What should not be consumed after taking cephalosporins?
Under normal circumstances, after taking cephalosporins, you should avoid consuming alcohol-containing foods, seafood, spicy and irritating foods, greasy foods, and high-histamine foods. Certain medications should also be avoided, including cyclosporine oral solution, amoxicillin capsules, aminophylline tablets, metronidazole tablets, and erythromycin tablets. The specific explanations are as follows:
I. Foods
1. Alcohol-containing foods: Such as white spirits, red wine, beer, and liqueur chocolates. Cephalosporins may react with alcohol, causing symptoms such as facial flushing, nausea, dizziness, and in severe cases, liver damage or symptoms of alcohol poisoning like difficulty breathing, fainting, and shock.
2. Seafood: Including fish, shrimp, and crab. These foods are rich in protein and may produce histamine after being metabolized in the body. Combining them with cephalosporins may trigger allergic reactions.
3. Spicy and irritating foods: Such as chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and onions. These foods may burden the gastrointestinal tract and affect the absorption and effectiveness of cephalosporins.
4. Greasy foods: Such as fatty meats, fried chicken, and animal offal. These foods may increase the burden on the digestive system, and consuming them after taking cephalosporins may interfere with drug absorption.
5. Foods high in histamine: Such as cheese, tuna, and mackerel. These foods contain high levels of histamine, and consuming them after taking cephalosporins may lead to allergic symptoms.
II. Medications
1. Cyclosporine oral solution: This medication contains alcohol, which can interfere with the metabolism of cephalosporins, increasing the blood concentration of the antibiotic and the risk of adverse reactions.
2. Amoxicillin capsules: This medication belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics and is also a bactericidal agent active during the bacterial growth phase. Combining it with cephalosporins may cause allergic reactions such as skin itching and swelling.
3. Aminophylline tablets: This medication is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects. Taking this drug after cephalosporins may elevate the blood concentration of aminophylline, potentially causing adverse effects like nausea and vomiting.
4. Metronidazole tablets: This medication belongs to the nitroimidazole class of antibiotics and typically inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis, leading to bacterial death. It should not be used concurrently with cephalosporins, as this may accelerate drug metabolism.
5. Erythromycin tablets: Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic with anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties. Taking erythromycin after cephalosporins may not only reduce drug efficacy but also potentially cause toxic side effects.
However, it is important to note that cephalosporins should be taken only as directed by a physician. In daily life, it is advisable to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, and celery, which can help enhance immune function.