A patient is told to avoid alcohol while taking a medication because of flushing, nausea and palpitations. Which drug causes this disulfiram-like reaction?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Metronidazole
- Step 1: Metronidazole inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, so acetaldehyde accumulates. Step 2. That gives the flushing and nausea. Answer: metronidazole. Why not the others: azithromycin and doxycycline do not block aldehyde dehydrogenase; only some cephalosporins with a methyltetrazole group do, not ceftriaxone.
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