Disulfiram like reaction is commonly caused by which of the following: March 2005
**Core Concept**
Disulfiram-like reaction is a clinical phenomenon where certain medications, when administered concomitantly with alcohol, produce severe adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, and tachycardia. This reaction is mediated by the inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase, an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of ethanol metabolism.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Metronidazole, an antibiotic used to treat various infections, is a known cause of disulfiram-like reaction when taken with alcohol. This occurs because metronidazole is a potent inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase, thereby preventing the metabolism of acetaldehyde and leading to its accumulation. The resulting toxic effects are a manifestation of this disulfiram-like reaction. The mechanism involves the inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase by metronidazole, which in turn leads to the accumulation of acetaldehyde and its toxic effects.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Penicillin is not typically associated with disulfiram-like reactions, and its mechanism of action does not involve the inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase.
**Option C:** Tetracycline, an antibiotic, does not have a known association with disulfiram-like reactions, and its mechanism of action is unrelated to the inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase.
**Option D:** Erythromycin, an antibiotic, is not known to cause disulfiram-like reactions, and its mechanism of action does not involve the inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to note that disulfiram-like reactions can occur with other medications beyond metronidazole, including certain antifungals, antimalarials, and antitubercular agents. Clinicians should be aware of these potential interactions and advise patients to avoid alcohol consumption when taking these medications.
**β Correct Answer: B. metronidazole**