Can you drink red wine after taking cephalosporin antibiotics?

Generally, you should not drink red wine after taking cephalosporin antibiotics. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Cephalosporin antibiotics can inhibit the activity of a key substance involved in the body's alcohol metabolism process, causing toxic byproducts from alcohol breakdown to accumulate in the body instead of being properly eliminated. This may trigger a disulfiram-like reaction, characterized by facial flushing, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it could lead to difficulty breathing, arrhythmia, or even shock, posing a serious threat to health. Therefore, drinking red wine is strictly prohibited when taking cephalosporins.

During treatment with cephalosporins and for 7 days after stopping the medication, you must avoid all alcoholic beverages—including red wine, beer, rice wine, and any food or drink containing alcohol. Additionally, take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, without altering the dosage on your own. If accidental alcohol exposure occurs and symptoms develop, seek medical attention immediately. It is also important to get adequate rest and maintain a light diet during this period to support recovery.