Can I take cephalosporin 12 hours after drinking alcohol?
Nov 18, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Cephalosporin antibiotics have a unique chemical structure that, when combined with alcohol, can interfere with ethanol metabolism, leading to the accumulation of ethanol in the body and resulting in poisoning—known as a disulfiram-like reaction. Even 12 hours after drinking, a certain amount of alcohol may still remain in the body, posing a risk of such reactions. Therefore, cephalosporins should generally not be taken after alcohol consumption to avoid adverse effects on health.
Generally, you should not take cephalosporins within 12 hours after drinking alcohol to avoid triggering a disulfiram-like reaction.
Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics, commonly including cefixime tablets, cefuroxime axetil tablets, etc. These drugs have a specific chemical structure that, once in the body, can interact with alcohol and interfere with ethanol metabolism, causing ethanol to accumulate in the body and lead to poisoning—known as a disulfiram-like reaction. Symptoms typically include dizziness, headache, facial flushing, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, patients may experience chest tightness, chest pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, or impaired consciousness. Since a significant amount of alcohol may still remain in the body 12 hours after drinking, there remains a risk of such reactions; therefore, taking cephalosporins during this period is generally not recommended.
It is safer for patients to wait at least 24 hours after drinking before taking cephalosporins. Additionally, patients should always use these medications under the guidance of a physician to avoid ineffective treatment due to improper use and to prevent prolonged illness.
