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Disulfiram-like reaction with ornidazole
1Department of Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital, Delhi, India.
Journal of Postgraduate Medicine
|January 20, 2010
Summary
Ornidazole, an imidazole derivative, can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when combined with alcohol. This reaction, characterized by increased acetaldehyde, necessitates patient counseling on alcohol consumption during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Disulfiram-like reactions are adverse drug events linked to aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibition.
- Metronidazole is a known cause, but ornidazole's role was previously unreported.
- Imidazole derivatives warrant caution due to potential disulfiram-like reactions.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old male patient presented with disulfiram-like reaction symptoms.
- The patient was concurrently taking ornidazole and consumed alcohol.
- Clinical manifestations included typical signs of acetaldehyde toxicity.
Findings:
- Ornidazole, an imidazole derivative, was implicated in causing a disulfiram-like reaction.
- The reaction occurred following alcohol ingestion in a patient prescribed ornidazole.
- Serum acetaldehyde levels likely increased due to ornidazole's effect on aldehyde dehydrogenase.
Implications:
- Clinicians should warn patients on imidazole derivatives about potential alcohol interactions.
- Patient education on restricting alcohol intake is crucial when prescribing ornidazole.
- This case highlights a potential safety concern with ornidazole and alcohol, necessitating further investigation.
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