{"id":54744,"date":"2022-11-04T09:30:29","date_gmt":"2022-11-04T13:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=54744"},"modified":"2024-10-25T11:04:15","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T15:04:15","slug":"cephalexin-and-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cephalexin-and-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you drink while taking cephalexin?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cephalexin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used to treat a variety of infections. A healthcare provider may prescribe cephalexin if you have an infection of the middle ear, respiratory tract, skin, bone, or urinary tract. Cephalexin is a relatively safe antibiotic that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK549780\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">causes fewer side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and is involved with fewer drug interactions than other antibiotics and meds. But what about mixing cephalexin and alcohol?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":6849,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":2,\"12\":0,\"14\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":0},\"15\":\"Arial\"}' data-sheets-formula=\"=CONCATENATE(R[0]C[-2],R[0]C[-3],R[0]C[-1])\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although drinking alcohol in moderation is unlikely to cause harm with cephalexin, you may want to consider holding off on taking cephalexin with alcohol. The side effects of alcohol and cephalexin can overlap. Because alcohol can also interfere with the immune system, you may want to abstain from alcohol until after your treatment course has finished.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/finish-antibiotics\/\"><b>What happens if you don&rsquo;t finish antibiotics?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-cephalexin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is cephalexin?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cephalexin\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cephalexin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a generic antibiotic known by the brand name Keflex. It is classified as a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/cephalosporins\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cephalosporin antibiotic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; it works by blocking the ability of bacteria to create a cell wall. The cell wall is a key part of the bacterial cell structure. Without it, the bacteria are unable to grow and survive.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cephalexin can be taken as an oral capsule, tablet, or liquid suspension. It is approved to treat adults and children older than 1. Cephalexin is usually taken every six hours, although it may be prescribed to be taken every 12 hours. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cephalexin\/dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">actual dosage varies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> based on the age of the person and the infection being treated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The usual course of treatment with cephalexin is around seven to 14 days.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cephalexin can treat a range of different bacterial infections, including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/uti-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">urinary tract infections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (UTI), respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/ear-infection-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ear infections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, it should only be used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It is not effective for fungal or viral infections. The strains of bacteria cephalexin is effective against include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Streptococcus pneumoniae&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Streptococcus pyogenes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Haemophilus influenzae<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staphylococcus aureus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moraxella catarrhalis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escherichia coli<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proteus mirabilis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Klebsiella pneumoniae<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"does-cephalexin-interact-with-alcohol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does cephalexin interact with alcohol?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2018\/050405s108lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">official FDA label<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there are no cephalexin interactions with alcohol. In other words, drinking alcohol should not affect how cephalexin works and how effective it is for treating a bacterial infection.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still, people can respond to cephalexin, alcohol, or both in different ways. Healthcare providers usually suggest waiting until treatment is completed to drink alcohol. Otherwise, there is a possibility that cephalexin and alcohol can lead to unwanted side effects. Cephalexin and alcohol cause similar side effects that may be worsened when the medication and alcohol are combined.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mixup_Chart_110422.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mixup_Chart_110422.png\" alt=\"cephalexin and alcohol chart\" width=\"1920\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mixup_Chart_110422.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mixup_Chart_110422-300x141.png 300w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mixup_Chart_110422-1024x480.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mixup_Chart_110422-768x360.png 768w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mixup_Chart_110422-1536x720.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"side-effects-of-mixing-cephalexin-and-alcohol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects of mixing cephalexin and alcohol<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cephalexin-side-effects\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common side effects of cephalexin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indigestion (dyspepsia)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain or discomfort around the stomach region<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea is a common side effect of many antibiotics, including penicillins and fluoroquinolones. Severe diarrhea has been reported with cephalexin, however. The use of antibiotics like cephalexin can alter the bacterial flora of the gut and lead to an overgrowth of a bacteria called Clostridium difficile, which can lead to severe diarrhea. If you are concerned about diarrhea, ask a healthcare professional about taking a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/taking-probiotics-with-antibiotics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">probiotic supplement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other serious side effects of cephalexin include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hemolytic anemia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prolonged thrombin time (which may lead to an increased risk of bleeding)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although cephalexin is generally safe and effective <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/antibiotic-stewardship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when used correctly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, side effects are possible. In addition, stopping treatment with cephalexin too early or taking it incorrectly could lead to antibiotic resistance. If a person develops antibiotic resistance, a different antibiotic may be needed for a longer period of treatment.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol can also cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nm.org\/healthbeat\/healthy-tips\/alcohol-and-the-brain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adverse effects in the body<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood and behavioral changes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slurred speech<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blurred vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Problems with coordination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinking large amounts of alcohol, especially over a long period, may lead to more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/alcohols-effects-health\/alcohols-effects-body\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious adverse effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased risk of cancer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakened immune system<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combining cephalexin and alcohol could lead to worsened gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. In addition, cephalexin and alcohol both have blood thinning properties. Combining the two could pose a bleeding problem, especially if you have blood clotting issues and you take a blood thinner medication like warfarin.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because chronic alcohol consumption can also weaken the immune system, it&rsquo;s best to avoid alcohol while your body is fighting an infection. When your body is dealing with a bacterial infection, rest and staying hydrated with the right nutrients are important. Chronic alcohol use is linked to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5821259\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic sleep disturbances<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and overall low quality of sleep. People with alcohol use disorder are also known to experience <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubs.niaaa.nih.gov\/publications\/aa22.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vitamin and mineral deficiencies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Alcohol can disrupt the absorption of nutrients in the gut due to its effects on the liver, pancreas, and stomach lining.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mixing-antibiotics-like-cephalexin-with-alcohol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mixing antibiotics like cephalexin with alcohol<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disulfiram-like reactions have been reported in people combining antibiotics and alcohol. Disulfiram is a medication used to treat alcohol use disorder. Combining alcohol and disulfiram leads to a buildup of acetaldehyde, the toxic byproduct of alcohol. Symptoms of a disulfiram-like reaction include flushing, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and, in severe cases, death. The interaction between metronidazole and alcohol is widely discussed as the cause of unpleasant disulfiram-like side effects.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combining cephalosporins like cephalexin and alcohol has also been linked to disulfiram-like reactions. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3968840\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reviewed 78 patients who consumed alcohol before or after being administered an intravenous (IV) cephalosporin. Around 6% of the patients experienced a disulfiram-like reaction.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In that same study, researchers mentioned the effects of combining cephalexin and alcohol in rats, which may translate to similar effects in humans. After being given a combination of cephalexin and alcohol, the rats experienced different adverse effects in the kidneys and stomach. It was found that combining alcohol and cephalexin <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16145970\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">decreased the protective effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the lining of the stomach.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastritis, or the inflammation of the stomach lining, is a known <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK544250\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">complication of chronic alcohol use<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As a result, people with alcohol use disorder are at a high risk of experiencing gastritis. People with alcohol use disorder or gastritis may want to avoid taking cephalexin due to the possibility of worsened GI side effects, in addition to a potential disulfiram-like reaction.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-to-seek-medical-help\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to seek medical help<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are taking cephalexin for a bacterial infection and you&rsquo;re not feeling better after a few days of treatment, you may want to consult your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may recommend other treatment options. If you have drunk alcohol while on cephalexin treatment and you start to feel bad, you should also consult your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following after taking cephalexin alone or mixing it with alcohol:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the lips, eyes, mouth, or throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These signs and symptoms could indicate a serious allergic reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell your healthcare provider about other prescription drugs you may be taking. Cephalexin may interact with other drugs, leading to adverse reactions requiring medical attention.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line-can-you-drink-on-cephalexin-treatment\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line: Can you drink on cephalexin treatment?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have an occasional drink with cephalexin and remember to drink in moderation, you&rsquo;re unlikely to experience any severe adverse reactions. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/myhealthfinder\/health-conditions\/heart-health\/drink-alcohol-only-moderation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moderate consumption of alcohol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> involves drinking two drinks or less per day for men and one drink or less per day for women. If you want to be extra cautious, you should avoid drinking any alcohol during your course of treatment with cephalexin.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-happens-when-you-stop-drinking\/\"><b>What happens when you stop drinking?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, you may experience unpleasant side effects after taking cephalexin with alcohol, such as increased nausea, vomiting, and an upset stomach. If you have been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder or you drink heavily, you should tell your healthcare provider before starting treatment with cephalexin. Chronic, heavy alcohol use can lead to a weakened immune system, poor sleep, and poor nutrient absorption, which can all affect how your body fights an infection. In addition, combining alcohol and cephalexin may lead to an increased risk of bleeding and gastritis.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any questions or concerns about taking your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-do-antibiotics-work\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antibiotic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you should talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for medical advice. Whether it&rsquo;s about potential side effects, drug interactions, or other precautions, your healthcare team will be able to address any concerns you have.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cephalexin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used to treat a variety of infections. A healthcare provider may prescribe cephalexin if you have an infection of the middle ear, respiratory tract, skin, bone, or urinary tract. Cephalexin is a relatively safe antibiotic that causes fewer side effects and is involved with fewer drug interactions than other [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":54845,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[8742,715,8905],"coauthors":[8669],"class_list":["post-54744","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-alcohol-interactions","tag-antibiotics","tag-seasonal","franchise-the-mix-up","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Can you drink on cephalexin?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There are no known cephalexin interactions with alcohol, but drinking on antibiotics can worsen side 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