A 21-year-old girl who was treated with a daily dose of 500 mg of metronidazole, after drinking alcohol before going to bed, also takes another dose of metronidazole. The interaction between metronidazole and alcohol causes the level of consciousness to drop, followed by abdominal breathing, which, unfortunately, none of his friends were either alert or did not understand. The patient also vomits while sleeping, and due to the decreased level of consciousness, the contents of the stomach entered the patient’s lungs (aspiration), which causes the patient to suffocate and finally the death of this 21-year-old girl.
Preventing Disulfiram-Like Reactions: Vigilance in Metronidazole Therapy
The simultaneous use of drugs containing alcohol with metronidazole may cause side effects and serious discomfort for the patient, which is known as disulfiram-like reactions. Healthcare professionals should be on the lookout for disulfiram-like reactions when starting metronidazole or adding alcohol-containing liquid medications concurrently with metronidazole therapy. If this interaction is proactively identified and complications considered, significant patient discomfort can be avoided. Sometimes colleagues use drug interaction software, however, the drug interaction software may not detect this interaction. In this case, if healthcare professionals are aware of this interaction, they can stop or replace the causative agent at the initial onset of symptoms.
Empowering Patients: Educating on Medication-Alcohol Risks
In addition to vigilance regarding metronidazole-alcohol interactions, healthcare providers should prioritize patient education regarding the risks associated with concurrent use of medications and alcohol. Patients must be informed about potential adverse effects and advised to abstain from alcohol consumption while on metronidazole therapy. Moreover, it is imperative for healthcare professionals to thoroughly review a patient’s medication history, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements, to identify any potential interactions that could lead to adverse outcomes. By fostering open communication and providing comprehensive education, healthcare providers can empower patients to make informed decisions and prevent tragic outcomes associated with drug interactions
