Many people may not realize that combining certain medications with alcohol can pose serious health risks. Let’s take a closer look at seven common types of medications that should never be mixed with alcohol.

1. Cephalosporins + Alcohol: Risk of Acute Toxic Reaction

Many know that alcohol and medications don’t always mix—but with cephalosporin antibiotics, the danger is especially serious. These drugs can interfere with the breakdown of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol. This leads to acetaldehyde buildup in the body, triggering facial flushing, headaches, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, life-threatening shock.

Wait at least 3 days after drinking alcohol before starting cephalosporin treatment.

Refrain from consuming alcohol for a full week after your last dose of cephalosporins.

Steer clear of alcohol-containing items like liquor-filled chocolates, traditional remedies with alcohol, and even alcohol wipes.

Similar drugs such as metronidazole and tinidazole (often used for dental or gynecological infections) may cause similar reactions.

2. Fever Reducers + Alcohol: A Dangerous Combo for Your Liver

Fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen are household staples, but when combined with alcohol, they can severely stress the liver. Both are metabolized by the liver, and taking them together increases the risk of liver damage.

Common examples: Tylenol, Ibuprofen, 999 Cold Remedy, Panadol.

3. Blood Pressure Medication + Alcohol: Risk of Low Blood Pressure and Shock

Alcohol dilates blood vessels—so do blood pressure medications. When taken together, blood pressure may drop too low, leading to dizziness, fainting, or even shock.

Common examples: Nifedipine, Irbesartan, Hydrochlorothiazide.

4. Aspirin + Alcohol: Watch Out for Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Aspirin is commonly taken to reduce inflammation and prevent blood clots. However, it can irritate the stomach lining. When combined with alcohol, this effect intensifies, significantly increasing the risk of gastric bleeding or ulcers.

5. Sleeping Pills or Painkillers + Alcohol: Central Nervous System Depression

Sedatives like diazepam and opioids like morphine depress the central nervous system. When mixed with alcohol, the sedative effects are magnified, which can cause extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, unconsciousness—or even death.

6. Anti-Seizure Medications + Alcohol: Seizure Risk

Alcohol interferes with how anti-epileptic drugs work and can directly trigger seizures. These medications require steady blood levels to be effective, and alcohol disrupts that balance, putting patients at serious risk.

7. Diabetes Medications + Alcohol: Risk of Hypoglycemic Coma

Alcohol can disrupt the normal function of blood sugar-lowering drugs, especially sulfonylureas like glibenclamide, leading to dangerously low blood sugar. Symptoms include sweating, tremors, palpitations, and in severe cases, coma or even death.

How to Stay Safe？

1. Always read the medication leaflet

Check the "Warnings" or "Drug Interactions" section before taking any medicine. If it says "Do not drink alcohol," take it seriously.

2. Don’t drink immediately after stopping medication

Some drugs remain in your system even after you stop taking them. For example, after discontinuing cephalosporins, you should still avoid alcohol for at least 7 days.

3. Beware of hidden alcohol sources

Alcohol isn’t limited to wine and beer. Watch out for:

Cooking wine

Cough syrups with alcohol (e.g., compound licorice syrup)

Medicinal alcohol products like ginseng wine or deer antler tincture

What If You Accidentally Mix Alcohol and Medication?

If you’ve consumed alcohol while on medication and experience symptoms like facial flushing, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty breathing:

Seek emergency help immediately. Tell medical personnel what medication you took and how much alcohol you consumed.

Lie on your side, not on your back, in case of vomiting to prevent aspiration.

In summary

Alcohol and medication can be a dangerous combination—sometimes fatally so. For your health and safety, avoid drinking while taking any of the medications listed above. Follow medical instructions carefully, and be aware of both obvious and hidden sources of alcohol to prevent harmful interactions.