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Metronidazole-alcohol interaction — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyPatient CounsellingMetronidazole-alcohol interactionGPhC CRA

A 40-year-old woman presents with a prescription for metronidazole 400 mg three times daily for seven days for a dental abscess. She asks if there is anything she should avoid while taking this medication. What is the most important counselling point?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — She should avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least 48 hours after completing the course, as it can cause a severe disulfiram-like reaction

Metronidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when taken with alcohol, resulting in nausea, vomiting, flushing, and abdominal cramps. Patients must be advised to avoid all alcoholic drinks during treatment and for at least 48 hours after completing the course. This includes medicines containing alcohol. Metronidazole does not cause photosensitivity, does not interact with dairy, caffeine, or paracetamol.

Reference: BNF