Metronidazole inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase and causes acetaldehyde to accummulate in the bloodstream. A disulfiram like reaction occurs when consuming alcohol and the patient may complain of symptoms such as facial flushing, throbbing headache and palpitations. A patient taking metronidazole orally should abstain from drinking alcohol while taking metronidazole and for 48 hours after stopping it.
Uncommonly, reactions have been reported whilst using vaginal metronidazole.
Reference:
Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page