Free tool
Can I eat this with Metronidazole?
Alcohol reacts with metronidazole causing serious side effects. The medicine can make you feel or be sick, so simple food helps.
Also sold as Flagyl Compak, Flagyl-S, Metrozol, Norzol. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 34 foods and drinks for Metronidazole (27 to avoid, 4 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Metronidazole with food?
- Tablets can be taken with or just after food; liquid does not need to be taken with food.
- Can I drink alcohol with Metronidazole?
- No, avoid it. Do not drink while taking tablets, liquid or suppositories, and avoid for 2 days after finishing your treatment.
- Can I eat products containing propylene glycol with Metronidazole?
- No, avoid it. Avoid products containing propylene glycol while taking metronidazole and for at least 3 days afterward.
- Can I eat rich food with Metronidazole?
- Yes, with care. Stick to simple meals and avoid rich or spicy food if you feel or are being sick.
- Can I eat spicy food with Metronidazole?
- Yes, with care. Stick to simple meals and avoid rich or spicy food if you feel or are being sick.
- Can I drink liquid medicines containing alcohol with Metronidazole?
- Yes, with care. Check the list of ingredients; some liquid medicines and supplements contain alcohol.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Alcohol reacts with metronidazole causing serious side effects. The medicine can make you feel or be sick, so simple food helps.
Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole tablets, liquid or suppositories, and avoid it for 2 days after finishing. Stick to simple meals if you feel sick. The vaginal gel can sometimes react with alcohol too.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: Tablets can be taken with or just after food; liquid does not need to be taken with food.
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Foods to avoid with Metronidazole· 27
Take care with Metronidazole· 4
Fine with Metronidazole· 3
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Metronidazole
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 24 September 2026. How we check
NHS website
About metronidazole
NHS medicines information on metronidazole – what it's used for and key facts.
NHS website
Who can and cannot take or use metronidazole
NHS medicines information on who can take or use metronidazole and who may not be able to take or use it.
NHS website
How and when to take or use metronidazole
NHS medicines information on dosage for metronidazole, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.
NHS website
Side effects of metronidazole
NHS medicines information on side effects of metronidazole and what you can do to cope.
NHS website
Taking or using metronidazole with other medicines and herbal supplements
NHS medicines information on possible interactions with metronidazole and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Metronidazole guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Metronidazole
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.