want to think twice before sipping their morning brew while on antibiotics. New research suggests that coffee could mess with how some common antibiotics work, potentially making them less effective. Scientists are sounding the alarm, saying this everyday habit might be doing more harm than good when you’re fighting off an infection.
The study, published in a peer-reviewed journal, found that certain compounds in coffee can interfere with the way antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and others get absorbed in the gut. That means your body might not be getting the full dose it needs to knock out bacteria. And let’s be real—nobody wants their meds to be less effective because of their caffeine fix.
Researchers tested how coffee interacts with antibiotics in lab settings and found that some of the chemicals in coffee can bind to the drugs, reducing their potency. It’s not just black coffee, either—even decaf and some teas could have similar effects. The team warned that while more studies are needed, the findings are strong enough to suggest people might want to space out their coffee and antibiotic doses.
This isn’t the first time scientists have raised concerns about food and drink messing with medications. Grapefruit juice, for example, is notorious for interfering with certain prescriptions. But coffee? That’s a tougher pill to swallow for a lot of people. Millions rely on their daily cup (or three) to function, and antibiotics are already a hassle—no one wants to add “skip coffee” to the list of side effects.
So what’s the takeaway? If you’re on antibiotics, it might be worth asking your doctor whether you should adjust your coffee routine. The study didn’t say you have to quit cold turkey, but timing could be key. Maybe wait an hour or two after taking your meds before reaching for that latte.
The research is still early, and scientists are calling for more studies to confirm just how big of an issue this really is. But for now, it’s a good reminder that what we eat and drink can have a real impact on how well our meds work. And if you’re battling an infection, you probably want every advantage you can get.
In the meantime, coffee drinkers might need to weigh their options—or at least consider switching to water for a little while. Because while coffee might be essential for waking up, it’s not worth risking your health over.
