Read the clinical problem and answer the following questions: 40 years old man who was on
metronidazole for amoebic dysentery went to a cocktail party where he consumed alcohol. After
some time, he started developing symptoms like flushing, burning sensation, throbbing headache,
dizziness, tightness in chest, vomiting.
(a) What is the reason for his symptoms.
(b) What are the other uses of metronidazole.
(c) What are the adverse effects produced by metronidazole
Q26 marksEssays
Answer
(a) Reason for his symptoms
This is a disulfiram-like reaction caused by the interaction of metronidazole with alcohol. Metronidazole inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, blocking the metabolism of acetaldehyde (the intermediate metabolite of ethanol). Accumulated acetaldehyde produces flushing, throbbing headache, nausea/vomiting, palpitations/chest tightness, and dizziness — exactly the symptoms described. Patients on metronidazole must be advised to strictly avoid alcohol during treatment and for some days after.
