METRONIDAZOLE (Generic for FLAGYL)

Metronidazole 500mg, Oral tablet

Alcohol

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Do not drink alcohol for 3 days after stopping this medication. Drinking alcohol while taking this medication, or within 3 days after stopping this medication, may cause severe discomfort that may last for hours. Contact your care team right away if you experience facial flushing or redness, severe headache, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting.

· Notes for Professionals: Per the manufacturer of metronidazole, advise patients to avoid alcohol consumption during and for at least 3 days after therapy with systemic metronidazole due to the risk for disulfiram-like side effects. By contrast, clinical practice guidelines suggest alcohol avoidance is unnecessary as metronidazole does not inhibit acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, as occurs with disulfiram. Additionally, while disulfiram-like side effects, including nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, headache, flushing, and abdominal cramps, have been observed following recreational alcohol consumption in patients receiving metronidazole, the quality of evidence is insufficient to establish causality.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>