Metronidazole and Alcohol - how much can you have?

So antibiotics eey? The long standing tradition of not drinking while on antibiotics has come a reality this week.
In my quest to resume tradition of another booze fuelled weekend, I did a little research on this, as I originally thought that alcohol would inhibit the antibiotics, rendering them useless and therefore the course of medication is irrelevant. And the infection comes back and eats not only your healthy cells, but also your cat, TV, laptop AND drinking suit.

It appears that drinking does indeed change the effectivity of antibiotics, but not to such an extent where they stop working - the main worry is nausea, extreme vomiting and other fun effects - but it really does depends on what antibiotics you are on.

The first, err what's it called - Amoxicillin, is a penicillin based antibiotic - and is not really affected by the intake of alcohol. Drinking just after taking it isn't advised, but this is only because it can adversely affect the absorption into the stomach and digestive system - as with anything. So no actual reaction between the two.

Metronidazole however is a different kettle of fish. This can cause nausea, massive vomiting and tachycardia. So I wonder why?
It's something to do with limiting the body's ability to break down and metabolise the alcohol - by blocking the breakdown of propylene glycol in the liver. This increases the amount of propylene glycol in the blood, and can harm the liver and other fun items in the body that allow life to happen.

So it makes propylene glycol stay in my body for ages, so what does this do? Well it looks like it's used in loads of household goods, from deoderant sticks to being a moisturiser in cosmetics. It's even a safe food additive in the US (not checked other countries..) - However this method of ingestion (oral) is minimally effective, and is therefore deemed quite safe - but when propylene glycol is allowed into the bloodstream, intravenously as it were, it becomes quite dangerous.

To make use of this and try to find out how much booze I can actually consume before the propylene glycol becomes fatally toxic, I need to find out the fatal dose... for which there is no data.

Absorption rates in rats after ingestion is 90-100%, usually not building up in the body. But when breakdown is inhibited this could build up quickly.

Ingestion of a sufficient quantity can definitely cause death. 1g per KG of body weight, so say 90g of this stuff can affect the central nervous system, causing numbness, visual distortions etc.... Increase this to 3g/kg, and you get massively drunk, slurred speech and stupor/agitation mental state shifts.
Over that, you get coma, loss of reflexes and probably death.

So it's quite inconclusive unless data on how much of this stuff is held back by the body.

All of the above sounds like getting pissed anyway, but I don't think I will booze on during the course of these antibiotics. I will find out tomorrow.

Comments

Anonymous said…
DONT DRINK with this medication. Its evil. I have drunk with antiobiotics before and felt ok. This is way different. I had to phone an emergency doctor and they told me to go straight to A & E. I had only 2 small glasses of wine after taking just 4 tablets over 2 days. Had one before bed. Woken up at 4am with a headache like I have never known before. Like my head was going to explode. I felt sick, dizzy, feint. Blood pressure had gone sky high when I went to the docs. Racing hearbeat. STEER CLEAR! This medicine should come with a real health warning as most people would never think that this could be a reaction. Apparently, drinking can cause acetaldeyhde to build up in the body(not broken down from the alcohol) so basically you get alcohol poisoning. I cannot believe it is given on prescription without some better warning. It has caused extremely sever illness and even death. BEWARE!!
badmed said…
OMG, this was a lovely, laughable read--and I notice most of you Metro takers are Brits! Well, here's an American gal--probably much older than all of you, and my story is boring. I am on day 4 of 500 mg. Metronidazole, 2 times a day. Typically I drink a little nearly every night, but held off until today, when I decided I had to have a beer. This is after hearing the stern warnings from my doctor and on the bottle label, but before I logged on to this site! As I was drinking and reading here, getting progressively more alarmed, about two-thirds way through the beer I decided I was wacko to even consider one drink. Yet I felt fine. Even dared to take my second dose for the day. Feel very warm, but I live in So. California and it's mid-summer. Nervous...and I probably won't report back no matter what does (or doesn't) happen. Cheers!
Anonymous said…
Thanks for all the informative comments. I've been prescribed met x3 for 7 days, and I'm 2 days down. I'm a bit curious/stubborn by nature and wanted to check the alcohol/meds interaction for myself. I've had 6 pints and no horrible effects. I have paced myself. I don't plan on drinking too much more as it's getting a bit late, but I would feel comfortable having a few more. As was previously mentioned, the meds/alcohol interaction will affect people differently. I skipped a dose 8 hours prior to my first pint, and to play it safe I skipped another one tonight. If you want to drink, it's possible. But I have an infection that can wait - if you have an infection that required/requires immediate attention, take your meds and don't drink.
Anonymous said…
This blog was awesome. I read almost the whole thing before I went out and decided to drink anyway. I had a normal Saturday night out. Three shots of tequila and probably five or six whiskey cokes and I truly didn't feel any different than usual. Honestly, I felt more like the medicine might have been making me feel less drunk than I normally would. I had taken the medicine at around 9pm and I started drinking at about 12am. I drank my first drink extremely carefully and waited a little bit before continuing, but I really didn't feel any different. I ate a pretty large dinner at like 8:30pm, so maybe that had something to do with it. I'm a 22 year old 5'5" female 120 pounds. I drink fairly regularly. Maybe two times a week pretty heavily. I don't get hangovers normally and I didn't have one at all this morning either. Just a completely typical night of going out for me.
Anonymous said…
Four day course, seven day course, you all are lightweights. I've been on a freaking 30 days course for something the doc thought was related to diverticulitis, but proved to be something else. So I probably shouldn't be on it anyway. That said, I'm doing the whole course. So last night was day 26, and I thought "I can deal with barfing" and thought I'd have a glass of wine in the name of science. Then I ran into this blog. Barfing I can handle, anxiety/panic attacks? Not so much. Been there done that got the shirt. I generally drink on weekends, and it isn't unusual for me to drink 2 bottles of wine in an evening. So my last day on the med is Wednesday; Friday is going to be fun.
Unknown said…
I waited 38 hours, 5"3 100lbs, female.
I have drank 1 double shot of fireball and I am fine. Update after the 2nd, maybe 3rd>_<
jovial said…
Adding my two cents to this hot mess of a group of people whom I feel a close bond with :)
I debated on day 3 whether or not to drink and decoded F it. I'm giving it a go. I took last pill at 7 am and drank quite heavily after a meal at 9pm. I was fine minus a little flushed face and nerves in the beginning. I skipped that nights pill and resumed. Now on day 6, I'm having more drinks! But took my evening pill. We'll see! Its a little sad I couldn't abstain, but it is what it is! Bottoms up lushes!
jovial said…
Adding my two cents to this hot mess of a group of people whom I feel a close bond with :)
I debated on day 3 whether or not to drink and decoded F it. I'm giving it a go. I took last pill at 7 am and drank quite heavily after a meal at 9pm. I was fine minus a little flushed face and nerves in the beginning. I skipped that nights pill and resumed. Now on day 6, I'm having more drinks! But took my evening pill. We'll see! Its a little sad I couldn't abstain, but it is what it is! Bottoms up lushes!
Daniel said…
The original study that claimed Metronizadole has negative interactions with alcohol was based on animal studies and 10 human "case reports". The negative interaction was thought to be due to an accumulation of acetaldehyde in the blood. The alleged result: The Hangover From The Abyss well before one is due for the hangover. Another study in 2002 concluded that metronidazole doesn't cause any adverse reactions when taken with alcohol - but that study only involved 12 people, none of whom reported any negative side-effects. I conclude that the only way to find out whether you can or cannot drink while taking this antibiotic is to bite the bullet and see for yourself; which is what I am doing right now. I've never had any problems with medication/alcohol interactions though. It's also possible that those who report terrible side-effects could be experiencing the "nocebo" effect - if Mr. Expert Doctor warns you seriously that you will get violently ill when drinking alcohol while taking metonizadole, you may well fool your body into doing so based on belief alone. (Opposite to placebo). People have actually died after being mistakenly diagnosed with cancer, just because they believed they were doomed to die from cancer, that's how powerful the nocebo effect can be.
Anonymous said…
im on my last days dose.....3 x 200mg...... not had a drink on them......but fancy a drink tonight.......would I get any side effects........paul
Anonymous said…
My last metro was to be Thanksgiving morning...500 mg 2x 10 days. I was drinking about two glasses of wine every night prior to taking this drug. I did not want to miss a glass of wine with my Thanksgiving dinner so I decided to end my metro the day before Thanksgiving. Took the last on Weds about 8 a.m. Thursdays Thanksgiving was at a friends around 1 I had a mimosa and then I had two small glasses of white wine with dinner. I came home around 5:00 tp projectile vomiting. I found this amazing since I hadnt taken a metro in 30 hours. I cant imagine drinking while taking it.
Anonymous said…
I just saw your ^ post and decided to not drink today. I was on 10 days of this drug and last night was my last. I'm 15 hours into my last dose. I didn't drink during a 4 day weekend, Thanksgiving or last weekend for the big fight. All my brothers came home from school and got drunk at my house while i sat there sober. So much has been going on and I just stayed home. I wanted to drink for Sunday football today but being that I'm kind of a hypo, I'll probably end up making the experience bad for me. I'll wait until tomorrow night and I will update.
Anonymous said…
Well after spending my night sipping one beer and having my aunt laugh at my paranoia, I can safely say I'm still alive. I'm 24 years old, and just finished 500mg 2/day for 7 days of metro. My doctor and my pharmacist failed to mention any interactions with alcohol. I read the label Thanksgiving night after using mouthwash and ended up having a finger for dessert thinking I would die if I didn't rid myself of the pill I had just taken. It has now been 30 plus hours after finishing my course, and I'm going for another beer! CHEERS TO ALL YOU HILARIOUS "NON ALCOHOLIC" HYPOCHONDRIACS OUT THERE!!!
Unknown said…
I have been on a 7 day 2x a day 500mg flagyl and today is day 6 of taking it. Decided to drink a mikes hard cranberry despite the warnings. Halfway into the drink I started feeling weird so I dumped it out. I don't know if I was having adverse reaction to mixing the 2 or if I was psyching myself out. Not going to drink anymore until I'm finished with these awful pills. What a waste....
Anonymous said…
400g twice a day, completely forgot last night i was even taking these, out for dinner had once glass of wine and one very strangely made orange mohjito - stronger than i was expecting, but thinking about it I felt like I was fully tripping out after the first glass of wine. Felt like I'd downed 6 shots of vodka. Dizziness has been consistant throughout this medication, I'm on day 4. Thinking generally has actually been difficult, (more so than my usual self) and I've felt ridiculously low and down.

Hope I haven't affected the meds working...especially cus I didn't think ahead and remind myself not to drink while on these! Dont wana take them again!
Anonymous said…
Yasssss honey
Erin said…
I am a nurse, so I sometimes work three 12 hour night shifts back to back, with a long commute. Work has been super stressful, so between my second and third night, I decided to try something different and have a glass of wine to unwind and help me sleep. I'm a lightweight, I rarely drink. I'm 5'3" and 115lb.. One glass makes me feel pretty buzzed.

It was after I was done my glass of wine before I suddenly realized, "Wait a minute.. I feel like I remember once hearing that drinking while on Flagyl will make me sick.." I Googled to verify.. Yep. -- I FREAKED. People, I quite literally swallowed my pills down with the wine. There was no time around it, no few hour buffer on either side of the dose.. No, I drank the pills down with the fucking wine.

I then started to Google how I could make myself throw up, thinking that maybe if the pill hadn't completely dissolved yet, there would be less of a chance that I would become violently ill. I read that if you chug salt water, it will make you vomit immediately. I drank a whole cup of warm salt water, and nothing. I tried sticking my fingers down my throat, but barely anything came up because my body was trying to fight the gag reflex, and what did come up was so vile. So I drank two or three more cups of water to dilute the salt and put increased pressure on my stomach, hopefully triggering me to vomit. No. Now I was full, salty, and still freaking out.

I had been up way too long, and needed to try to get some sleep before going into my third shift. I finally accepted that I was going to throw up one way or the other, grabbed a trashcan with a double liner, put it next to bed, and found this page. I read, read, read, read these posts.. Praying I would be one of the lucky ones.. And trying to not let me psych myself out. I would start to think about vomiting, start to feel sick, talk myself down, tell myself it's only mental, and then I would feel ok again. I have anxiety issues anyway, so they were obviously in full gear.

Long story short, aside from just feeling really groggy (which may have had something to do with not being able to sleep because I was freaking out, and being really tired to begin with), I was fine. I got up to pee about five times, but I never felt nauseous, I never puked.

My body is usually pretty sensitive to things, so I'm surprised it didn't affect me. I had been on 500mg twice a day for three or four days at this point.
Anonymous said…
well thought i would leave a comment regarding the effects of metro and alcohol.
first i must say that last week went through a gastrophscopy and a colonoscopy both at same time. i was given metro clarithroycin and omeprazole to take for a week. already suffering from said procedures and an upper hernia thought sod it today. 3 days in after starting the course. i needed a drink felt miserable due to anxiety and bad dreams metro was causing so ended up having 4 pints of 4.7% cider and 2 double baileys. i'm fine no effects at all. i also take every day regular meds so surprised with no side effects
Anonymous said…
I've completed reading page 1 of this blog and will continuing reading while drinking my first beer in a week! Holy crap, that's a long time when you are used to drink every couple of days. About me, 5'9" 155 lbs. 35 year old female. I've been on 500mg 3xday for 5 days, I took one at 7am this morning and am supposed to continue for 2 more days. I have horrid diarrhea from it and figure what the hell, might as well have a few beers. I'm so over not drinking, have abstained because I was sick with stomach bugs and then prescribed this and a Z Pack for a 2 month long sinus/ chest infection. These are my 3rd and 4th antibiotics for this. It's been a week since I drank and I can't take it anymore, alcoholic much? I can usually drink 9 beers in 4-5 hours without a hangover, but have been known to consume more over a longer time frame and be fine. I have an extremely high tolerance for Rx and IV drugs. I've had several surgeries and it usually takes 2-3 times the amount of normal to knock me out, apparently I metabolize quickly, hopefully that works in my favor for this drinking experiment. I will report back if I live to regret this or not... Thirsty in Texas
Anonymous said…
Thirsty In Texas reporting back after 2.5 hours and 2 beers, working on the 3rd. I don't think I've ever drank this slow in my life.. I like to drink and I drink fast, running joke when hubby and I were dating and would show up with an 18 pack for the two of us was that's all you brought and you brought her?! LOL, yes, I'm a lush. I'm feeling fine, I have a slight headache, but heck I've had an off and on headache since day 2 of starting this crap. My stomach doesn't hurt like it did earlier, I actually feel better than I did today, when I was crapping my guts out and stomach was cramping. My urine is normal color, but I drink a ton of water regularly, generally 128 ounces a day and have upped it even more tonight. I've been having crazy weird dreams from this med, like crazy a$$ $h*t, will be interesting tonight to see if they are equally, more or less crazy. I'll update in the morning, planning on a few more beers, but don't want to get to crazy and regret it.
Anonymous said…
Thirsty in Texas back again, I ended up drinking 60 ounces of Bud Light over 4 hours, it's 4.2% alcohol where I live. I was fine, slept like a baby, though the weird dreams continued. I took a dose 11 hours after I had my last drink and 11 before I had my first drink and it was all fine. By skipping two doses, I did extend my treatment a day; but it was worth it (will finish Thursday evening and plan to drink heavy Friday evening). Plus, I was so ill from the meds yesterday I hadn't planned on taking the doses for the rest of the day, even if I didn't drink. The only thing I noticed is I was itchy last night, but once again, this med has been making me itchy already.
Anonymous said…
Yeah u did that was fine
Banditka said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Banditka said…
I was prescribed a heavy dose of Flagyl ( 500 mg 4x/day) for 10 days, along with Amoxicillin. Due to unfavorable side effects, the doctor allowed me to finish the flagyl 5 days early. I took the last pill on monday and it is now thursday but i am still not willing to drink, as the 3 different pharmacists have warned me not to drink for 5-7 days after the last dose. I don't know if dosage has anything to due with how quickly the drug leaves your body but I wouldn't go with the 48 hr rule.
Anonymous said…
So I take my last dose tonight... I'm dying for a beer and want one tomorrow.. Should I be fine?
Anonymous said…
So I take my last dose tonight... I'm dying for a beer and want one tomorrow.. Should I be fine?
Les said…
This shit is hilarious!! I'm on day 5 of metro 500 2x a day. I decided this week was stressful and I needed beer.

Started at 6pm. It is now 7:22 and I've had 2. No ill effects as of now. I will report back later.

Les
Les said…
I should have mentioned I am a daily drinker and I don't get hangovers unless I have more than 10 beers plus shits on no food. So I guess tolerance is high. Plus I have a strong stomach. I almost never throw up for ANY reason.
Unknown said…
So I was percsribed a course of flagyl 400mg x3 for 5 weeks and levofloxacin 500mg X 1 for 5 weeks! The whole antibiotic course finished on 5/05/16 and I could not wait to have a drink over the weekend! So 2 days later I decided I had given the antibiotics plenty of time to get out of my system, so I went and opened a bottle of proseco. After the first glass I felt the warm, breathlessness feeling but I ignored it! As the night went on I ended up drinking vodka..... Welll... on the second vodka I got this emence hotness and cold sweats..my hearing went...all I could see was black spots... I got up to go to the bathroom as I was gonna have diarrhoea ... On the way out of the bathroom the feeling got worse and BANG I passed out!!! Never have I ever in my whole 24 years fainted!!! But not once but 3 times!!! Everytime I went to get up from lying down my heart would beat really fast and all the colour drain from my face and BANG.. gone again!!! NEVER EVER DRINK ON THIS MEDICATION!!!!!
Unknown said…
Ok. It's 2016 now. I've been prescribed 0.75% of the vaginal gel to help even out my PH balance. I've had 4 shots of vodka. My doctor or pharmesist did not warn me of no drinking alcohol. I do drink A LOT but I will say that after 4 shots- 9 hours later on my second treatment, I am feeling a little drinker than usual. No sickness effects... Yet. I think I'll stop drinking now since reading this post. I just called another pharmesist and she said I'll just get really nauseous but that it won't kill me... So that's a relief.
Welsh Guy said…
Had 3 cans of Stella after 30 hrs after finishing a course of 200mg x 3 for four days. Nothing unusual happened and woke up feeling great. Loved the dreams on these and loved the time off the beer too. Never drank during the course, it's not worth it.
Unknown said…
500 MG 7 days .

Took with icecream . Now I'm nervous because I didn't know not to way stuff with propylene glycol.

Help will I get sick during the night
Anonymous said…
How did it work out..? Half west through my chuck he just took a small soul if some whiskey..
Anonymous said…
I'm done with my dosing (500MG bid) and am having 2 shots of fireball. It's been 13 hours since my last pill at 7:30a. I will post back tomorrow if I experience any I'll effects.
Jackie said…
Ha!!! Too funny. I love how you called me out though. "If you're reading this ove a problem." 30 hours off med, still debating a beer at soccer game tonight.
Thank you very much for this valuable article blog, which you have created. As I can see, there are a lot of comments and people have a lot of thoughts about it. Thank you for your thoughts. Good luck!
Anonymous said…
This stuff messed me up bad. Had a real bad reaction, with most of the symptoms mentioned, after my fourth dose, which I barfed up. Thing is, I hadn't had a drink in over a week. I've been switched to Clindamycin, which is kicking the infection's ass, While I enjoy a six pack. Just ask for another option, it's fucking toxic, alcohol, or not.
Anonymous said…
This is my experience. I was worried to death about Metro and booze combo. I did not realize it at the ER how much daily life has booze. I live remote and primitive. I use rum or vodka for near all sanitation; mouth wash, meat, counters. I was at a loss! I was afraid to do any normal routine. I took a test drink, like everyone else. I did not die, nor get violently ill.
I did get a bit, a lot more buzz than usual.
Anonymous said…
OMG- I read most of the posts on this blog on day 7, wondering when would it be safe to have a drink? The answer is - 22 hours later, I had a Cosmo and I've been fine. So funny and helpful to read all of these experiences.
Anonymous said…
I took my first 500 mg pill of Metro at 1pm. At 5pm I had my first drink (WINE only 6%). By 7pm I was done with my second glass and I felt no different that usual. I ended up drinking 6 glasses of wine and two beers. I did feel like I felt the effects of the alcohol faster but other than that nothing different. I was also fine the next morning. I think that alcohol with this med effects people differently.
Anonymous said…
I have never drunk while taking this antibiotic. I did have a few drinks about 24 hrs after finishing though and woke up with a hangover (when usually sticking to vodka soda in moderation won't give me a hangover). I wouldn't recommend drinking on it. Some people may be fine, but who wants to find out?
Unknown said…
I know this blog is old, but I was wondering if anyone has had any issues with intake of alcohol after completion of meds. Been on the meds for 7 days 2x a day and my last dose was on Tuesday, it is now Friday. Thanks in advance.
Anonymous said…
Wow! This is the second time I have come to this blog in the past few years! It's great! I am going to take my last 500mg in a couple hours. I have not had any alcohol yet! I am dying for a glass of wine! I usually drink at least 3 glasses a day! The last time a did this drug a few years back I did not drink until about 8 hours after the last dose. I experienced some flushing and some anxiety, but I think it was because of everything I've read!!! That said, I do not want to experience any of the consequences mentioned here lol! I would have tried to experiment but my hubby is out of town and I would need support if I did. So, when he gets back tomorrow, I will be about 28 hours out. I definitely am having a glass or two of wine! Wish me luck lushes lol!!!!! Oh and wow this drug sucks! I have not slept well in a week and the dreams are absolutely crazy when I do! I also have tingling in my legs at night! big bummer!!!!!!:( This drug cannot be good for you!!!! OOX
Anonymous said…
I was on 10-days of 750mg every 8 hours (x90 250mg pills in total over 10-days).
I did not drink at all over the course. I stopped drinking 2 days before taking.
On my 3rd day after lunch (no alcohol) I all of a sudden felt like puking, but didn't; I had chicken and gravy... is there alcohol in gravy?

I finally waiting 60hrs before drinking and am on my 2nd glass of beer as I type. I drank one glass in 30mins, now working on 2nd.

So far so good.
Tina said…
Ok so I'm on day six and felt pretty good so far. I read the blog and there were so many folks that didn't have a reaction so I drank last night while on a date. I felt fine at the time but woke up this morning with the worse headache of my life. I had to call off work. It feels like I did 12 shots or something instead of three beers. I will never drink and take this medicine again.
Anonymous said…
Was on day 4 of a 2x500mg/day for a week prescription. I drank 2 Miller Genuine Drafts, and felt fine the day of the beers. I missed the morning dose, but took a pill before I went to bed (about 6 hours post beer) I woke up a few times last night with the room spinning but didn't think anything of it. When I got out of bed I was really dizzy, later puked twice, and have had vertigo, and dizzyness all day. Its especially bad when im moving around. I'm 6' and 190lbs. This drug is the devil incarnate (when mixed with bous). Don't drink on this.
Anonymous said…
After taking 500mg 3x a day for 4 days had to have a tall beer by the fire, that whet well so came inside and had a whiskey and tea (hot toddy). That was not so good.....felt like a kick in the gut after 1/2 hr or so and really felt like puking, but didn't. Next day stomach was a bit queasy but went away after eating. Will abstain for the remainder of my meds. Good news is though it is helping my C-Diff that I've had for months-

Anonymous said…
To all you do-gooders who want to tell us we're alcoholics: This is not news. We know this.

To all my people: I am on the 0.75% vaginal gel (administered at night). I waited until Day 3 to test the waters. I drank about a 1/4 glass of red wine maybe 2 hours before my nightly dose. I didn't have any reaction when I initially drank the wine, and I didn't feel any differently when I took the dose. I did have some really weird dreams, but that could just be the med itself. Today, approximately 17 hours after my previous dose, I had a whole glass of sangria. That was about an hour ago and I have experienced no reaction whatsoever, not even the "extra drunk" feeling. I'm going with it and having a glass of red wine, slowly.

I think it might be okay to drink while taking the vaginal gel. I am mainly seeing adverse reactions from people taking the tablets, so hopefully guinea-pigging the gel is doing someone a favor. I'm trying to make sure drinking on New Year's Eve is gonna be okay, and so far so good. I'll report back if things go awry.
Unknown said…
So it could of been a reaction to the drinking or just a side effect? Cause nausea is a side effect of the antibiotic
Unknown said…
So it could of been a reaction to the drinking or just a side effect? Cause nausea is a side effect of the antibiotic
Elina Smith said…
The holidays and a glass of wine or hot cup of cider go hand-in-hand for many women. So how are alcohol and fibroids related? It is a true problem.
Don't miss the blog on
How long does alcohol stay in your system?
Anonymous said…
Well here it goes. 500mg 2x daily for 7 days. After 1 1/2 days worth of pills (last pill taken around 9am) had 1 beer over the course of two hours starting about 1pm. Will wait an hour and see if anything happens. I feel a little flushed but nothing else. Will report back. ---
Anonymous said…
I took Flagyl once in the morning and then I had about a quarter of a beer in the evening sipping it very very very slowly. Within an hour I was very hot my heart was racing through the roof and I was dizzy like I was going to pass out. It was seriously the worst feeling in the world. It came and went like three times and that was all. That was enough for me to never want to touch alcohol while on that medication again. I was recently on it again and I am 4 days passed my last dose. I am even scared to drink 4 days out because of how horrible it made me feel previously. I seriously felt as though I was having a heart attack at that time. Had it lasted any longer I would have been in the emergency room. When I checked my heart rate it was 180. Very scary stuff. I don't recommend anyone trying to drink while taking it.
Anonymous said…
First of all, brilliant blog Matt - I don't think you expected it to last quite this long! I'm on the infamous Metronidazole, otherwise known as 'Flagyl' apparently. 400mgx3 for seven days. To get straight to the point, I've had 3/4 a bottle of the good old Captain Morgan (he treats me nice), and I'm absolutely ok. Other than the alcohol-related belief that I'm better than anything Manchester United have to offer, I feel no need to meet the God of Porcelain. Having said that, I really do think that the mix will affect people differently. My take - have a quiet pint if you feel like it, and go from there depending on how you feel.
C. said…
Realize this forum is super old but the comments are great, haha! After reading through them, I decided to go ahead and give drinking a shot while on Metro for 5 days, 400mg x3 10 days. I started with one beer and waited one hour, felt fine so had another and felt fine, so switched to white wine, had two glasses and though I was bombed on this small amount of alcohol, I felt totally fine. Had one more half of a beer then I was too tired to continue haha. 5'9" female, 120lbs, sometimes weekend warrier.
Anonymous said…
so started this med on Saturday, 500mg 2xs a day for 7days. Sunday morning took one pill. went out that night and got hammered. 2 drinks in I wasn't feeling great, but kept drinking. It was like someone flicked a switch. I felt nauseous, headache, and just shitty. I wanted to leave right then, but couldn't my ride wasn't ready. So I had to sit in the bar feeling like shit till they were ready to leave. Later that night when I got home took the other pill, passed out. Woke up feeling absolutely horrible. Throwing up all morning, headache, diarrhea just awful. I do not recommend drinking on this shit. But I have a weak stomach so it could just be me. fuck this med, I'll be glad when I'm done.
Anonymous said…
Hi, I love this forum! To share my experience, I have been on Metro 200mgs, three times daily, for three days - finished yesterday at 2pm, had two large glasses of weak homemade wine 11 per cent ish between 7 - 10pm (same day), followed by a large Whisky Mac and a large 40% liqueur until midnight. I felt that I should be having some problems after reading the scare stories from the pharmaceutical industry and on this forum, but thought I've got to try it for science as many of your contributors have, sometimes hilariously! My only concession was a large mug of Earl Grey (apparently an anti toxident) at 11pm just before I scuppered the liqueur, yum yum! Went to bed with two Nytol as had been sleeping badly due to weird dreams from the Metro - woke up this morning feeling absolutely fab, no projectile vomit on husband or dog - do diarrhoea! I'm a 53 year old female, 10 stone, if this helps other readers trying to make a decision whether to drink - or not.
Matt, thank you for this forum, I do wonder if the comments on here might actually be useful to the nanny state pharmaceutical industry!
Kristoffer said…
I’ve been on metro 500mg for 9 days. Stopped early because St. Paddy’s day is Saturday and I’m Irish and it’s my greatest excuse if I need one to get pissed drunk. I got the beaver fever somehow and have been $#itting myself for 3 weeks. Giardia is no joke! Oh and the tests are ridiculous, you got to use this tiny spoon and manage to shovel some crap in these little vials. Then take it to a lab and hand it to the poor girl. We are staring at each other both knowingly exchanging posession of my absolute worst creation for god sake.

I’ll report back in a day or two on how this goes! I’m due for about 30 IPAs after this $#!T Show! Cheers!
Anonymous said…
Got a wisdom tooth extraction was prescribed 500mg four times a day. I read the blog comments (thanks everyone). I didn't know you could not drink on this medication. I drank half a shot on day 6 and I felt lightheaded/dizzy. I knew something was off because I drank very little to experience the side effects My face turned red and I felt uneasy. I don't recommend drinking on this medication. I guess everyone's body differs. Thankfully I didn't suffer as much. By the way this medication sucks. Diarrhea and yeast infection. If I ever have to go on this medicine again I will ask for a different one.
Anonymous said…
I misread my prescription bottle & took 1 pill a day for 2 days. Wanted to drink so I then waited for 8 hrs and drank 2-3 gin cocktails. I had a bad reaction. Got the flushing, heated skin, extreme nausea, & nearly blacked out. DON'T RISK DRINKING ON THIS!
Anonymous said…
I seriously advise anyone to NOT drink even a little bit on this med. I had 3 drinks at 8pm after taking 1 pill earlier at 9am and I got very sick hours later. I passed in and out of consciousness and my friend got very scared and said it seemed like I was having a seizure!

I couldn't walk on my own & was afraid to sleep in case I didn't wake up. Woke up this morning and felt like crap. I'm exhausted, achy, nauseous, and weak still as if my body has been put thru the wringer.

DON'T RISK DRINKING ON ANY FORM OF THIS MED. Some people said they were fine after a few drinks and good for them but its not worth the risk. This was a huge regret. I could have died if alone. Who knows.
pamela said…
For individuals who drink too much, abstaining for a day or days, whether consecutive or not, is a good idea. A better idea would be to reduce the daily consumption of alcohol.
Read more at How long does alcohol stay in your system
addiction rehab indianapolis
Anonymous said…
So I'm on flagyl 500mg twice daily for 7 days. This is day 3. When I picked up the pills and was counceled not to drink I thought "yeah right, that's not going to happen." I know for a fact I have taken these same pills a couple years ago and drank while taking them. I remember my mother in law who has been a nurse for 30+ years warning me not to do it because I would get extreamly sick. Well I had to try to defy the odds and told her " we will see what happens then as I guzzled diwn a wine slushie." Nothing. I continued to drink beer and a mixture of things the rest of that night. Still, nothing. So being prescribed them years later of coursr I'm skeptical. I have a nursing diploma mind you and I work at a hosptal. I asked a couple of other nurses if they have ever drank while taking them and 2 of them told me yes and nothing happened. So I took my first dose at work came home 6 hours later and drank a beer. I followed by popping my 2nd dose and went to bed. Nothing happened. Day 2 took my 3rd dose in am, went to work, went to a friends house and had 4 beers, came home took my 4th dose right after drinking and went to bed. Still nothing. Flagyl has some pretty bad side effects for some without drinking. I dont believe it's the booze causing people to get sick. I think it may be just how some react the the drug itself. To each their own but it's not stopping me.
Anonymous said…
i have been on this medication for 10 day 2x 500mg.I took my last dose at 3pm yesterday im 34 years old and male diagnosed with colitis.I'm a heavy daily drinker and i will commence drinking again at 3pm today (24 hours) i will post back on how it goes for me.
Anonymous said…
ok reporting bck all is well 24 hours after finishing metro i started drinking red wine no ill effects
Louise said…
I finished a 5day course of 400mg x3 per day on Friday evening at 8pm. On Friday I literally took a small sip of my partners red wine and within 20 mins I had a headache and felt very tired. I’m tummy got really gripey and I had a bit of diarrhoea. I went to bed and felt fine Saturday morning. I realised I must stick to the 48 hour rule so waited til Sunday evening and had 2 glasses of white wine. I felt awful, headache, gurgly stomach and so so tired. I went to bed and slept like a log and feel fine this morning. Ismaway camping for the weekend so will try again tonight whichwill be72 hours sincemy final dose- thisstuff is potent ! I am a 50 year old female, 5 foot 7, fit and healthy and I thought pretty tolerant to most things and drink a couple of bottles of wine a week generally.
Anonymous said…
OMG.......... I’m literally hugging the toilet as I’m writing this..... I’m currently feeling the horrid effects of drinking alcohol on metronidazole.. give me a second I have to vomit for the 10th time;(.............

I seriously want to kick myself in the face for not listening... So like all the rest of y’all, my dumbass was curious to know and hoping I was the 5% of the people that can drink on this and have no side effects... HA!! I hate myself right now.


So I’ve been on this shit for 4 days now, last night before I even had a sip of alcohol I started googling like crazy on mixing alcohol and metro. Everything I read was awful. You would think my dumbass would have taken all that info into consideration, but nah, I was like fuck it, I drink all the time my livers got this.. So at midnight I literally had half a vodka and cranberry. I waited an hour, nothing. So I was like fuck yea I’m in it to win it. So I drank the other half of my drink and no lie not even 10 mins later, it hit me like a ton of bricks... Here it is 8:20am and I’m vomiting actually I’m dry heefing bc I have nothing left to throw up.... So yea guys don’t be an idiot like me. I’ve even taken nausea medicine and that shit didn’t work. And for the 5% of y’all lucky fuckers, I hate y’all! FML!!
Anonymous said…
Even if you drink regularly, don't do it. I've had this medication a few times before, and had forgotten I wasn't supposed to drink and had a glass or two of wine, and was fine. I read about the interaction and there were some articles suggesting there hasn't been a lot of research and the side effects could have been from the meds itself. I figured I drink regularly, I've drank on it before, I'd be fine this time as well. I had two glasses of wine with dinner and a glass at home. I felt fine at dinner though it did seem to affect me more than usual. About a half an hour after I finished my wine at home, all of the sudden I started not feeling well, very hot and flushed. I went to the bathroom and my face was bright red, I felt like I was on fire. I don't ever get like this. It wasn't in my head either, because I didn't know that was a common reaction. My pulse feels strange, I almost feel like I'm having trouble breathing, but that could be anxiety at this point. I'm exhausted, but frankly afraid to go to sleep. It's been six hours since I had the first glass, and at least two hours since the last. It's honestly not worth it, even if you drink regularly, even if you've drank on it before, even if you're just drinking a bit, don't assume you'll be fine, just don't do it.
Littlelambie said…
I know this blog thread is slightly old, but I just had to tell you Matt, you proper made me chuckle reading it!!
Over and out!! 😉
Claire x
Anonymous said…
Hi all- I've spent just about all night cracking up at these comments!! I began Googling because like a few of you, I totally forgot that I wasn't allowed to have alcohol, and luckily only had a few bites of pie made with alcohol in the mix. I'm on day 5 of 500mg twice a day, metro. I was so worried because of what I read about people vomiting for days just from using mouthwash! I took my last dose at 7 AM, had the pie around 6:30 PM (or 1830 for all you across the pond). Felt ok, so took my night dose just now at midnight. Feel fine, but will update if I start projectile vomiting. I'll leave the risky business of taking shooters while on this crazy drug to the rest of you. While googling about this, I found this drug causes cancer in rats, and they aren't sure about humans??! I think next time, I'll just deal with the infection unless the symptoms are absolutely crazy. Wish I had known.
Good luck to all and Merry Christmas!
Ben Gilly said…
Thanks for sharing this blog, this blog is very helpful information for every one.
alcohol rehab uk
drug rehab uk
LORI HIRST said…
I was born HIV positive.at the age of 16 I lost my mother because of the HIV infection And I regretted why i never met Dr James who could have cured my mum for me because as a single other it was very hard for my mother I came across Dr James and his herbal exploit online about how he cured all kind of human diseases like Chronic pancreatitis, HIV/Aids Herpes, Parkinson, Asthma, Autism,Copd, Epilepsy, Shingles, Cold Sore, Infertility, Chronic Fatigues Syndrome,Fibromyalgia, Love Spell, Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer, Glaucoma., psoriasis, Cirrhosis of Liver, Cataracts, Muscular degeneration, Infectious mononucleosis., Cardiovascular disease, Lung disease. Enlarged prostate, Osteoporosis. Alzheimer's disease, psoriasis,
Dementia, Breast Cancer, Blood Cancer, Colo-Rectal Cancer, Love Spell, Chronic Diarrhea, Ataxia, Arthritis,Amyotrophic Lateral Scoliosis,Fibromyalgia,Fluoroquinolone Toxicity
Syndrome Fibrodysplasia Ossificans ProgresSclerosis, Weak Erection, Breast Enlargment, Penis Enlargment,Hpv, measles, tetanus, whooping cough, tuberculosis, polio and diphtheria Diabetes Hepatitis and Cancer I was so excited but frighten at the same time because I did not come across such article on the internet then I contacted Dr James on his {EMAIL drjamesherbalmix@gmail.com}. I also talked with him on {what's app +2348152855846} he tells me how it works then I told him I want to proceed I paid him so swiftly Colorado post office I received my herbal medicine within 3/4 working days and I used the herbal medicine as he prescribed for me MORNING AND NIGHT and here living healthy again can imagine how good use men to manifest h and powerful DR JAMES HERBAL MIXED MEDICINE works I'm writing this article in appreciation to thank Dr James and to let you all know there is a cure for HIV/AIDS.THANK YOU  
Anonymous said…
First 2 days I stayed away from alcohol. One 3th and 4th I had a glass of wine in span of 1 hour and it was fine. So i got excited and on 5th and had half a glads of wine and 2 round of scotch with ice, in span of 2 hrs. Lo and behold by end of scotch I felt very very nauseated and for next 2 hours cudnt throw up or sleep. My pee also was green color for 2 times and it scared the hell out of me.
Woke up in morning with headache and its 1 PM, still feel little queasy aftre another dose of flagyl.

Recomendation : Dont Drink ! If you really wnat to dont push you limit, first know your limit. But once you reach your limit, it will be really bad experience, be ready for it!
Oldest Older 401 – 473 of 473

Popular Posts