Drug Interactions between metronidazole and sodium oxybate

Consumption of alcoholic beverages or products containing alcohol or propylene glycol during treatment with metroNIDAZOLE is not recommended. Doing so may occasionally trigger a reaction in some patients similar to the disulfiram reaction, which includes unpleasant effects such as flushing, throbbing in head and neck, throbbing headache, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, sweating, thirst, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, palpitation, low blood pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and confusion. Rarely, more severe reactions may include abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, heart failure, unconsciousness, convulsions, and even death. Patients treated with metroNIDAZOLE should continue to avoid using any products containing alcohol or propylene glycol for at least 3 days until after completion of therapy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food may interfere with the absorption of sodium oxybate. You should wait at least 2 hours after eating before you take the first dose. Avoid alcohol during treatment, as it may add to the central nervous system effects of sodium oxybate and increase the risk of serious side effects such as respiratory depression, low blood pressure, fainting, coma, and even death. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous activities for at least six hours after taking sodium oxybate and until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.