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I just want to get more specific concerning Mike Brown’s sufficient answer. In particular, I want to briefly explain the “disulfiram reaction” that he alludes to.

Disulfiram is a drug used by docs who take care of alcoholics. It is interacts with alcohol by affecting the conversion of acetaldehyde (one of the metabolites of ethanol) into other, less toxic compounds. The build-up of acetaldehyde by disulfiram and metronidazole (Flagyl) causes:

  1. Nausea
  2. Vomiting
  3. A rapid heartbeat
  4. Stomach cramps
  5. Low blood pressure
  6. Headaches
  7. And facial flushing

Any one symptom is uncomfortable at best. In the ideal scenario, the alcoholic then associates drinking with getting sick. In the real world, I have only seen this work short-term when it was court-ordered.

Is it safe to mix Flagyl and alcohol? Effects and interactions
Doctors advise people to avoid drinking alcohol when taking the antibiotic Flagyl. This is because serious drug interactions and side effects can occur. Learn more here.
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