Accidental alcohol ingestion triggering severe disulfiram-like reaction in a child receiving cefoperazone-sulbactam: a rare case report - Takeaways - MDSpire

Accidental alcohol ingestion triggering severe disulfiram-like reaction in a child receiving cefoperazone-sulbactam: a rare case report

  • By

  • Haini He

  • Min Peng

  • Xiaoliang Liu

  • Jiao Chen

  • Li Ma

  • June 17, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Disulfiram-like reactions (DLR) can occur in children treated with cefoperazone-sulbactam after alcohol exposure, despite being more common in adults.

  • 2

    A 4-year-old boy developed severe symptoms consistent with DLR after accidentally consuming alcohol while on cefoperazone-sulbactam.

  • 3

    Symptoms included rash, flushing, drowsiness, dyspnea, hypotension, and tachycardia, leading to a diagnosis of cephalosporin-induced disulfiram-like reaction.

  • 4

    The child was successfully treated with drug discontinuation, oxygen, fluid resuscitation, and dexamethasone, recovering fully within two days.

  • 5

    Clinicians should educate caregivers about avoiding alcohol during cefoperazone-sulbactam treatment to prevent potential life-threatening reactions.

Original Source(s)

Accidental alcohol ingestion triggering severe disulfiram-like reaction in a child receiving cefoperazone-sulbactam: a rare case report

  • by Haini He, Min Peng, Xiaoliang Liu, Jiao Chen, Li Ma

  • June 17, 2026

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