Infectious conditions caused by onset of bacterial strands can be of multiple types. Drugs are widely available to arrest further growth and spread of such strands. Drugs used in this light are grouped under a genre known as antibiotic meds. Of this family of meds, cephalosporin-based antibiotic drugs are a popular sub-category. Cephalexin is a commonly used med under this sub-category. If you have regular drinking habits, you need to know what happens if you take cephalexin and alcohol? It is essential to know about likely interactions, if any – in greater detail.
Administration of antibiotic meds is known to stop infections triggered by different forms of bacteria. As signs of bacterial infections are almost the same as viral infections, taking needful advice from a qualified caregiver becomes important. Also, when you take antibiotic drugs when there is no bacterial infection can render these drugs powerless. Over a period of time, microbes tend to turn resistant to these drugs forever. You also need to know that intake of antibiotics may yield nil outcomes on conditions caused by microbes like yeas or virus.
In this milieu, what is cephalexin?
This med is a very commonly administered antibiotic medication. Caregivers prescribe it to treat infections triggered by strands of bacteria in the gastric channel, middle-ear, urinary tract, among other sites. Key chemicals of cephalexin aim at attacking the inner membranes of bacteria.
Once the inner cell linings are under siege, odds of survival of microbes are quite slim. As decimating properties of cephalexin takes effect, this soon leads to destroying an entire colony of invading microbes.
But, no two person who are down with a bacterial infection are known to have a similar signs. Hence, it is very unlikely for your medication plan to resemble another person’s treatment. Your dosage plan is influenced by severity of the infections, your age, weight, prior episodes of infections, etc.
Though cephalexin is available in many forms, its tablet version is quite a popular one. It is taken through the oral route. You can get it in various strength, ranging from 250 to 750 milligrams (mg).
Cephalexin and alcohol
In general, alcohol is not known to adversely interact with drugs like cephalexin. However, intake of cephalexin and alcohol may worsen adverse effects such as dizziness, nausea, being dizzy, etc. You must remember that alcohol may also interfere with the natural healing capabilities of your system.
It is a good practice to stop drinking while using cephalexin. Better still, you can restart drinking after a few days after the last dose of this antibiotic med. Such practices will ensure all residue of the drug to get flushed away, with no apparent risks of undesired outcomes.
Safety measures to be taken before starting to use cephalexin
Those who have experienced prior episodes of allergies or hypersensitivity to cephalosporin-based antibiotic medications must inform your doctor of such earlier spells. Moreover, if your current medication involves the intake of other forms of antibiotic drugs, it is highly recommended to tell the physician about these meds, their strengths and the reasons why you are taking them.
Like other forms of cephalosporin-based meds, cephalexin may also trigger some adverse effects. Most common among such side effects are: indigestion, discharge of loose stools, vomiting and nausea. In a few remote instances, people who took cephalexin noticed an unusual discharge from their vagina.
The good news is many of the aforesaid adverse effects of cephalexin may to disappear as your body gets familiar with this med. However, upon witnessing one or more of these adverse effects to last long i.e., for more than 4 days, speak to your caregiver without delay. In US, you can reach out to 911. In Canada, you can seek assistance on an emergency mode from a poison control unit.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.