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Metronidazole alcohol counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyInfectionsMetronidazole alcohol counsellingGPhC CRA

A 36-year-old woman prescribed metronidazole for bacterial vaginosis asks whether she can drink alcohol at a wedding tomorrow. She also takes sertraline. What would you advise the patient?

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

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Correct answer: E — Avoid alcohol during metronidazole treatment and for the advised period afterwards

Patients are commonly advised to avoid alcohol during metronidazole treatment and for a period after finishing because of the risk of unpleasant reactions such as flushing, nausea, and vomiting. Skipping antibiotic doses risks treatment failure. Timing sertraline separately does not remove the metronidazole alcohol advice.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS