Anastrozole ( Arimidex-1mg ) belongs to the drug class non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It is a drug that works by boosting testosterone and decreasing estrogen levels in men causing diverse actions. In men, anastrozole is also used to treat conditions related to excess estrogen production, primarily in the context of hormone therapy for certain types of hormone-sensitive cancers or medical conditions.
Let’s discuss its usage options and side effects a bit.
Cheers or jeers? Metronidazole (Flagyl), an antibiotic with alcohol, is, no doubt, a risky mix. Let’s explore the potential dangers of combining alcohol with the commonly prescribed antibiotic metronidazole, along with the medical advice on this intriguing medical conundrum. Not everyone will face the same adverse effects, but it’s better to stay on the safer side and understand what actually happens when we mix them.
Metronidazole is the commonly prescribed (mostly prescribed in 500mg tablet) antibiotic for different bacterial, parasitic infections, skin infections, rosacea (a long-term inflammatory skin condition), bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory diseases. It is also available in different dosage forms including metronidazole vaginal gels and sustained-release capsules to treat infections.
Alcohol, commonly known as an alcoholic beverage, is a diverse category of drinks that contains ethanol as an active intoxicating ingredient. Alcohol consumption may have some potential health benefits (e.g, red wine’s association with heart health), but excessive and long-term alcohol use can lead to numerous health risks, such as addiction, liver damage, increased risk of certain cancers, impaired judgment, and a higher likelihood of accidents.
It is also said that metronidazole 500mg tablets with alcohol don’t cause any side effects, which is definitely a myth. Mixing these two may present a set of discomforting yet severe symptoms. Let’s discuss what is likely to happen.
Can I take metronidazole with alcohol?
No. When metronidazole is prescribed, it usually is with the caution of not taking it while consuming alcohol. It’s good to stay on the safer side by avoiding them. Metronidazole combined with alcohol shows a disulfiram-like severe reaction when combined with alcohol, such as nausea and extreme headache.
Is having 1 or 2 drinks OK?
No, neither 1 nor 2 drinks are okay with medications. Moderate alcohol consumption is fine normally with no medicines, but it’s better to avoid drinking while treating any infection by using metronidazole. Alcohol often disrupts the mechanism of action of metronidazole by reversing its action and infection in your body, which will present itself with concurrent fever and lethargy.
Metronidazole is eliminated from the body quickly. The half-life of metronidazole is typically around 8 to 10 hours in healthy individuals. This means that after one half-life, half of the medication has been cleared from your system, and after two half-lives, approximately 75% of the drug is eliminated. Extreme headache is one of the most common symptoms that shows itself when you take both together.
Side Effects Of Combining Metronidazole and Alcohol
Combining metronidazole and alcohol can result in a range of side effects, some of which can be common and mild, while others can be more serious.
Here is a list of both common and serious side effects that may occur when metronidazole is taken with alcohol.
Common side effects of combining metronidazole with alcohol
- Nausea and Vomiting: These are the common symptoms you will be observing when on any antibiotic and they can also present themselves when alcohol is added. While getting the treatment for any antibiotic, especially Nitroimidazoles ( Metronidazole drug class), it’s better to never combine alcohol consumption for rapid healing.
- Headaches: Headaches are one of the common side effects of drinking and hangovers. However, they can get pretty serious and worse when combined with antibiotics like metronidazole.
- Upset Stomach: Antibiotics often cause stomach upset, including diarrhea and cramps. However, consuming alcohol while taking metronidazole antibiotics can exacerbate these symptoms.
- Dizziness: Both substances can cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Combining them may increase the sensation of dizziness or disorientation.
Serious side effects of combining metronidazole with alcohol
- Disulfiram-like reaction: This is the most important concern when combining metronidazole and alcohol. A disulfiram-like reaction can cause severe nausea, antiperistalsis (Vomiting), abnormal heart rate, flushing, sweating, and low blood pressure.
- Central nervous system: Dizziness and lightheadedness are the central nervous system side effects, and they can get worse if alcohol consumption increases.
- Liver toxicity: Both alcohol and metronidazole can affect the liver. Combining metronidazole and alcohol may increase the risk of liver damage.
- Reduced effectiveness of antibiotics: Alcohol can interfere with the metabolism of metronidazole antibiotics, potentially decreasing their effectiveness in treating the infection for which they were prescribed.
- Cardiac issues: In rare cases, the combination of metronidazole and alcohol may lead to heart-related problems, such as rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia), chest pain, or palpitations.
- Vision disturbances: Combining metronidazole and alcohol may lead to visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or changes in color perception.
How long should you wait before drinking again?
It is beneficial to wait 48 hours after the metronidazole dose is consumed before drinking alcohol again. The length of time you should wait before drinking alcohol again after taking metronidazole depends on various factors, including the dosage, duration of treatment, and your body’s ability to metabolize the medication.
To be on the safer side, it’s best to refrain from alcohol drinking during the course of metronidazole treatment and for at least 48 hours after completing the medication. This will allow your body ample time to fully metabolize the drug, thereby reducing the risk of adverse effects.
Consult a Doctor
It’s good to consult a doctor or your healthcare provider if you have accidentally drunk alcohol while taking metronidazole and are now facing symptoms. It’s good to seek medical attention as they can provide personalized and valuable advice based on your specific medication history, the dosage of metronidazole you were prescribed, and your overall health condition.
FAQs About Alcohol and Metronidazole
No, it’s not addictive. It’s an antibiotic that is prescribed for certain bacterial and parasitic infections.
It’s good to wait 48 hours after the last dose of metronidazole to consume alcohol again. It will give ample time for the body to metabolize metronidazole antibiotics, causing fewer to near-zero side effects. It’s also crucial not to start alcohol within 12 hours of taking metronidazole.
Suppose you have an alcohol addiction and you got metronidazole prescribed. In that case, it’s good to seek medical consultation as soon as you realize it because combining them can cause severe to critical effects on your body.
Yes, you can, if you have already waited for 48 hours after the last dosage of metronidazole. If not, wait for them to pass, and you can consume alcohol again.
