Metronidazole, commonly referred to by its brand name Flagyl, is an antibiotic prescribed to fight infections throughout the body. When taken with alcohol it may lead to a disulfiram-like reaction which should be avoided as this could trigger adverse side effects such as disulfiram withdrawal symptoms.
This reaction resembles that experienced when drinking alcohol while on disulfiram (Antabuse), with unpleasant symptoms including nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, flushing and headache being reported by some users.
Metronidazole and Alcohol
Interactions
Metronidazole, under the brand name Flagyl, is an antibiotic designed to fight infections throughout the body. Most commonly taken orally as tablets orally; it may also be taken vaginally suppositories or topically to treat skin or colon infections. Metronidazole should never be mixed with alcohol as this could result in serious and life-threatening side effects.
Metronidazole may cause an adverse disulfiram-like reaction when taken with alcohol, similar to what occurs if one drinks while taking disulfiram (Antabuse).
Metronidazole can cause severe stomach pain, facial flushing, vomiting and nausea if taken improperly. People taking Metronidazole should refrain from drinking alcohol-containing beverages for three days after stopping taking this medication; this includes both prescription and over the counter medicines as well as certain foods containing alcohol.
Certain health conditions may impede its removal quickly from the body requiring even greater caution to ensure it leaves safely.
Risks
Metronidazole, commonly referred to by its brand name Flagyl, interacts negatively with alcohol consumption and can produce unpleasant side effects that doctors advise their patients against drinking while on this antibiotic medication.
Drinking alcohol while taking this drug may produce an unexpected disulfiram-like reaction that mimics chronic alcoholism, including flushed faces, an elevated heart rate, nausea and vomiting, headaches and other symptoms resembling severe hangover.
Avoid alcohol while on this medication to prevent disulfiram-like reactions that can linger up to three days post treatment, and for at least ten days post completion of your course of antibiotics to ensure all metronidazole has been eliminated from your system.
While other antibiotics may offer options as alternatives for your infection, always consult your physician first before changing antibiotic treatments.
Precautions
Metronidazole can cause an upset stomach and vomiting, worsened by alcohol consumption during treatment. Furthermore, taking over-the-counter medicines with alcohol such as Nyquil or Robitussin could further exacerbate symptoms.
If you do take these products, make sure that you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration. If your mouth and throat become dry during treatment, use a humidifier or chew gum as necessary to alleviate the problem.
Do not miss any doses of metronidazole; otherwise, your medication could become ineffective and you risk forgetting it altogether. Be sure to carry the tablet or pill with you at all times so it does not go unused.
Discuss other medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and supplements, with your physician, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also important to let them know if this medicine passes into breastmilk so it is wise to discuss possible risks with them prior to breastfeeding while on this medication.
Overdose
Metronidazole interacts with alcohol to produce unpleasant side effects like flushing, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
It blocks acetaldehyde production to toxic levels in the body affecting nerves and liver function – this drug also has disulfiram-like interactions with certain drugs like sulfonamides, nitrofurantoin and chloramphenicol that may produce similar side effects.
As it crosses the placenta and can be excreted into breast milk, this medication should not be taken by mothers who are breastfeeding. As it could affect blood tests, be sure to inform both your physician and any laboratory workers of your use of this medicine.
Alcohol or products containing alcohol should be avoided while taking metronidazole, and for at least three days post-dose.
Doing so could exacerbate side effects and increase your risk of a yeast infection, so take the medication exactly as your veterinarian prescribes; if you miss a dose simply make up that dose at its scheduled time.
Are There Any Other Medications That Should Not Be Taken With Alcohol
It’s important to be aware of several medications that should not be taken with alcohol, as they can have adverse effects. These include:
– Antibiotics such as azithromycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, metronidazole, and tinidazole.
– Anti-anxiety medications.
– Blood thinners.
– Painkillers.
– Sleeping pills.
– Allergy medications.
– Antidepressants.
– Antihistamines.
– Barbiturates.
– Benzodiazepines.
– Histamine H2 receptor antagonists.
– Muscle relaxants.
– Nonnarcotic pain medications and anti-inflammatory agents.
– Opioid pain medications.
– Nitrates and blood pressure medications.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that many over-the-counter and herbal medications can also have negative effects when combined with alcohol. As a general guideline, it is advisable to avoid consuming alcohol while taking medication or when feeling unwell.
If you are unsure about the compatibility of a specific medication with alcohol, it is recommended to consult your GP or pharmacist for guidance.
