[Metronidazole-induced esophageal ulcer. A case report]

A 25 years old female, previously in good health, complained of odinophagia and retrosternal pain. The last 3 days, she has been ingesting metronidazole 500 mg t.i.d. Last pill was swallowed the night before without liquids, at bed time. Esophagoscopy showed two ulcers in the middle portion of the esophagus. The patient stopped the medication, received liquid diet and sucralfate 2 g b.i.d. Clinically and endoscopically healing was achieved one week later. This case is important due to the high frequency of metronidazole prescription in Mexico.