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Mixing Alcohol and Cephalexin?

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The amount of individuals who are impacted by the public health concern caused by substance use continues to grow throughout the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 40 million individuals were diagnosed with at least one substance use disorder in 2020. (1) In 2021, 61.2 million individuals reported that they engaged in some form of substance use. (2) That same year, 46.3 million individuals were diagnosed with a substance use disorder. (3) Of those meeting the diagnostic criterion for a substance use disorder, approximately 29.5 million individuals were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. (4)

Those who engage in alcohol use may not be aware that mixing alcohol with antibiotics can lead to serious adverse side effects. If you have been prescribed an antibiotic, such as Cephalexin, it may be beneficial to avoid all alcohol use. This may be difficult if an individual engages in alcohol use chronically.

At Guardian Recovery, we offer evidence-based treatment options for those experiencing alcohol and other substance misuse. With alcohol specific detoxification services, you or a loved one can begin the initial steps of sobriety under the medical supervision of our trained staff and clinicians. Providing psychoeducation and therapeutic interventions, we allow those attending our modern style treatment facilities the opportunity to develop adaptive coping techniques. Contact us today to learn more and to start the road to recovery.

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What Is Cephalexin & What Does It Treat?

Cephalexin is an antibiotic that works by fighting off bacteria in the body. It is a part of the antibiotic class known as cephalosporins. (5)

Cephalexin is used to help treat the following bacterial infections: (6)

  • Ear infections
  • Skin infections
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Bone infections
  • Urinary tract infections

Cephalexin can be used in individuals 1 years of age or older. Cephalexin can be taken orally in the form of a tablet, capsule, or a liquid. (7) When taken orally, a dosing syringe is provided. It is important that Cephalexin is used for the full length prescribed by a doctor, even if symptoms improve in order not to impact the treatment.

Common Side Effects Caused by Cephalexin

Just like any medication, Cephalexin may cause some side effects.

Common side effects associated with Cephalexin use include: (8)

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Indigestion
  • Stomach pain
  • Vaginal itching and/or discharge

Less common side effects may occur when taking Cephalexin.

Contact a doctor if the following severe symptoms occur following Cephalexin use: (9)

  • Severe stomach pain
  • Bloody or watery stools
  • Lightheadedness
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Easy bruising
  • Seizures
  • Pale or yellow skin
  • Fever
  • Dark colored urine
  • Painful urination
  • Pain the lower back

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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.

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If you or someone you love are finding it difficult to control, cut back, or stop alcohol use when taking an antibiotic, alcohol use disorder may be present. At Guardian Recovery, we offer comprehensive and individualized treatment plans for those seeking recovery. We will provide you, or a loved one, with a complimentary, initial assessment in order to properly diagnose and create a treatment plan. One of our Treatment Advisors is ready to speak with you and guide you through our simple admissions process. A free, no obligation insurance benefits check can be provided upon your request in order to determine which of our services is covered by your health insurance plan. Contact us today to start your wellness and recovery journey.

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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.

  1. https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2022/12/most-reported-substance-use-among-adolescents-held-steady-in-2022
  2. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/01/04/samhsa-announces-national-survey-drug-use-health-results-detailing-mental-illness-substance-use-levels-2021.html
  3. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/01/04/samhsa-announces-national-survey-drug-use-health-results-detailing-mental-illness-substance-use-levels-2021.html
  4. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/01/04/samhsa-announces-national-survey-drug-use-health-results-detailing-mental-illness-substance-use-levels-2021.html
  5. https://www.drugs.com/cephalexin.html
  6. https://www.drugs.com/cephalexin.html
  7. https://www.drugs.com/cephalexin.html
  8. https://www.drugs.com/cephalexin.html
  9. https://www.drugs.com/cephalexin.html
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7038249/
  11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1941538/
  12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1941538/
  13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549780/
  14. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322730
  15. https://www.drugs.com/article/antibiotics-and-alcohol.html

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Reviewed professionally for accuracy by:

Ryan Soave

L.M.H.C.

Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.

Written by:

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Cayla Clark

Cayla Clark grew up in Santa Barbara, CA and graduated from UCLA with a degree in playwriting. Since then she has been writing on addiction recovery and psychology full-time, and has found a home as part of the Guardian Recovery team.

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The information provided on this website is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. Guardian Recovery aims to improve the quality of life for individuals struggling with substance use or mental health disorders by offering fact-based content about behavioral health conditions, treatment options, and related outcomes. However, this information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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