We are taught that taking metronidazole with alcohol could cause a disulfiram-like reaction: N+V, dizziness, headache, abdominal discomfort…. basically, hangover-like symptoms.
But, according to one study, metronidazole does not interact with alcohol in the healthy adult. The risk is theoretical. Anecdotally, I know many patients who have drank ETOH and taken metronidazole without ill effect. For that reason, I don’t even bring it up during visits and have never heard of a reported ill effect. Additionally, my sister was on it and drank wine… nothing!
Check these studies out: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12022894/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25223673/
Obviously, use your own clinical judgement, but there are many “medical myths” that have no evidence to support them.
3 Responses
I have observed the same, Justin, in patients and in friends and family. Thanks for validating!
Yep! I do not know of a single patient/family/friend who actually has had a bad reaction to this when they drank alcohol…
Maybe wine is fine but not Hennessy. Mixed the two when I was in undergrad, never again !