What are the consequences of taking cephalosporin with alcohol?
Disease description:
I often hear the saying, "Cephalosporin with alcohol, and you're gone in a flash." I know these two shouldn't be taken together, but I'm not exactly clear on the specifics. So, what are the exact consequences of taking cephalosporin and alcohol together?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Drinking alcohol together with cephalosporins may cause disulfiram-like reactions, liver and kidney damage, gastrointestinal discomfort, and other consequences.
The most common reaction is the disulfiram-like effect, which presents as facial flushing, headache, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms. In severe cases, it may threaten health. This is because cephalosporin antibiotics inhibit the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in alcohol metabolism, leading to a significant accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body.
Additionally, both alcohol and cephalosporins can cause some degree of liver damage. When consumed together, they place additional strain on the liver, increasing the risk of liver injury and potentially causing elevated transaminase levels and abnormal liver function. Alcohol consumption may also affect the efficacy of cephalosporins, reducing their therapeutic effects and delaying recovery. Taking cephalosporins with alcohol may increase the burden on the liver and lead to acetaldehyde poisoning.
Moreover, alcohol itself can irritate the gastrointestinal tract; when taken with cephalosporins, it is more likely to cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Therefore, it is essential to strictly avoid alcohol while taking cephalosporins, and alcohol consumption is generally not recommended for several days after completing the medication.
