What Foods To Avoid While Taking Metronidazole?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including bacterial vaginosis. While taking this medication, it is essential to avoid certain foods and substances to prevent unwanted side effects. Here's what you need to know:

Can You Eat Dairy Products While Taking Metronidazole?

When taking metronidazole, it is advised to consume it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after foods that contain calcium, such as dairy products and calcium-fortified juices and foods.

Can You Eat Eggs, Chocolate, or Bananas While Taking Metronidazole?

Information related to eggs, chocolate, or bananas, as well as metronidazole, is not specifically mentioned in the available guidelines. However, according to the NHS, while taking metronidazole, you must avoid alcohol, but otherwise, you can eat and drink normally.

What Foods Should Be Avoided While Taking Metronidazole

• You must not have any alcohol (in either your food or drink) while taking metronidazole, and for 2 days afterwards.
• Combining alcohol with metronidazole could lead to symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.
• Avoid alcohol or products containing propylene glycol (found in some flavoured iced teas, frostings, and salad dressings) while taking metronidazole, and for three days after the course of metronidazole has finished, as advised d

Specific Medications and Supplements

Certain medicines should not be used together with metronidazole, such as disulfiram, and other interactions may occur with food or substances like Milk Thistle.

General Dietary Guidelines

• May be taken with or without food.
• The capsules can be taken with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, it is best to take it with a meal or snack.
• The extended-release tablet must be taken without food, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

What Should I Eat While Taking Metronidazole

• Follow general dietary guidelines and the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• If the medicine upsets your stomach, it may be best to take it with a meal or snack.

Key Takeaways

Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol must be avoided while taking metronidazole and for 2 days afterwards to prevent nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.

Dairy Consideration: Dairy products should be consumed with caution, as taking metronidazole at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after foods containing calcium may reduce their effectiveness.

General Dietary Guidelines: There are no specific restrictions regarding eggs, chocolate, or bananas, and general dietary guidelines can be followed.

Consult Healthcare Provider: Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalised recommendations and guidance, and adhere to the instructions provided to ensure effective treatment.

These key takeaways summarise the essential information about what to eat and avoid while taking bacterial vaginosis. Following these guidelines will help maximise the effectiveness of the medication for treating bacterial vaginosis and other infections.

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 11/08/2023 Reviewed on: 05/06/2025