How long metronidazole alcohol

Because seizures are a side effect of metronidazole, people with a history of seizures should be extra careful to avoid alcohol while taking the medication. This may be a cause of the disulfiram-like reaction that some scientists have observed.

Disulfiram is a medication used to treat alcohol use disorder. It causes unwanted effects when someone drinks alcohol while taking the medication. There have been reports of people having disulfiram-like reactions when mixing alcohol and metronidazole. This includes:. It should be mentioned that this disulfiram-like reaction has not been proven to be a scientific fact.

Severe reactions may be a result of alcohol use, metronidazole use, the combination, or other unknown factors. The effects of mixing Flagyl and alcohol seem to vary greatly from person to person. Since there is no way to know what sort of adverse effects will occur, it's best for everyone who takes metronidazole to avoid alcohol for the entire duration of the prescription.

Yes, alcohol makes metronidazole less effective at healing infections. Even if you do not experience any of the negative side effects associated with mixing the two, you are at risk for not eliminating the problems if you drink alcohol while taking metronidazole. Make sure you speak to your healthcare provider about your concerns if you are prescribed metronidazole and do not believe you can abstain from alcohol use during the entire length of the antibiotic course.

He or she can provide medical advice or alternatives for treatment. No, not without putting yourself at risk for potential side effects.

This means you should wait at least that long before consuming alcohol after your last dose of the medication. Doctors recommend that you should wait at least three days after your last dose of metronidazole before drinking alcohol. If you or someone you know thinks they may have taken too much metronidazole, call your doctor or the American Association of Poison Control Centers If your symptoms are severe, call or head to your nearest emergency room for immediate care.

Do not take metronidazole with alcohol as alcohol makes the drug ineffective. If you want to drink, do so at least three days after your last dose of metronidazole. Watch out for symptoms of overdose. Call or get medical help when the symptoms become severe. Metronidazole is known to interfere with a variety of drugs in addition to alcohol. These drug interactions include prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as nutrition supplements.

Tell your doctor about your health history or if you are taking any of the following and he or she prescribes metronidazole:. Additionally, the use of metronidazole can be problematic for individuals with certain existing health conditions. For example:. Metronidazole, like many medications, is hard on the kidneys and liver and might not be appropriate for patients with kidney or liver disease. Your doctor will likely alter the dose or opt for a different antibiotic if this is an issue for you.

Anyone using metronidazole should limit their time outdoors because the drug is known to increase sensitivity to sun exposure. If staying indoors is impossible, make sure you wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

Take note of medications that may interact with metronidazole. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Metronidazole is a common antibiotic often sold under the brand name Flagyl.

It is widely used for a variety of bacterial infections. These can be unpleasant, but drinking alcohol within three days of taking metronidazole can cause additional unwanted effects, too. The most common is face flushing warmth and redness , but other possible effects include:. Further, mixing metronidazole with alcohol can cause severe side effects. These include a sudden drop in blood pressure , rapid heart rate , and liver damage. Metronidazole can treat certain infections caused by bacteria.

These include bacterial infections of your:. You usually take this drug up to three times per day for 10 days, depending on the type of infection. It is important to take all of your antibiotics, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Not finishing your antibiotic medication as directed can contribute to bacterial resistance and make the drug less effective.

To stay safe, you should also make sure your doctor knows about all of the medications you take, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Use of blood thinners: Metronidazole can increase the effectiveness of blood thinners such as warfarin.

This can increase your risk of abnormal bleeding. If you take a blood thinner, your doctor may need to decrease its dose while you take this drug.

Existing kidney or liver disease: Metronidazole can be hard on your kidneys and liver. Taking it while you have kidney or liver disease can make these diseases even worse. Your doctor may need to limit your dose or give you a different drug. Doctors and pharmacists should advise everyone taking Flagyl to avoid alcohol while using the drug and for 3 days following the final dose. People applying the antibiotic topically should avoid alcohol throughout treatment and for 24 hours after the last application.

Flagyl is a common antibiotic that doctors prescribe to treat a wide range of infections. People should not consume alcohol while taking Flagyl. The interaction between Flagyl and alcohol can continue for up to 3 days after the last dose. If a person uses the antibiotic topically, they should also refrain from drinking during the treatment and for up to 24 hours after the last application. Although the interaction between Flagyl and alcohol is not consistent, everyone should avoid drinking while taking the antibiotic because of the risk of side effects.

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Share on Pinterest A doctor may prescribe Flagyl to treat various infections. Possible effects of mixing Flagyl and alcohol. How do Flagyl and alcohol interact?