The Use of Metronidazole in the Treatment of Alcoholism: A Pilot Study
J. MARTIN SEMER M.D.1,
PHILIP FRIEDLAND M.D.2,
MAURICE VAISBERG M.D.3, , and
ALVIN GREENBERG M.D.4
1 Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, Meadowbrook Hospital, East Meadow, Long Island, N. Y.
2 Chief of the Alcoholic Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, Meadowbrook Hospital, East Meadow, Long Island, N. Y.
3 Attending Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, Meadowbrook Hospital, East Meadow, Long Island, N. Y.
4 Internist at the Alcoholic Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, Meadowbrook Hospital, East Meadow, Long Island, N. Y.
In summary we can note that metronidazole in divided doses of from 500 to 750 mg. daily appears to consistently produce a marked aversion toward the ingestion of alcohol within two weeks in those well motivated in their desire to stop drinking. It is nontoxic and has a wide margin of safety. Hence, it holds forth great promise.
Further clinical studies are in order to appraise and delineate its value in the problem of alcoholism. We plan to continue and extend the present studies, utilizing a comparison group of alcoholics treated by means other than metronidazole.
