Can I drink alcohol in the evening if I took cephalosporin in the morning?
In general, it is not recommended to drink alcohol in the evening after taking cephalosporin antibiotics in the morning. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is advised. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Cephalosporins take about 2–3 days to be completely metabolized. If taken in the morning, the drug may still remain in the body by evening. Drinking alcohol at this time could interact with the cephalosporin, inhibiting the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase in the liver, leading to acetaldehyde accumulation and triggering a disulfiram-like reaction. Symptoms of such a reaction may include palpitations, abdominal pain, and shock, posing serious risks to health. Therefore, patients should avoid alcohol consumption during treatment with cephalosporins and for at least 7 days after discontinuation of the medication.
During treatment and recovery, patients are advised to take cephalosporins under the guidance of a physician and strictly abstain from alcohol to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the therapy. Additionally, maintaining healthy dietary habits and reducing intake of irritating foods can help promote recovery.