Cipro and Alcohol
There are a number of things that can cause an adverse reaction to Cipro, and one of these substances is alcohol. Not everyone will develop a problem when these two items are mixed; however, it should be avoided if possible so the medication can provide maximum effectiveness.
Medication Absorption
When Cipro and alcohol are consumed together, this can affect how the medication is absorbed by the blood stream. This may not be a problem if alcohol is consumed in moderation; however, when large amounts of alcohol are used it might reduce the effectiveness of this drug.
Most doctors recommend that patients do not consume more than two drinks per day while taking Cipro. This should be light beverages such as beer or wine rather than hard liquor since these substances have a greater volume of alcohol in them.
Drowsiness or Dizziness
Two common side effects of Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) are drowsiness and dizziness. These side effects may be intensified when alcohol is used with this medication. This can be dangerous, since patients may fall into a deep slumber that could be difficult to wake up from. They might also be more prone to falls or accidents if dizziness is magnified. Those who operate machinery could find themselves at a greater risk for injury than they might otherwise be if they did not consume Cipro and alcohol together.
Signs of Overdose
A patient who has consumed too much alcohol while on Cipro may experience serious consequences from doing so. He or she may have seizures, extreme vomiting, or difficult and painful urination. In some cases, the lips may turn blue and the skin may feel cold and clammy. Patients may also be lethargic or unresponsive to sound or light, making it impossible for them to communicate what has happened to family and friends.
Self Treatment Options
Many times, people who have consumed too much alcohol while on Cipro will resolve this situation on their own by continuous vomiting. This is one of the best ways to rid the body of high levels of alcohol that are causing an adverse reaction to this medication. If possible, water or club soda can be given to the patient to help prevent them from dehydrating during this process. Most of the time, the patient will be able to purge this powerful combination of medicine and alcohol from their system in only a couple of hours.
When to Obtain Medical Intervention
In severe cases, patients should be taken to a medical treatment facility rather than trying to handle this situation at home. If an individual experiences seizures, heart palpitations, or passes out after consuming Cipro and alcohol, they should be taken to the hospital as soon as possible. That way, medical professionals can pump the stomach if necessary and administer the proper remedies to prevent shock or even death.
Even if a patient has successfully used Cipro and alcohol in the past, an adverse reaction could still occur. When taking this antibiotic, it’s best to use reasonable caution and abstain from any type of alcohol for the duration of the treatment.
