Mixing Alcohol and Cephalexin?

Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol While Taking Cephalexin?

Mixing alcohol and Cephalexin is safe, however this combination can cause and worsen unwanted side effects. (10) For this reason, some individuals may choose to avoid alcohol when taking Cephalexin.

Does Alcohol Affect the Absorption of Cephalexin?

The liver is an organ that metabolizes substances, such as alcohol and antibiotics. When an individual consumes alcohol, the liver prioritizes metabolizing it. Animal research studies involving alcohol and Cephalexin have found that alcohol can interfere with the absorption of an antibiotic. (11) This research also found that alcohol may change how long it takes for Cephalexin to leave the body. (12) More research is needed in order to determine the complete impact that alcohol may have on the absorption of Cephalexin.

Can Drinking Alcohol While Taking Cephalexin Cause Adverse Side Effects?

Though drinking alcohol while taking Cephalexin does not cause any dangerous interactions, it can cause adverse side effects.

Adverse side effects associated with combining alcohol and Cephalexin use include: (13)

• Stomach pain
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Are There Potentially Dangerous Side Effects of Mixing the Two?

Many individuals believe that all antibiotics can cause dangerous side effects if combined with alcohol. Though this is true for other antibiotics, such as Tinidazole or Metronidazole, it is not for Cephalexin. Though it may not be dangerous to combine the two, many individuals report that taking Cephalexin and alcohol together may worsen the negative effects associated with alcohol use. (14)

Does Alcohol Inhibit the Effectiveness of Antibiotics?

Depending on the antibiotic, mixing moderate levels of alcohol may not lower the effectiveness of the antibiotic. (15) However, combining alcohol and antibiotics can cause negative side effects, and interfere with the body’s natural ability to heal.

Alcohol, Immune System Suppression, & Infections

Alcohol is known to impact the immune system. The immune system helps fight off infections in the body. Drinking alcohol while fighting off an infection can lead to poor hydration, stomach pain, and poor sleep quality. (16) These can cause a decrease in one’s immune system response. If an individual’s immune system is impaired, it can increase their chances of developing a more severe infection.

Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol While Taking Any Antibiotics?

It is important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing alcohol with any antibiotic. Some antibiotics may lead to dangerous effects of the liver, and alcohol use must cease days before these antibiotics are started. (17) Alcohol can also impact how some antibiotics are broken down and eliminated from the body.

Common interactions that may occur when mixing alcohol and certain antibiotics include: (18)

• Disulfiram-like reactions – Difficulty breathing, chest pain, fast heart rate, skin flushing, vomiting)
• Central nervous system (CNS) side effects – Drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, confusion
• Cirrhosis – Damage of the liver involving fever, chills, joint pain, unusual bleeding, fatigue, nausea, dark urine, pale stools, jaundice.

Dangers of Abruptly Stopping Alcohol Use

Those who have been prescribed Cephalexin, or other antibiotics, may choose to stop or avoid all alcohol use. Depending on how often an individual engages in alcohol use, and how much they consume, it may be dangerous to abruptly stop alcohol use. Those who have developed tolerance, or the need to consume more alcohol in order to reach the desired effect, may need to attend a treatment facility that offers medical detox in order to safely stop alcohol use. At Guardian Recovery, we offer medication assisted treatment to help reduce withdrawal symptoms that may occur during the detoxification process.