Metronidazole & Alcohol

What is Metronidazole (Flagyl)?

Metronidazole, also known by its brand name Flagyl, is an FDA-approved antibiotic and antiprotozoal drug used to treat various bacterial infections, including those that affect the:

• Gastrointestinal system
• Stomach or intestines
• Respiratory tract
• Skin
• Brain
• Heart
• Liver
• Reproductive system and vagina, specifically bacterial vaginosis (not yeast infections)

Users of metronidazole should not consume alcohol while taking the medication.

Like most antibiotics, metronidazole is prescribed for approximately 10 days. Although a user might feel better within a few days, it’s important to follow the prescribed drug information guidelines and finish the entire course or the infection could return. 

Someone who experiences alcohol withdrawal symptoms might be especially tempted to stop using metronidazole before completing the entire prescribed course or to drink alcohol while using the medication. 

Speak to your doctor if either of these issues concern you.

What Will Happen if You Drink Alcohol While Taking Metronidazole?

The adverse effects of metronidazole are unpleasant but relatively mild depending on the amounts of alcohol consumed. They include:

• Diarrhea
• Discolored urine
• Dry mouth

Tingling in the hands and feet due to how the mixture affects the central nervous system

Mixing alcohol with metronidazole causes additional side effects, some of which are severe. These include:

• Reddening or flushing of the face
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sudden blood pressure drop
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Liver damage

Risk Factors of Mixing Metronidazole and Alcohol 

The adverse effects of metronidazole are unpleasant but relatively mild depending on the amounts of alcohol consumed. They include:

• Diarrhea
• Discolored urine
• Dry mouth
• Tingling in the hands and feet due to how the mixture affects the central nervous system

Mixing alcohol with metronidazole causes additional side effects, some of which are severe. These include:

• Reddening or flushing of the face
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sudden blood pressure drop
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Liver damage

What Happens If I Overdose?

You should seek immediate medical help if you believe you or a loved one has overdosed on metronidazole or any other drug. 

Symptoms of overdose include:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Problems with muscle coordination
• Pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
• Seizures

Metronidazole and Alcohol FAQs

What other drugs will affect metronidazole?

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:

• Aspirin
• Benadryl
• Ibuprofen
• Mucinex
• Lyrica
• Acetaminophen
• Probiotics
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D3
• Antidepressants
• Hydrocodone
• Prednisone
• Warfarin
• Xanax

Metronidazole boosts the efficiency of blood-thinning medications, which can increase someone’s risk for abnormal bleeding. In many cases, doctors will reduce the dose of a patient’s usual blood-thinning medication when used in combination with metronidazole.

Additionally, the use of metronidazole can be problematic for individuals with certain existing health conditions. For example:

Kidney or Liver Disease

Metronidazole, like many medications, is hard on the kidneys and liver and might not be appropriate for patients with kidney or liver disease.

Crohn’s Disease

People with Crohn’s disease have experienced complications while using metronidazole. 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.