It can often be unpleasant and lonely for women seeking treatment for bacterial vaginitis, often known as BV. During this common vaginal illness, the average balance of bacteria in the vagina is offset. Fortunately, getting a successful medication like Metronidazole (Flagyl) online is now relatively simple.
With that being said, it is no secret that it should not be taken while consuming alcohol. If you do end up mixing the two, there are various factors you should be aware of. Below we will explore the effects of taking Metronidazole with alcohol. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, do not hesitate to reach out to The Haven Detox for details on how we help patients meet their recovery goals.
Metronidazole: What is it?
Several different illnesses can be treated with Metronidazole (Flagyl), also known as Metronidazole, which is most commonly used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). It often comes in 400 mg tablet form, although it can also be found as a gel, cream, liquid, or suppository. One of the most often prescribed drugs for BV and other infections is Metronidazole (Flagyl) because it is a highly effective and quick-acting medication.
What Is The Purpose Of Metronidazole?
Various bacterial and parasite illnesses are treated with Metronidazole (as well as some other conditions).
These mental disorders include oral infections, rosacea, bacterial vaginosis (BV), pelvic inflammatory illness, and skin infections (such as infected gums and dental abscesses).
Bedsores, wounds, skin ulcers, and infected insect bites can also be treated with Metronidazole. The drug may also be combined with other prescribed medications to treat a bacterially-induced stomach or intestinal ulcer.
This antibiotic only works on specific parasite and bacterial illnesses; it is ineffective against viral infections like the flu or the common cold.
Metronidazole: Does It Work?
Metronidazole effectively treats various bacterial and parasitic infections, including BV.
So, how quickly does this medication start working?
The National Health Service (NHS) states that a Metronidazole 400 mg tablet course of treatment for BV typically lasts for seven days (you must take one 400g tablet twice daily for seven days). Within a few days of taking an antibiotic, you might notice improvements. Still, it’s crucial to finish the course of therapy because failure could lead to the infection returning.
The substitute is to use a lotion or gel that contains Metronidazole (like Zidoval). This successful BV treatment is administered inside the vagina at night for five days. Once more, it’s crucial to finish the prescribed course of medication.
Although both had comparable outcomes, pharmacists believed that the vaginal treatment might have fewer adverse effects (but it can be less desirable to use than tablets).
Can Anyone Use Metronidazole?
Most adults can take Metronidazole without any issues or severe unfavorable side effects. However, some persons should not use Metronidazole.
If you are already experiencing any of the following issues, let your doctor know your conditions to ensure that using Metronidazole is safe for you:
- Are expecting (read our guide on using Metronidazole while pregnant here)
- Have liver issues and are nursing
- Undergoing dialysis
- Feel you won’t be able to stop drinking alcohol while taking Metronidazole if you’ve previously experienced an allergic response to medications.
- Sudden death
Occasionally, your doctor may advise you to take a different antibiotic that might be more effective for you (such as if you are allergic or have previously had a bad reaction to Metronidazole). If so, clindamycin cream is typically employed as a substitute therapy for bacterial vaginosis.
On Metronidazole, Is Alcohol Permissible?
Medical specialists strongly advise against drinking alcohol while taking Metronidazole. This prescription medication is known to interact negatively and potentially negatively with alcohol consumption. This well-known combination may result in serious side effects, including nausea, flushing, or an accelerated heart rate (the most common).
Even extremely tiny doses of alcohol have been found to cause a significant metronidazole and alcohol interaction. It doesn’t matter if you only have one drink or pick a beverage with a shallow alcohol consumption level; even mouthwash and cough medicine that contains alcohol might have adverse effects.
Due to a lack of research, the reason is that it is still unclear why a Metronidazole alcohol combo is particularly harmful to patients undergoing therapy.
Alcohol With Metronidazole: Potential Side Effects and Safety Issues
It’s critical to understand how Metronidazole and alcohol interact with one another and what negative adverse effects you may experience if you drink while undergoing the well-known BV therapy.
Numerous unwelcome and occasionally severe adverse effects might result from combining Metronidazole with alcohol. This is in addition to the typical adverse effects of people taking Metronidazole.
The following are typically negative consequences of Metronidazole use:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Rapid or erratic heartbeat (known as heart palpitations)
- Head and neck throbbing
- Headaches
- Unsteadiness or faintness
- Flushing (warmth and redness, particularly in the face)
Depending on the person and the amount of alcohol ingested, these unpleasant negative side effects may continue for 30 minutes to several other hours.
Metronidazole and alcohol can occasionally interact to produce more severe effects. These can include a sharp drop in blood pressure, a possibly dangerously rapid irregular heartbeat, and even liver damage.
If you’ve ever had seizures, you should be highly cautious about combining Metronidazole and alcohol and seek medical help or guidance before doing so.
What Should Be Done To Avoid a Metronidazole/Alcohol Interaction?
Any adverse effects you experience due to a metronidazole and alcohol interaction should typically subside within 30 minutes to several hours. Depending on how much alcohol you’ve consumed and how your body reacts naturally, this can change between each specific circumstance.
If you plan to take Metronidazole, start by stopping your alcohol use altogether and drinking water instead. Additionally, to aid with any lightheadedness you get from flushing, headaches, and an elevated heart rate, you should sit down and refrain from making any rapid movements. Seek medical attention if your body symptoms worsen or continue to exist.
How Long After Taking Metronidazole Is It Okay To Consume Alcohol?
Medical experts and Metronidazole producers advise against consuming alcoholic drinks while taking it and for 48 hours (two days) after the course of therapy is over.
This is a rough estimate of how long it takes for Metronidazole to leave your body. This period is based on the typical adult body; therefore, your results may differ. If you want to be sure, wait three days before starting to drink again.
After this time has elapsed, you can resume consuming alcohol and using alcohol-containing products (such as mouthwash) as usual.
Concerns About Alcohol Safety
The following adverse effects and concerns are possible with Metronidazole used by individuals:
- Diarrhea
- Twitching hands and feet
- Yellow urine
- Mouth ache
- Deaths
Drinking alcohol within three days of taking Metronidazole can still have other unfavorable, unpleasant consequences. The most typical impact is face flushing (warmth and redness). The following are different potential outcomes as well:
- Stomach
- Cramps pain
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
Furthermore, combining Metronidazole and alcohol use may have severe adverse reactions and effects. A quick drop in blood pressure, a rapid irregular heartbeat, and liver damage are a few of these.
Concerned Treatment
Certain concern infections brought on by bacteria can be treated with Metronidazole. Among them are bacterial infections in your:
- Skin
- Ovary reproductive system
- Stomach and
- Digestive system
National Health Service (NHS)Service labels if you have an infection, you may take this medication up to three times daily for ten days.
Antibiotic users can experience improvement before finishing their medicine. Antibiotics become less effective and help build bacterial resistance if you don’t take them as prescribed. Do not stop taking this antibiotic early so that you can drink as you may still feel the adverse effects.
Additional Factors/ Considerations For Using This Medication Responsibly
To be safe, you should also make sure your doctor knows every medication you take, including vitamins, herbal supplements, prescription medications, and over-the-counter and prescription prescriptions. You should also inform your doctor if you’re expecting or want to get pregnant.
In addition to alcohol use, the following are things to think about if you use Metronidazole:
- Metronidazole can make the blood thin like warfarin. This may make you more susceptible to unusual bleeding. Your doctor might need to lower the dosage of any blood thinner you currently take while you use this medication.
- Metronidazole might be difficult on your kidneys and liver if you already have renal or liver illness. Using it can exacerbate these conditions if you are already suffering from renal or liver problems. Your dosage may need to be changed by your doctor, and administer an alternative medication.
- If you already have Crohn’s disease, taking Metronidazole can worsen it. If you have Crohn’s disease, your doctor might change the medicine or food you’re taking, such as Metronidazole.
- When using Metronidazole, your skin may become particularly sensitive to the sun. While using this medication, be sure to avoid getting too much sun. When you go outside, you can prevent this by wearing caps, sunscreen, and long-sleeved clothing.
Medical Advice
It is a good idea when taking Metronidazole; drinking should be avoided. In addition to the usual adverse effects of this medication, alcohol can also trigger problems. These reactions might range from mild to severe. This medication’s standard course of therapy lasts only ten days, so it’s recommended to wait at least three additional days after your final dose before picking up a drink. This treatment is brief in the grand scope of things. A lot of trouble may be avoided if you wait before drinking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How quickly does Metronidazole react with alcohol?
Any adverse reactions you experience due to metronidazole and alcoholic drinks interaction should typically subside within 30 minutes to several hours. Of course, it will vary based on the precise situation, how much alcohol you’ve consumed, and how your body naturally responds to alcohol.
Can I have a glass of wine while taking Metronidazole?
Alcohol and Metronidazole shouldn’t be mixed. Combining the two could result in an unpleasant or even harmful reaction. Alcohol and Metronidazole both have the potential to produce flushing, nausea, and possibly chest discomfort. Understanding this is essential that alcohol may be present in some liquid medications.
How Long After Metronidazole Can I Drink?
After stopping Metronidazole and tinidazole, continue abstaining from alcohol for 48 and 72 hours, respectively. When alcohol is used while taking Metronidazole or tinidazole might have very unpleasant side effects, such as making you feel ill, and stomach ache.
Speak With The Haven Detox Today
Always check with the doctor, medical professionals, and other healthcare professionals who provided your medication for the best guidance on whether you can consume alcohol while taking such prescriptions. If you or a loved one is battling an addiction to alcohol, The Haven is here to provide the support you need for a successful long-term recovery.
Our qualified professionals use evidence-based treatment modalities to address the underlying causes of the addiction. To ensure that we attend to each patient’s particular needs, we employ therapy programs designed for each patient. We have a credited facility that provides a safe, home-like environment that is comfortable for patients to recover in. Our residential rehab program gives patients access to 24/7 medical supervision, holistic treatment methods, and various recreational amenities.
Contact us at (561) 328-8627 today to speak with a counselor and learn more about our rehab services.
