{"id":628982,"date":"2024-07-22T09:30:40","date_gmt":"2024-07-22T13:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628982"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:50:25","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:50:25","slug":"what-foods-to-avoid-while-taking-metronidazole","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-foods-to-avoid-while-taking-metronidazole\/","title":{"rendered":"What to avoid while taking metronidazole"},"content":{"rendered":"

Metronidazole<\/span><\/a> (brand name <\/span>Flagyl)<\/span><\/a> is a <\/span>nitroimidazole<\/span><\/a> antibiotic that is <\/span>most commonly used<\/span><\/a> to treat vaginal infections, certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and gastrointestinal infections such as <\/span>H. pylori<\/span><\/i>. It can also treat parasitic infections, like giardia, and is frequently used <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> (for a non-FDA-approved use) to help treat Crohn’s disease, bite wounds, and oral infections. In other words, there are many different reasons you might be prescribed this medication—either orally or topically. While taking this medication, there are certain things you should avoid eating and drinking, such as alcohol and any foods containing propylene glycol. Both substances<\/span> increase your risk for <\/span>side effects while taking metronidazole<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

How metronidazole works<\/span><\/h2>\n

Metronidazole was <\/span>originally<\/span><\/a> created to treat parasitic infections but was eventually found to be a powerful antibacterial medication. It is <\/span>toxic to the organisms<\/span><\/a> that cause certain parasitic and bacterial infections, stopping them from growing and spreading.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral metronidazole<\/span><\/a>—prescribed for ailments such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and stomach infections—begins working within a few hours, with most treatment courses lasting between seven and fourteen days. Topical use of metronidazole <\/span>for skin conditions<\/span><\/a> like <\/span>rosacea<\/span><\/a> takes longer to work; dermatologists often recommend using it two times a day for a few months.<\/span><\/p>\n

Foods to avoid with metronidazole<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many <\/span>antibiotics<\/span><\/a> include a warning to avoid certain foods and beverages because they can interfere with how well the drug is absorbed or increase the antibiotic’s side effects. The same is true for metronidazole. Two things can increase your risk for unwanted side effects like nausea, vomiting, and dizziness: alcohol and propylene glycol, according to <\/span>Lily Grobman<\/span><\/a>, PA, a certified physician assistant with Medical Offices of Manhattan.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Alcohol<\/span><\/h3>\n

Alcohol is firmly off-limits<\/span><\/a> for the entire course of treatment with metronidazole—and for about 3 days after your last dose. Mixing the two can cause the following side effects:<\/span><\/p>\n