Can I drink alcohol at night if I took cephalosporin in the morning?
Oct 15, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Generally speaking, you should not drink alcohol in the evening after taking cephalosporin antibiotics in the morning. Cephalosporins usually take more than 48 hours to be completely metabolized. If alcohol is consumed before the drug is fully metabolized, it may interact with the remaining cephalosporin, inhibit the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase in the body, cause acetaldehyde accumulation, and trigger a disulfiram-like reaction, resulting in symptoms such as palpitations, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Generally, it is not recommended to drink alcohol in the evening if you took cephalosporin antibiotics in the morning. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Cephalosporins typically require more than 48 hours to be completely metabolized. If alcohol is consumed before the drug is fully eliminated, it may interact with the remaining cephalosporin, inhibiting the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase in the body. This leads to acetaldehyde accumulation and triggers a disulfiram-like reaction, causing symptoms such as palpitations, abdominal pain, and nausea. Additionally, both cephalosporins and alcohol are metabolized and excreted through the liver and kidneys. Consuming them simultaneously may increase the burden on these organs and potentially cause liver or kidney damage. Therefore, drinking alcohol in the evening after taking cephalosporins in the morning is not advised.
Patients are advised to strictly avoid alcohol consumption during treatment with cephalosporins and for at least 7 days after discontinuation of the medication to prevent adverse reactions. Meanwhile, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, getting adequate rest, and reducing intake of irritating foods can help promote recovery.
