Can you drink alcohol with tetanus?

Written by Li Jin Quan

General Surgery

Updated on March 18, 2025

00:00

00:00

Tetanus is a specific infection caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani entering the body through damaged skin and mucous membranes. The onset of tetanus is due to the absorption of the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani in the bloodstream. Drinking alcohol at this time can lead to vasodilation and enhanced blood circulation, which can facilitate the absorption of the toxin. The increased speed and amount of toxin absorption can exacerbate the symptoms of tetanus. Therefore, it is advisable not to drink alcohol with tetanus.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Gao Jun

Emergency Surgery

55sec

home-news-image

Initial symptoms of tetanus

The bacterium that causes tetanus is Clostridium tetani, which is an anaerobic bacterium. If the wound is deep and enclosed in an environment lacking oxygen, it creates a suitable environment for the growth and reproduction of Clostridium tetani. Its incubation period is generally around one week. Early symptoms may include general fatigue, localized muscle tension, and uncontrollable spasms. The first muscles affected are usually the facial chewing muscles, and it can then progress to intense, spasmodic contractions of muscles throughout the body, and even cause fractures. Mild stimuli such as light, sound, or drinking water can trigger and worsen these symptoms, somewhat similar to rabies. However, a characteristic feature of tetanus is that the patient remains mentally clear. Most patients may die from respiratory spasms leading to asphyxiation, heart failure, or lung infections.

home-news-image

Written by Li Xiao Lin

Emergency Department

58sec

home-news-image

How to treat mild tetanus?

The treatment for mild tetanus mainly includes the following aspects: First, to control convulsions, diazepam or midazolam can be administered via muscle injection or intravenous injection. If necessary, phenytoin sodium can be combined to control seizures. If the convulsions last a long time and the symptoms are pronounced, sedative medications can be continuously used to control the convulsions. Second, use large amounts of penicillin and anti-tetanus bacillus treatment to control the infection. Third, maintain a quiet indoor environment to reduce stimuli. Fourth, after the patient regains consciousness, attention should be paid to diet: avoid spicy and stimulating foods, do not smoke or drink alcohol, and it is advised to drink more water and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

home-news-image

Written by Ai Bing Quan

General Surgery

57sec

home-news-image

How to treat tetanus?

Generally speaking, a tetanus shot needs to be administered intramuscularly, but a skin test must be conducted before injection because tetanus vaccines can easily cause allergic reactions. The skin test usually involves a subcutaneous injection on the palm side of the forearm, followed by an observation period of 15 to 20 minutes. If there is no redness or itching, and the skin test is negative, then the vaccine can be administered intramuscularly, usually in the buttock. However, if the skin test is positive, as indicated by symptoms like redness, significant itching, or even systemic symptoms such as dizziness and cold sweats, it shows that the skin test for tetanus is positive. In this case, one can opt for a desensitization injection of diluted tetanus vaccine, followed by intramuscular injections four times, once every half hour, needing about two hours to complete.

home-news-image

Written by Gao Tian

General Surgery

41sec

home-news-image

Where can you get a tetanus shot?

General hospitals or surgical clinics are suitable; first and foremost, tetanus vaccines are for the prevention of tetanus, especially for deep wounds. Therefore, once an injury occurs, it is advised to visit a surgical clinic promptly to complete relevant examinations and undergo wound cleaning and disinfection. If necessary, oral antibiotics such as cephalosporins should be taken. Additionally, a tetanus vaccine must be administered within 24 hours to prevent tetanus. Afterwards, rest and proper diet are important; avoid spicy and irritating foods, consume high-protein foods, and ensure regular follow-up examinations.

home-news-image

Written by Xu Jun Hui

General Surgery

50sec

home-news-image

How many days after a tetanus shot should you not drink alcohol?

Tetanus injections are divided into tetanus toxoid, which requires a skin test, and tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test. It is advised not to drink alcohol before receiving a tetanus toxoid injection, as alcohol can cause dilation of the capillaries throughout the body, leading to flushed skin, which can affect the outcome of the skin test and result in false positive or false negative results, impacting treatment. Wounds requiring tetanus injections are generally either very deep, severely contaminated, or involve an open fracture, typically indicating a severe wound. It is advised not to consume alcohol during the wound healing period to avoid delaying recovery. Therefore, alcohol should be avoided for 24 hours before the tetanus shot and during the subsequent recovery period of the wound.