Metronidazole and Alcohol Interaction

Official Recommendations

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that patients avoid consuming alcohol while taking metronidazole and for at least 24 hours after completing treatment 1, 2, 3
• The FDA advises that alcoholic beverages should not be consumed during metronidazole therapy and for at least one day afterward because abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing may occur 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Clinical Approach

• The CDC guidelines consistently advise patients to avoid alcohol during metronidazole therapy and for 24 hours thereafter, due to the risk of a disulfiram-like reaction 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• The risk-benefit calculation favors avoidance of alcohol during metronidazole treatment, as the inconvenience of abstaining from alcohol is minimal compared to the potential for severe reactions 3