Metronidazole and Alcohol Reaction

Knowing about the possible metronidazole and alcohol reaction can prevent a lot of complications arising in the future. If you happen to consume both these agents together you could end up facing some severe consequences, and this is something that you need to be prepared for. There is a widespread metronidazole and alcohol myth which claims that this combination can be extremely dangerous, but the truth is that there is no concrete evidence to back up these medical claims.

What is Metronidazole

Everyone is well aware of what alcohol is, and what harmful effects it can bring to your body. Let us now understand the same about metronidazole, and how we should avoid it. In simple terms, metronidazole is an antibiotic medicine that is administered by doctors from time to time. It is very effective in dealing against protozoa and anaerobic bacteria in the body. Thus any bacterial infection or protozoal infection in the body, can be treated with the help of dosage of metronidazole.

But the concern arises when an individual who is on a dosage of this medication, starts consuming alcohol. Even though there is no proof to back up the dangers of this reaction, there has to be a reason why almost all doctors advise against this combination strongly.

Before we look into details of metronidazole and alcohol reaction, it is wise to know the circumstances under which this mixture can be consumed. As mentioned before, metronidazole and alcohol consumption is most likely to occur when a patient is on a dose of metronidazole, and then drinks any form of alcohol. Ideally, the situation of alcohol and metronidazole should be avoided as much as possible.

Metronidazole and Alcohol Side Effects

It is important for you to know that when alcohol and metronidazole combine, they produce effects in the body that are similar in nature to the effects produced by a drug known as 'Disulfiram'. This drug creates adverse reactions in the body to alcohol, and is thus used in cases of people who are unsuccessfully trying to quit alcohol. Most common side effects of this drug are as follows.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Rise in blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Risk of seizures
• Possibility of acquiring Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
• Headaches
• Disruption of the digestive system

All these side effects go to show that metronidazole and alcohol reactions are not very pleasant in nature, and they can cause some serious complications in the long run. It is best to avoid mixing the two, in order to avoid going through these symptoms and side effects. Here are some of the most common drugs and medications that contain metronidazole. Knowing about the presence of metronidazole in these medications will allow you to avoid their consumption followed closely by alcohol.

• Flagyl
• Vandazole
• MetroGel
• MetroCream
• MetroLotion
• Noritate
• MetroGel-Vaginal

If you undergoing dosage of any of these medications you must consult your doctor about the possible dangers and side effects that metronidazole and alcohol interaction could cause in your body.

In spite of all this, the fact of the matter is that there is still no undeniable proof of this metronidazole and alcohol use side effects plaguing people. Till the time such proof is found, it is fair to assume that these claims are simply untrue. Doctors will warn you about this reaction because it is their job to do so, and ultimately the decision to follow it or not rests entirely upon you.

Till the time evidence of metronidazole and alcohol reaction is not found, there will be many people who will not heed this advice seriously. Nonetheless, it is always better to be cautious against this reaction, because prevention is always better than cure.