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" Question Could you please give me some information on the antibiotic Metronidazole and why it is not advisable to drink alcohol when taking this drug?   Answer Metronidazole is believed to have the ability to block the body&amp;#039;s breakdown of alcohol, leading to an accumulation of a substance called acetaldehyde in the bloodstream.  Theoretically, this may occur within 10 minutes of ingestion of alcohol and may last several hours.  It is said to be characterised by intense flushing, breathlessness, headache, increased or irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting.  This possible reaction is dangerous because it is so unpredictable and may be extremely severe.  Although there has been little in the way of published pharmacological evidence to support this interaction with alcohol. A review of the literature between 1969 and 1982 reports cases involving eight patients, four of which were serious, including one death.  So in summary, although the reported risk is thought to be extremely small and perhaps not very well established in fact, caution should be exercised both with traditional alcoholic beverages and spirits.  Also with low alcohol beers and wines, which may possibly provoke a reaction when consumed in sufficient quantities.  Yours sincerely The NetDoctor Medical Team   Other Qs &amp;amp; As Antihistamine tablets Breathless and gaining weight Cataflam for a one-year-old Citalopram Citalopram hydrobromide Diclofenac and Kapake Glivec Glivec and AML Lamotrigiene Medicine for ear infection Medicines while breastfeeding Steroid injections for pain Tylex Urine with strong smell Viral infection and antibiotics Warfarin Zyrtek and budesonide   Last updated 31.10.2010 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ask-the-expert/a4044/metronidazole-and-alcohol/>