Cephalexin can you drink

This is a particular concern with alcoholics, who may also have impaired nutrition, which can make it harder to recover from infections.

The risks of combining cephalexin and alcohol are not so severe that patients should skip or reschedule doses if they have been drinking. Patients who drink heavily may want to consult their physicians about how to cut back or stop, as abrupt cessation can pose health risks in some cases.

Options can include supported outpatient treatment as well as time in an inpatient facility for monitoring and care while addressing alcohol dependence. Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a researcher and writer.

Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors. Mary McMahon. Mixing Adderall with alcohol is a dangerous practice. Find out how the combination can influence behavior and health and lead to alcohol poisoning.

Does drinking cranberry juice actually help treat UTIs or reduce your risk of getting one? This article separates the myths from the science. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm. Cephalexin and alcohol. Alcohol and UTIs. Talk with your doctor. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.

Should I Avoid Alcohol? Dangers of Mixing Adderall and Alcohol. People with a history of chronic alcohol consumption or liver problems should not use this type of medicine. As with other cephalosporins, the most common side effects of cephalexin are gastrointestinal problems, including:. Researchers estimate that 1—3 percent of people will develop a reaction to cephalosporins. The risk may be higher for people who are allergic to penicillin. The authors of one study advise that people with a known allergy to penicillin do not take any cephalosporins before undergoing tests.

These will involve taking a progressively increasing amount of one of these drugs to measure any possible reaction. In rare cases, a person may experience an extreme allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention.

Cephalexin is a common antibiotic that doctors prescribe for a range of bacterial infections. However, alternative antibiotics are available for people who are hypersensitive to cephalexin and other first-generation cephalosporins.

Individuals with a known allergy to penicillin are less likely to experience an allergic reaction to newer third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins, such as:. Although cephalexin and alcohol are safe to use in combination, people taking the antibiotic for an active urinary tract infection UTI may still benefit from avoiding alcohol altogether. Drinking alcohol tends to dehydrate the body, which may prolong bladder irritation. Drinking alcohol while experiencing a UTI increases the strain on the liver, which will already be working hard to overcome the infection.

Alcohol may also disrupt the immune system by disturbing sleep patterns and causing gastrointestinal symptoms. Each of these effects can impair the ability of the body to recover from infection, possibly prolonging recovery.

While it is safe to consume alcohol in moderation while taking cephalexin, the two substances can cause similar side effects.

Taking them in combination may make these side effects worse. For people who have an active UTI, alcohol may increase irritation and potentially extend recovery time. However, it is usually best for people who are feeling unwell to abstain from alcohol or limit their intake to allow their body to rest.