No — health authorities advise not drinking alcohol while taking metronidazole (Flagyl) and continuing to avoid it for at least 2 to 3 days after your last dose, because the combination can trigger an unpleasant "disulfiram-like" reaction.
The "avoid" verdict is confirmed by every source checked. The U.S. FDA label (via DailyMed) states that oral metronidazole "is associated with a disulfiram-like reaction to alcohol, including abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing." The NHS and MedlinePlus describe the same cluster of symptoms — feeling and being sick, stomach pain or cramps, headache, sweating, hot flushes, and a pounding or fast/irregular heartbeat. This is why alcohol stands out as the one clearly risky thing to avoid on this particular antibiotic, since most antibiotics do not require strict alcohol avoidance but metronidazole (and its relative tinidazole) do. The caution also covers "hidden" alcohol and propylene glycol in some medicines, mouthwashes, and cough or cold liquids, per MedlinePlus and the FDA label. The NHS notes the reaction is much less likely with the skin cream or gel because very little drug is absorbed, though even the vaginal gel can sometimes provoke it.
Timing/separation (as stated by each source): the NHS says do not drink while taking metronidazole tablets, liquid, or suppositories and to keep avoiding alcohol for 2 days (48 hours) after you finish. MedlinePlus and the FDA label are more cautious — avoid alcohol and any alcohol- or propylene-glycol-containing products while taking it and for at least 3 days after your final dose; following the longer 3-day window is the safest choice. For tinidazole, the NHS window is 72 hours. Warning signs of a reaction: flushing/hot flushes, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain or cramps, headache, sweating, and a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat (palpitations); the NHS also notes some people feel dizzy or drowsy. Who should be most careful: anyone taking the oral tablets, capsules, liquid, or suppositories. People who have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past two weeks should not take metronidazole without a doctor's guidance. If you are using only the skin cream or gel the risk is low, but stop drinking if symptoms appear. When to call a clinician: if you accidentally drink and get severe or persistent vomiting, a pounding chest, fainting, or symptoms that don't settle, seek medical help (in the US, call your doctor, Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 for severe symptoms). Always confirm the advice for your specific situation with your own pharmacist or prescriber.
This is general reference, not medical advice, and not a guarantee of safety. Interactions depend on your doses, health conditions, and other medicines. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining products, and follow the dosing on each label.