Key takeaways
- Mixing alcohol and metronidazole may cause side effects like stomach cramps, nausea, or headaches, though some research disputes this link.
- It’s generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole and for at least 3 days after finishing the treatment.
- If you experience serious side effects after accidentally consuming alcohol with metronidazole, seek medical attention.
Overview
Doctors prescribe metronidazole for infections caused by bacteria or parasites. It belongs to a group of drugs called antimicrobials, and it’s specifically an antibiotic.
If your doctor or healthcare professional prescribes antibiotics, they may advise you not to drink alcohol while taking your medication. Antibiotics, like metronidazole, may interact with alcohol and cause certain types of side effects.
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What are the risks of mixing metronidazole and alcohol?
A 2023 article explains that drinking alcohol while taking certain forms of metronidazole (Flagyl) may cause a specific type of reaction in some people.
Medical professionals refer to this as a disulfiram-like reaction. Disulfiram is a medication that’s prescribed to discourage alcohol consumption. Doctors use it to help treat alcohol misuse and dependence. Disulfiram can cause severe side effects from even small amounts of alcohol.
As per the prescribing information of metronidazole oral tablets, vaginal gel, and the injection form, possible side effects of mixing alcohol with metronidazole can include:
- stomach cramps
- nausea
- vomiting
- headaches
- flushing
But according to a 2023 retrospective review, there likely isn’t enough evidence to confirm the link between metronidazole and alcohol. The authors suggest that reported disulfiram-like reactions might result from other factors, such as underlying health conditions.
Keep in mind that some over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription drugs may contain forms of alcohol. This includes some cough and cold syrups and certain laxatives.
It’s also important to remember that not everyone experiences the same side effects in the same way. Some people may only have mild side effects if they mix metronidazole with alcohol. But other people may have more serious side effects. That’s why, to be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol while you’re taking metronidazole.
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Get free cardHow long should you avoid alcohol?
Generally, doctors recommend avoiding drinking alcohol for at least 3 days after finishing a course of metronidazole treatment. This is also the recommendation in the prescribing information for metronidazole oral tablet and injection.
They also recommend not using metronidazole if you have taken disulfiram within the last 2 weeks.
What to do if you accidentally drink alcohol while taking metronidazole
If you accidentally mix metronidazole with alcohol, you may experience side effects such as stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, or flushing. In some people, these side effects may be mild. But some people may experience more severe side effects.
If you have serious side effects or if you’re worried about potential alcohol interactions, it’s best to seek prompt medical attention. A doctor or healthcare professional can offer the best advice and treatment to help remove the drug from your body safely.
About metronidazole
Metronidazole works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Doctors may also prescribe it to treat certain infections caused by parasites. They usually prescribe it as a short-term treatment for these types of infections.
Metronidazole comes in many forms, including:
- oral tablet
- vaginal gel
- injection
- topical cream
- topical lotion
- topical gel
Doctors may prescribe metronidazole topical cream or lotion to treat rosacea. They usually prescribe metronidazole as a long-term treatment for this condition.
A 2023 article explains that metronidazole can be used to treat infections of the following:
- stomach or gut
- liver
- blood
- bones and joints
- protective layers of the brain
- inner lining of the heart
- inner lining of the uterus
- vagina
- lungs
- skin
Other antibiotics that also reduce bacteria include:
- amoxicillin (Amoxil, Larotid)
- erythromycin (Eryc)
- doxycycline (Acticlate, Doryx, Oracea)
A doctor or healthcare professional will prescribe the antibiotic that’s best suited to treat your infection. It’s important to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and to complete the full treatment course, even if you notice relief in your symptoms.
Summary
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that treats a wide range of bacterial infections. Doctors may also prescribe it to treat infections caused by parasites. They may prescribe cream, lotion, and gel forms to treat rosacea.
Some, but not all, research suggests that mixing alcohol with some forms of metronidazole may cause a reaction in certain people. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing. These symptoms can range from mild to serious.
If you take metronidazole, have consumed alcohol, and experience bothersome symptoms, it’s best to get medical attention as soon as possible to ensure your safety and well-being.
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