Mixing Metronidazole And Alcohol: Side Effects & Safety Concerns

Metronidazole is a prescription antibiotic drug that helps fight bacterial infections. It is mainly prescribed during a common vaginal infection caused due to bacteria known as Bacterial vaginosis.

The normal balance of bacteria in the vagina becomes disrupted during this bacterial infection. The infection may cause unpleasant symptoms that may turn severe if not treated.

Luckily, to treat such bacterial infections, effective antibiotics such as Metronidazole may help. It is available on prescription and taken only when a doctor prescribes it after reviewing the type of infection. Also, one can buy it online if a doctor prescribes it for them. 

While getting treatment with an antibiotic drug, you should take it correctly to get the best results. Before you take it, you must be aware of interactions and contradictions related to that drug. And the same thing should be considered while taking Metronidazole to fight a bacterial infection. 

So Here in this article, you will learn some general details you should know before taking Metronidazole. In it, you will read about the effects of combining Metronidazole and alcohol. Know whether it will be safe or not to take them together. Also, we have listed some precautions that may help prevent this drug's side effects. 

Can I drink alcohol while taking Metronidazole?

It would be best not to take alcohol on Metronidazole as it may cause interaction with it. Combined use of these substances can lead to the risk of side effects such as flushing, vomiting, or a racing heart. 

Even for safety, you need to avoid drinking alcohol for 2 days after you have taken Metronidazole. The interaction between these substances can be too easy that a small amount of alcohol in a mouthwash can cause issues. 

To prevent the risk of an interaction, one can limit their alcohol consumption or may avoid it completely while taking this medicine. But it is unclear whether mixing Metronidazole with alcohol may lead to major side effects. 

Side effects due to Mixing of Metronidazole and Alcohol

As you have read above that, mixing Metronidazole and alcohol may lead to the risk of side effects. So here are some common side effects that may appear if you drink alcohol and this medication together while receiving a BV treatment. It may cause:

• Stomach ache
• Headache
• Nausea
• Cramping
• Vomiting
• Flushing
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Throbbing in the head and neck
• Irregular and fast heart beating

Safety concerns for the side effects due to Mixing of Metronidazole and Alcohol:

If you get any side effects after taking Metronidazole alone or with alcohol, you must inform your doctor. These unpleasant side effects may last several hours and sometimes fade within 30 minutes. It may depend on the amount of alcohol consumed with Metronidazole. Also, the effects of the interaction may vary from person to person.

Usually, common side effects are seen in individuals during this interaction. But in some rare cases, mixing Metronidazole and alcohol may lead to more severe reactions. Potentially, it may cause danger of rapid heart rate, severe drop in blood pressure and may even cause liver damage. 

Drinking alcohol on Metronidazole may also lead to the risk of experiencing seizures. Also, patients with a history of seizures should be careful before mixing them. Seek immediate doctor advice if these side effects turn serious or if they persist. 

Precaution to prevent Side effects of Metronidazole while treating BV infection:

The first thing you can do is take Metronidazole exactly as your doctor prescribes. Usually, you need to take one 400mg tablet twice a day for seven days. 

During this period, you will see improvements in your conditions before the course ends. But ensure you do not stop the treatment course unless you complete it. You must keep taking Metronidazole even if you think your symptoms have disappeared. It will make sure that the infection has been completely treated. Stopping the medication earlier may remain the infection untreated, leading to the risk of returning and becoming more serious. 

Do not change the Metronidazole dosage yourself; take the directed strength only. Also, one must avoid taking it for longer than the prescribed duration. 

If you have an allergy to Metronidazole, you should not take this drug. In such cases, Seek a doctor's advice to get alternative treatments to treat BV infection.  

You can take Metronidazole tablets with or without having a meal. It depends on you how you prefer to take this medication. However, nausea is a common side effect of this medicine, but you can prevent it by taking it on a full stomach. So you can have your meal before taking the tablet if you experience side effects like nausea. 

Please do not drink alcohol while taking Metronidazole; mixing them can be unsafe. The interaction between them may lead to the risk of common side effects.

Taking Metronidazole to treat BV if you are pregnant is not a good idea. The drug can harm the developing baby, so please talk to a doctor before starting treatment with Metronidazole. 

Final lines:

Metronidazole is a safe and effective medication helping in the treatment of Bacterial vaginosis. Taking this medicine in the prescribed order may help you to get rid of the infection most effectively. But while taking Metronidazole, you should not continue drinking alcohol as it may cause interaction between them. Mixing them can increase the chances of experiencing common side effects of this medication. So make sure you avoid the consumption of alcohol when you are continuing treatment with Metronidazole.