Metronidazole and Alcohol: Everything You Need to KnowBy Michaela

Metronidazole is a very common medication taken by millions of people around the globe. Anybody that is taking medication should do as much as they can to learn about what conditions the medication should be taken under and what should be avoided while taking those medications.

Taking medications with alcohol is always a bit of a mystery. Some medications react fine when taken with alcohol while others create a dangerous situation when combined.

If you are taking Metronidazole, it’s in your best interest to know as much about the medication as possible and whether it can be combined with alcohol to protect your own safety and preserve the effectiveness of the medication.

In this blog post, we are going to cover the key topics that you will want to know when evaluating the safety of consuming Metronidazole with alcohol. Let’s dive in!

What is Metronidazole And What Does it Treat?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic commonly used to treat a variety of infections, including those caused by bacteria, protozoa, and certain parasites. It works by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in your body and eliminating them from the system.

It can be prescribed for treating pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), bacterial vaginosis, and amebiasis (parasitic infection of the intestines). It is also used to treat some sexually transmitted diseases including trichomoniasis.

What Happens When Metronidazole Is Combined With Drinking Alcohol?

When combining Metronidazole with alcohol, there can be a potentially dangerous reaction due to the way that the two substances interact in the body. That is why it is not recommended to drink alcohol while mixing Metronidazole and other medications. You should avoid drinking alcohol altogether if possible when taking this medication and others.

When taken together, the combination of Metronidazole and alcohol can cause reactions or adverse side effects. These severe reactions mean that doctors and other experts recommend that you avoid alcohol while on these medications and discourage alcohol consumption while taking the pills themselves. Here are some examples of how prescription drugs for bacterial infections can cause a dangerous disulfiram-like reaction, increased blood pressure, and other dangerous side effects that come with combining alcohol with your medication.

Nausea

Nausea is one of the most common symptoms experienced when Metronidazole and alcohol are taken together, and it can be quite severe in some cases. Mixing alcohol with almost any medication can cause this side effect. In general, nausea caused by the combination of these two substances occurs due to their interaction in the stomach and intestines.

When Metronidazole interacts with the ethanol present in alcoholic beverages, it can cause irritation of the stomach lining, leading to nausea and other GI issues. The intensity of this symptom can vary from person-to-person, but it is usually more severe than what would be expected from drinking alcohol alone.

Vomiting

Vomiting is another side effect that you might feel when mixing this medication with alcohol. This happens due to the irritation that Metronidazole causes in the stomach and intestines, which leads to nausea and eventually vomiting. Vomiting can also occur if you drink too much alcohol on an empty stomach or if your body is simply overwhelmed by the combination of these two substances.

Headaches

One of the symptoms that can result from combining Metronidazole and alcohol is headaches.

Patients who are taking Metronidazole should not mix it with alcohol because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including headaches. People who take Metronidazole and drink will often experience very severe migraines, throbbing head pain, and intense pressure behind their eyes.

These types of headaches can last for several hours or even days. In some cases, they may be so severe they lead to nausea, sweating, and blurred vision. They have also been known to cause insomnia, fatigue, confusion, dizziness and vertigo.

Flushing

Flushing is a common symptom that can occur when taking Metronidazole and alcohol together. This reaction is caused by the interaction of these two substances in the body, where they produce an increase in blood flow to the skin’s surface. Flushing usually presents as a redness of the face, neck, chest and arms. It may also be accompanied by heat and intense itching or burning sensation. In some cases, flushing can become severe causing discomfort and embarrassment.

Rapid Heart Rate

Rapid heart rate is a common symptom associated with taking Metronidazole and alcohol together. This side effect, known as tachycardia, is characterized by an abnormally rapid heartbeat that may occur suddenly or last for a prolonged period of time. This symptom can be uncomfortable, and cause shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. When the heart rate increases significantly above the normal range (which is typically between 60 to 100 beats per minute), it can sometimes lead to other more serious conditions such as arrhythmia, palpitations, or even cardiac arrest. 

The reason why combining Metronidazole and alcohol often causes rapid heart rate is because both substances are metabolized in the liver by the same enzyme. When taken together, this enzyme is overwhelmed by the two substances and cannot process them efficiently. This can lead to elevated levels of alcohol in the body and cause tachycardia. In addition to this reaction which affects the heart rate directly, drinking alcohol also has its own effects on cardiovascular health which could potentially further contribute to tachycardia. 

What to Do When Feeling Severe Side Effects

If you experience any of the above side effects when consuming Metronidazole with alcohol, we suggest that you stop taking the medication and seek medical help as soon as possible.

It is important to remember that combining Metronidazole and Alcohol can be very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. It is best to check with your doctor before taking Metronidazole to make sure that it is safe for you and will not interact negatively with any other medications or substances.

Ready to Control Your Alcohol Consumption So You Can Take Metronidazole Safely?

Are you have a problem taking your medications safely due to alcohol dependence? If so, it might be a sign that you have a problem on your hands.

At The Alcohol Coach, we know that you have the ability and willpower to overcome this dependency. Through positivity, encouragement, and the discovery of your self-empowerment, we will help you to overcome alcohol dependency and regain control over your life.

Let’s Recap

Combining Metronidazole and alcohol can be a dangerous reaction that can lead to severe side effects.

It is important for anyone taking the medication to avoid any alcohol consumption while on Metronidazole treatment.

If you are having trouble controlling your alcohol consumption and need help, The Alcohol Coach is here to provide you with the guidance and support needed to overcome alcohol dependency and regain control over your life.

We hope that this blog post has shed light on the potential dangers of combining Metronidazole with alcohol and provided you with a better understanding of how to take medication safely. Remember, if you think you may have a problem, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

We are here for you and wish you all the best in your recovery journey!