I found a possible link to adverse effects of Metronidazole.

My doctor prescribed Metronidazole 500 mg. 3 times daily for 7 days.  I made it to day 3, and had such severe weakness that I did not take the morning dose because I would not be at home.  I did okay while shopping, but once I reached the checkout, I became really weak, could not feel my legs, vision narrowed, and felt faint.  With the help of my son, I managed to complete the transaction, but had to immediately sit down on a bench until I recovered enough to make it to the car.  When I received the prescription, the pharmacy leaflet stated to avoid alcohol while taking the medicine and for 72 hours after stopping it (I knew about that from previous antibiotics); the pharmacist stated not to use even a mouthwash that contained alcohol.  The leaflet also stated to avoid propylene glycol.  Okay, so what products contain propylene glycol?  I searched and found cake mixes, frosting, ice cream, margarine, sodas, etc.  I took the medicine that afternoon and for a couple more days, until I had seizure-like twitches, bottom lip raw inside.  I stopped it and the twitches went away.  After a couple of days, I felt fine one morning, and then started to feel the symptoms again.  I could not figure it out until I noticed that the only think I did before feeling weird again was brush my teeth.  I searched again, thinking that maybe the toothpaste contained alcohol.  No, it contains propylene glycol, and it is right on the label.  I had to find an alternative to the toothpaste, and still cannot use it, after one week off the Metronidazole; the combination caused an interaction.  After searching and finding this discussion, I thought that maybe this bit of information would help someone else.  I also discovered that a steroidal ointment that I used the same week is "in a base of propylene glycol."  It states it on the tube.   

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