Cephalexin with alcohol

Bacterial infections are treated by administering antibiotic medications. These meds can either block bacteria from growing or can kill them. But, members of this genre of drugs are not effective in treating viral or fungal infections. As the signs of microbial infections are broadly similar, it takes a medical expert’s advice to decide on which drugs to take. If you take antibiotics needlessly, microbes may develop resistance over a period of time. In this milieu, what is cephalexin? Can you use cephalexin with alcohol? It is worth your while to have more inputs.

There are many kinds of bacteria, and not all of them are harmful. It is only a small fraction of microbes that trigger infections. Your system itself is home to a large number of bacteria; for instance, your digestive tract has hundreds of strands present in it. Your body erects a natural form of defense. But, a few infection-causing strands know how to adapt themselves to these defensive actions.

A few bacterial strands attack your skin or epidermal membranes only. However, majority of microbes go deeper into your tissues as well as blood. Harmful bacteria remain as one of the leading causes for mortality among infants – especially in the developing nations. As per reliable secondary research, as many as 1 in 7.5 deaths are attributed to microbes like bacteria.

Of the many types of infections, commonly encountered conditions are UTI – Urinary Tract Infections, gastro-enteritis, pneumonia, meningitis, etc. Several forms of antibacterial drugs known as antibiotics are widely available.

What is cephalexin?

This is an antibiotic med administered for treating various types of infections bacteria cause. This med destroys a few strands of gram-negative microbes and most-types of gram-positive bacteria. Active compounds present in cephalexin destroy cellular walls and microbial membranes. In this process, this drug inhibits further growth of harmful bacteria. It is used for the treatment of UTI, infections of skin, bones and inner-ears. Similar to other forms of antibiotics, cephalexin is not administered for treating infections viruses trigger.

Cephalexin was under development since mid-60s. It hit the market first in late-1960s. Today, it is sold as a generic drug. As per listings of WHO – World Health Organisation, it is included as one of the essential drugs for mankind. Recent estimates indicate cephalexin being ranked among top-100 highly prescribed drugs in US. Number of prescriptions has crossed 7-million level. In Australia and Canada, it ranks among top-15 antibiotics.

Cephalexin interactions with alcohol

There are not many side effects of using cephalexin with alcohol, However, this med can aggravate a few adverse outcomes like dyspepsia, nausea  and discomforts in gastric tract. Also, not all users of cephalexin with alcohol reported severe side effects. It remains a fact antibiotic-drugs like tinidazole and metronidazole interact adversely when taken with alcohol.

Can you drink alcohol with cephalexin?

Most users of antibiotic-meds fear intake of alcohol may render drugs ineffective. Contrary to popular belief, it is not true with all antibiotic meds. Drugs like doxycycline are known to lose their efficacy with alcohol.

In this light, you are advised to tell your physician of your habits like use of alcohol on a daily basis. It is unsafe to take meds like cephalexin if you have a track-record of daily use of alcohol.  As a precautionary measure, this antibiotic drug is not prescribed to those living with hepatic conditions; especially conditions like hepatitis i.e., inflammation of your liver.

Those who witness a sizable drop in appetite, discolouration in skin or eyes and slowdown of metabolic function must inform their treating doctor of all such conditions. In general, those with signs of jaundice must stay away from this med. You are likely to encounter pains in tummy coupled with vomiting and diarrhea; these are considered as minor side effects of cephalexin. If they persist for long, seek medical assistance as quickly as you possibly can.

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.