Antibiotics + Beer = Hives??

I've confirmed this hypothesis at least twice. After a 6-pack of Amstel light on Halloween last year, my skin turned red. This was different from the other times when I got hives. This had never happened before, but I did suspect that my antiobiotics at the time may have been a factor.

I am on antibiotics again since my doctor supsects that my recent sickness is a sinus infection. My doctor did not say that the alcohol is not permitted with my antiobiotics, but wanted me to "give myself a chance" to recover. I did stop drinking, until I hosted poker night at my house last night. How can I not have a sip (or 2 cups) from the keg of Amstel Light that I ordered? I suppose I could have ordered crap beer.

As a break from poker, I made a pit stop due to the excess fluid intake. Not to give you a visual, but I pulled down my jeans and was surprised to find my legs red. Uh oh. I inspected the skin on my face and arms more closely under the bright light in the bathroom. Yup, I've got hives again. It wasn't too bad because no one else really noticed unless I pointed it out. It looks like I had some sun that day, but my skin is not like that of a white person.

The stress from the poker game could also be the root cause, but I doubt it. Could it be a mere coincidence that I break out in hives when I'm drinking beer while on antibiotics again? You can argue that I shouldn't be drinking and deserve it, but the prescription label says nothing about "no alcohol". I searched the internet high and low, but didn't find any connection between antiobiotics, alcohol, and hives. I've taken this brand of antiobiotics (Biaxin XL Pac, AKA clarithromycin) at least one other time, but I can't recall if it's the same one I took on Halloween. My action item: To find out when I used the same antiobiotics in the past.