Cefuroxime and alcohol - are they compatible?

definition

Cefuroxim is a drug that belongs to the 2nd generation cephalosporins group. It is one of the so-called beta-lactam antibiotics. Cefuroxime is used in the treatment of bacterial infections and fights bacteria by preventing the cell wall from building up as they divide.
It is a very potent broad-spectrum antibiotic and is effective against many different pathogens. The drug can be administered either orally as a tablet or parenterally in a solution for infusion. Cefuroxime is excreted in unchanged form via the kidneys.

Antibiotics and alcohol

With the use of modern antibiotics, bacterial inflammation can be relieved of symptoms within a few days.
In order to avoid the development of resistant bacterial strains and to really eliminate all bacteria that are responsible for the inflammation, an antibiotic usually has to be taken beyond the symptom-free.
During this period in particular, many people wonder whether taking alcohol and taking an antibiotic at the same time have negative effects on their body. There is often the opinion that taking antibiotics and alcohol at the same time is generally not allowed. However, with a few exceptions, there is generally no ban.

Cefuroxim is an antibiotic which belongs to the group of so-called cephalosporins of the second generation. It is one of the most widely prescribed so-called broad spectrum antibiotics and is used particularly against infections of the respiratory tract and meningitis. In a colloquially often called blood poisoning (sepsis) called infection, the drug helps treat the disease. It is also widely used for bacterial inflammation of the skin.

Interactions that result from taking cefuroxime together with alcohol are not described. From a medical point of view, alcohol consumption may be advised against, as this does not make sense after a severe bacterial infection, but strong side effects from the simultaneous intake of cefuroxime are not to be feared.

However, it should be noted that not every antibiotic can be safely taken with alcohol. Some other antibiotics can have significant interactions and side effects when they are taken with alcohol. It is therefore always important to pay attention to all medication that is being taken.

Side effects

The direct consequences of taking Cefuroxime and alcohol are no different from taking just one of these substances at a time.

Interactions that would, for example, increase the effect of alcohol on the body are not described and do not occur when cefuroxime and alcohol are taken at the same time. Side effects like dizziness and a headache such as nausea and Vomit are common undesirable consequences of taking cefuroxime and cannot be associated with concomitant use of alcohol.
In addition, step allergic reaction on which by severe skin reactions (Eczema) are noticeable and are also triggered solely by the intolerance to the drug and not influenced by the consumption of alcohol.

Can I drink alcohol while taking cefuroxime?

The simultaneous use of cefuroxime and alcohol is generally considered safe.
This is independent of the amount and type of alcoholic drink. Responsible use of alcohol should of course be observed, regardless of whether or not you are also taking cefuroxime. This is especially true if the body has just overcome a bacterial infection or a bacterial infection is still prevalent.

For this reason, although there is usually no danger when taking cefuroxime and alcohol at the same time, the attending physician advises against alcohol consumption during the duration of therapy. This is mainly due to the fact that drinking alcohol is generally not recommended during a prevalent bacterial infection.

Frequent alcohol consumption weakens the immune system and thus the body even more. Since most of the bacteria in the intestine are combated in addition to the bacteria that are responsible for the inflammation, the intestinal flora is disturbed during antibiotic therapy.
Consumption of alcohol can put additional strain on the intestines, which is why it is not recommended. Side effects that occur more often after taking the antibiotic, such as diarrhea, can be aggravated by the additional intake of alcohol.

Interactions

Interactions caused by the simultaneous ingestion of an ingested Antibiotic and alcohol emergence is a common fear. Although some antibiotics can actually interact with alcohol, this is particularly not the case with cefuroxime.

However, interactions between cefuroxime and other drugs and substances as well as side effects from the consumption of alcohol can occur. Especially when taken at the same time other antibiotics It should be checked whether there are interactions.
On the one hand, these can occur between the additional antibiotic and the ingested alcohol, as well as with cefuroxime.
For example, other antibiotics can reduce the effects of cefuroxime worsen and should therefore not be taken at the same time. Since some other drugs interact with alcohol, each drug should be checked for interactions with alcohol when taking different drugs.

A known side effect that occurs when taking cefuroxime and the as "Birth control pills" Running out of the designated drug is a possible worsening of the contraceptive drug. Another contraceptive method should therefore be used if necessary. Also side effects when taking blood thinner are described. However, simultaneous consumption of alcohol does not play a role in these interactions.

It is recommended to inform the attending physician of all substances and medications that are taken regularly in order to find out about possible interactions and to give the physician the opportunity to use another medication which has a more favorable interaction profile.