title: Cephalosporin induced disulfiram-like reaction: a retrospective review of 78 cases.
abstract: Concomitant ingestion of alcohol and cephalosporin may cause a disulfiram-like reaction; however its fatal outcomes are not commonly known. We retrospectively reviewed 78 patients who had cephalosporin induced disulfiram-like reaction (CIDLR). The patients who had a negative skin test to cephalosporin prior to intravenous antibiotics were included, and those who were allergic to either alcohol or antibiotics were excluded. The average age of 78 patients was 37.8±12.2 (21-60) years. Of the 78 patients, 93.58% of the patients were males, 70.51% of the patients consumed alcohol after use of antibiotics, and 29.49% patients consumed alcohol initially, followed by intravenous antibiotics; however, no significant difference of morbidity was observed in these two groups. All patients were administered antibiotics intravenously. Five of 78 patients (6.41%) developed severe CIDLR too urgently to be rescued successfully. In conclusion, it is important for clinicians to educate patients that no alcohol should be used if one is taking cephalosporin. Also, clinicians should keep in mind that cephalosporin should not be prescribed for any alcoholics.
authors.affiliation: 1 Cardiovascular Center, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Shiyan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ren
authors.forename: Yuxia
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.forename: Xiuwei
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Shichen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jiao
authors.forename: Songyi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Qian
authors.forename: Peng
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D065086:Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061605:Administration, Intravenous; D000328:Adult; D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004221:Disulfiram / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D018565:Food-Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D065086:Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitors; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D004221:Disulfiram