Search
Alcohol-Drug Interactions
- There are a number of medications that produce the disulfiram-like reaction when ingested with alcohol.
- The disulfiram reaction is a very uncomfortable reaction characterized by severe flushing, and may be accompanied by tachycardia and hypotension.
- Although we always think of metronidazole, there have been well described cases of bactrim causing this reaction.
- Tinidazole, a new antiprotozoal used in the treatment of trichomonas, causes this as well.
- Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after metronidazole, and 72 hours after bactrim and tinidazole.
Other common medications that produce this reaction:
1. Sulfonylureas: chlorpropamide, tolbutamide, glyburide
2. Cardiovascular medications: Isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin
References
Weathermon R, Crabb DW. Alcohol and Medication Interactions. Alcohol Research and Health. 1999 (23);1:40-54.