Can you take cephalosporins after drinking alcohol?
Nov 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, you should not take cephalosporin antibiotics after drinking alcohol. You must wait at least 7 days after alcohol consumption, allowing the alcohol to be completely metabolized in your body before taking cephalosporins. Similarly, during medication and after stopping the drug, you should avoid all foods and products containing alcohol, such as fermented tofu, drunken crab, and alcohol-containing mouthwashes. When seeking medical treatment and needing medication, always inform your doctor about any recent alcohol consumption.
Generally, cephalosporins should not be taken after alcohol consumption. The detailed explanation is as follows:
After entering the body, alcohol undergoes a multi-step metabolic breakdown. Cephalosporin antibiotics can block a key step in this process, leading to a buildup of toxic acetaldehyde in the body and triggering a disulfiram-like reaction. This reaction occurs rapidly and may cause symptoms such as facial flushing, headache, nausea, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to shock or even endanger life. Even small amounts of alcohol can interact with cephalosporins, so drinking only a little does not ensure safety.
It is recommended to wait at least seven days after drinking before taking cephalosporins, to ensure all alcohol has been fully metabolized. Similarly, during treatment and after discontinuation of the drug, avoid any food or medication containing alcohol, such as fermented tofu, drunken crab, and alcohol-containing mouthwashes. When taking medication for illness, always inform your doctor about recent alcohol consumption to prevent potential risks. If you accidentally take cephalosporins after drinking and experience discomfort, seek immediate medical attention and clearly report your alcohol intake and medication use.
