Always ask your doctor about any necessary dietary changes or interactions before taking antibiotics as certain drugs may require different modifications. Avoid the following foods to prevent malabsorption of antibiotics: Alcohol Combining alcohol and antibiotics can cause serious side effects from skin flushing, racing heart rate, and severe headache to milder side effects like digestive problems, exhaustion, and an upset stomach. Do not drink alcohol before or 72 hours after taking any antibiotic. Acidic foods Lemons Oranges Calcium-fortified orange juice Grapefruit (and grapefruit juice) Calcium-fortified orange juice Tomatoes (and tomato products such as ketchup or soup) Chocolate Calcium-rich foods (except yogurt*) Milk Cheese Sour cream Calcium-fortified juices High fiber foods Whole grain bread Whole grain pasta Nuts and seeds Beans Lentils Berries Broccoli Peas Bananas Artichokes * Avoid all dairy products (including yogurt) if you’re taking tetracycline.