“One will die as soon as he takes cephalosporins and alcohol simultaneously”, which is a vivid description of the risks of drinking alcohol after taking cephalosporin drugs in the Chinese folk.
Why is there such a high risk and harm when taking cephalosporin drugs and alcoholic beverages simultaneously? We interviewed Huang Liangjiu, director of the Clinical Pharmacy Department of Hainan Cancer Hospital and Hainan Chengmei Hospital.
According to Huang Liangjius introduction, cephalosporin drugs are not only a commonly used antibiotic drug, but also a bactericide, which is widely used in daily clinical treatment and has high practical value in clinical practice.
Why is it harmful when taking cephalosporins and alcohol simultaneously?
Huang Liangjiu says that there is a disulfiram-like reaction between cephalosporins and alcohol. Thats because cephalosporins contain a chemical group called β-lactam ring and alcohol contains an alcohol dehydrogenase.
Alcohol dehydrogenase can oxidize β-lactam ring in cephalosporin drugs when human body takes cephalosporin drugs and alcohol simultaneously, which will cause ring fracture. The intermediate product resulting from the ring fracture is called "disulfiram", which is a highly active compound. Disulfiram can react with acetaldehyde dehydrogenase in body, generating acetaldehyde.
As we know, acetaldehyde is a toxic substance, which can cause a series of adverse reactions.
What risks may occur if one takes cephalosporins and alcohol simultaneously?
"It will lead to severe anaphylactic shock once harm caused by cephalosporins and alcohol occurs." Huang Liangjiu repeatedly stresses, "The harm is very serious, and even directly leads to the risk of death."
Its risks include:
The first is high fever. Disulfiram-like reaction can cause hyperthermia, with body temperature rising above 40 ℃.
The second is consciousness disorder. Patients may have some symptoms such as disturbance of consciousness, somnolence, unconsciousness, etc.
The third is muscle stiffness. It can cause muscle rigidity, which causes patients muscle to become rigid, especially in neck and tongue.
The fourth is dysfunction of autonomic nerve. This reaction can lead to an increase or decrease in blood pressure, fast or irregular heart rate, and even cardiac arrest.
The fifth is dyspnea. Patients may have some symptoms such as shortness of breath, dyspnea, etc.
The sixth is headache and dizziness. Disulfiram-like reaction may cause severe headache and dizziness.
The seventh is seizure. Patients may have some symptoms of seizures, such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, etc.
The eighth is psychological symptoms. Disulfiram-like reaction may also lead to aggravation of psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, hallucination, delusion, etc.
How long can one drink alcohol after taking cephalosporins?
How long can one drink alcohol after taking cephalosporins? Some believe it takes 24 hours, some believe it takes 36 hours, and there are many different opinions.
So how long can one drink alcohol after taking cephalosporins?
According to Huang Liangjius introduction, cephalosporin drugs are usually metabolized for 2 to 3 days. Therefore, the above views are definitely wrong.
Due to differences in individual metabolism, there is a relatively recognized safety consensus that one should discontinue medication for one week before drinking alcohol.
Similarly, alcohol has a metabolic process. As a result, one should also take one week after drinking alcohol before taking cephalosporin drugs.
Remember: 7 days!
What do we do if cephalosporin-alcohol reaction occurs?
Huang Liangjiu warns, firstly, stop drinking alcohol immediately in order to prevent further reactions. In the meantime, it is necessary to promptly induce vomiting to reduce the absorption of alcohol in blood, thereby reducing the harm of disulfiram-like reactions; Secondly, drink plenty of water. Drinking enough water helps dilute the concentration of drugs and alcohol, and helps body clear up them more quickly through excretion.
The general principle is, one should go to the doctor as soon as possible once he has an adverse reaction of cephalosporins and alcohol, and seek professional help and guidance in order to prevent and minimize safety risks.
Huang Liangjiu emphasizes, it is important to note that disulfiram-like reaction can be triggered not only by alcohol, but also by alcohol-based beverages, oral medications, cosmetics, personal care products, etc. Therefore, patients should avoid drinking alcohol or taking alcohol-based products during the administration of cephalosporin drugs in order to prevent adverse reactions.
Huang Liangjiu specifically warns, people cant help but drink when getting together with friends and family during the Spring Festival. During this season, people are prone to have gastrointestinal and respiratory infections due to diet and climate and may need to take cephalosporin drugs for treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to respond more cautiously.
Warning from experts
Article/Liang Shan