The present study was performed to assess the effect of short-term ethanol administration on cadmium retention and accumulation as well as on bioelement metabolism (zinc, copper, calcium, and magnesium) in rats exposed to an aqueous solution of cadmium chloride for 8 weeks. Intoxication with cadmium led to accumulation of this toxic metal, particularly in the liver and kidney, which was linked to metallothionein synthesis as well as to a disturbance in the metabolism of zinc, copper, and calcium. These effects were dependent on the level of exposure. The administration of ethanol in the final phase of cadmium treatment increased cadmium retention and accumulation in the body with simultaneous elevation in liver and kidney metallothionein concentration. Ethanol alone or with cadmium caused or intensified the cadmium-induced changes in metabolism of zinc and copper. Calcium metabolism disturbed by cadmium was not influenced by ethanol. Neither agents had any effect on magnesium metabolism. We conclude that even short-term ethanol consumption in conditions of exposure to cadmium can increase this heavy metal body burden and lead to more serious disturbances in metabolism of important elements such as zinc and copper. Cadmium- and ethanol-induced changes in the homeostasis of these microelements are probably connected with the ability of both xenobiotics to cause metallothionein induction.