If I take cefuroxime, can I drink alcohol? | Cefuroxime and alcohol – is that compatible?

If I take cefuroxime, can I drink alcohol?

The simultaneous intake of cefuroxime and alcohol is generally considered safe. This is independent of the amount and type of alcoholic beverage. A responsible use of alcohol should of course be observed, regardless of the simultaneous intake of cefuroxime.

This is especially true if the body has just overcome a bacterial infection or if a bacterial infection still prevails. For this reason, it is possible that although there is usually no danger when taking cefuroxime and alcohol at the same time, the attending physician may advise against alcohol consumption during the duration of therapy. This is mainly due to the fact that drinking alcohol during a prevailing bacterial infection is generally not recommended.

Frequent alcohol consumption weakens the immune system and thus the body even more. Since most of the bacteria in the intestine are also fought against in addition to the bacteria responsible for the inflammation, the intestinal flora is disturbed during antibiotic therapy. The intake of alcohol can be an additional burden on the intestine and is therefore not recommended. Side effects which occur more often due to the intake of antibiotics anyway, such as diarrhoea, can be intensified by the additional intake of alcohol.

Interactions

Interactions that occur when taking an antibiotic and alcohol at the same time are a widespread fear. Although some antibiotics can actually interact with alcohol, this is not the case with cefuroxime in particular. Nevertheless, interactions between cefuroxime and other drugs and substances, as well as side effects from the intake of alcohol, can occur.

Especially if other antibiotics are taken at the same time, it should be checked whether there are any interactions. These can occur between the additional antibiotic and the alcohol taken, as well as with cefuroxime. Other antibiotics can, for example, worsen the effect of cefuroxime and should therefore not be taken at the same time as cefuroxime.

As some other medicines interact with alcohol, if you are taking different medicines, you should check each one for interaction with alcohol. A known side effect of taking cefuroxime and the so-called “contraceptive pill” at the same time is a possible worsening of the contraceptive effect. Therefore another method of contraception should be used in addition if necessary.

Side effects when taking blood thinners at the same time are also described. However, the simultaneous intake of alcohol does not play a role in these interactions. It is recommended to inform the treating physician about all substances and medications that are regularly taken in order to learn about possible interactions and to give the physician the possibility to use another medication with a more favourable interaction profile.