Along with Cefotetan, which other drug is known to cause a disulfiram-like reaction?

Along with Cefotetan, which other drug is known to cause a disulfiram-like reaction?

• A. Metronidazole
• B. Rifampin
• C. Isoniazid
• D. Ethambutol

Answer: (A)

The reason Metronidazole is known to cause a disulfiram-like reaction is due to its ability to inhibit the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, similar to the mechanism of disulfiram (Antabuse). When a patient consumes alcohol while on Metronidazole, the resulting accumulation of acetaldehyde leads to unpleasant effects such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, and tachycardia. This reaction serves as an undesirable reminder to avoid alcohol, highlighting the interaction between the drug and alcohol metabolism. Cefotetan, which also has this side effect, can similarly induce a disulfiram-like effect, making it important to inform patients about the risks of alcohol consumption while on this antibiotic. The other options, such as Rifampin, Isoniazid, and Ethambutol, do not produce the same type of interaction with alcohol and do not cause disulfiram-like reactions, which is why they do not share this notable side effect with Cefotetan and Metronidazole.

The reason Metronidazole is known to cause a disulfiram-like reaction is due to its ability to inhibit the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, similar to the mechanism of disulfiram (Antabuse). When a patient consumes alcohol while on Metronidazole, the resulting accumulation of acetaldehyde leads to unpleasant effects such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, and tachycardia. This reaction serves as an undesirable reminder to avoid alcohol, highlighting the interaction between the drug and alcohol metabolism.

Cefotetan, which also has this side effect, can similarly induce a disulfiram-like effect, making it important to inform patients about the risks of alcohol consumption while on this antibiotic. The other options, such as Rifampin, Isoniazid, and Ethambutol, do not produce the same type of interaction with alcohol and do not cause disulfiram-like reactions, which is why they do not share this notable side effect with Cefotetan and Metronidazole.