A client with trichomoniasis is to receive metronidazole. What should the nurse instruct the client to avoid while taking this drug?
A.
Caffeine
B.
Chocolate
C.
Nicotine
D.
Alcohol
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Alcohol.
Explanation:
Metronidazole is an antibiotic commonly used to treat infections caused by protozoa and anaerobic bacteria, including trichomoniasis. It is important for patients receiving metronidazole to adhere to specific instructions to avoid adverse reactions and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. One crucial instruction is to avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole.
Interaction with Alcohol:
Metronidazole can interact with alcohol to cause a disulfiram-like reaction. Disulfiram (also known as Antabuse) is a medication used to support the treatment of chronic alcoholism. It works by causing unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed, including flushing, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations. Metronidazole can trigger similar reactions when alcohol is ingested, which can be severe and uncomfortable. This reaction occurs because metronidazole inhibits the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which is responsible for metabolizing acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism. The accumulation of acetaldehyde leads to the unpleasant symptoms.
Symptoms and Management:
The disulfiram-like reaction may include symptoms such as facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms can be distressing and can discourage the patient from continuing the medication or from adhering to the treatment regimen. To avoid these adverse effects, patients should abstain from consuming alcohol during the entire course of metronidazole therapy and for at least 48 hours after completing the medication.
Other Considerations:
While caffeine, chocolate, and nicotine are not known to cause interactions with metronidazole, patients should still maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive consumption of substances that could potentially affect their overall health. However, the primary concern with metronidazole is its interaction with alcohol.
In summary, it is crucial for patients receiving metronidazole to avoid alcohol to prevent disulfiram-like reactions and ensure a smooth and effective treatment process.