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Metronidazole topical and Cramps: What Users Say

Brand names: MetroGel, MetroGel-Vaginal, MetroCream, Noritate, Vandazole, Nuvessa, MetroLotion, Rosadan Rosaclear

Cramps: mentioned by 38 users (11.0%)

Based on user experiences from 345 Metronidazole topical reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

cramps 11.0%
discharge 9.3%
itching 8.4%
burning 7.5%
headaches 7.5%
yeast infection 7.0%
nausea 6.7%
redness 4.9%
dizziness 4.1%
pain 3.5%

Reviews for Metronidazole topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • amb...
  • July 5, 2013

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I was prescribed the metronidazole vaginal gel for bacterial vaginitis. They have me using the gel before bed for 5 days. Tonight will be my 4th night of use. So far, the only side effects I have noticed are a very thick, white discharge and menstrual-like cramps and discomfort in my pelvic area. I also have had a slight decrease in my appetite."

8 / 10
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205 Report
  • ABa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 9, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "After reading all the comments, I feel weird. I’m on my last night of MetroGel, which is a course of 5 nights. I’ve had no side effects at all since I started, just some little chunks of discharge when I pee, no headaches, no cramping, no blood, no bad side effects at all, it works great! I insert the gel before I sleep when I’m ready to get in bed."

10 / 10
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54 Report
  • Sam...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 29, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "This medication MetroGel-vag worked better than I expected, based on some other reviews. The smell was gone by day 3 of the 5-day treatment. I am about 2 weeks post-treatment and am BV free. I avoided using it for a month or so due to the side effect horror stories (vomiting, headache, pain, yeast infection, etc.). However, I had nearly 0 effects. The only side effects I experienced were discharge and cramping similar to period cramps, which was worth it to me to get rid of the embarrassing BV symptoms."

9 / 10
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42 Report
  • Nat...
  • June 2, 2009

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "MetroGel is a very good solution to curing a vaginal infection. A common side effect not listed is heavy discharge. I have also experienced pelvic cramping from day 3-7 but about the same as menstrual cramps."

9 / 10
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87 Report
  • Izz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 29, 2018

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "Cleared up my BV first night. Took away smell and discharge, amazing. Tonight is my last dose. CONS: • Very, very tender breasts • NAUSEA • Dizziness • Gave me a bad cough & severe sore throat since Day 2 • Triggers anxiety, badly • Causes irritability • menstrual-like cramps on/off. The side effects were crucial for me. Affected me immensely :( but it cured me. These are my experiences. I always keep tabs on how I feel before starting a meditation and how I feel during and after so that I can properly evaluate and give feedback to my doctors or other ladies."

6 / 10
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36 Report

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  • Plu...
  • March 27, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "This is my first day on this medicine, so I just wanted to share my first day and time experiences using it. Mine is a 5-day treatment, once a day. There is no burning or itching with it like I get using Monistat. I'm a super sensitive person when it comes to using vaginal medications or soaps. It's also not discharging like crazy for me. No serious side effects besides cramping. I'm 10 weeks pregnant, and I didn't experience any vaginal bleeding. I have a yeast infection medication ready to take with this because my doctor prescribed it, and because the packaging states you will most likely end up with a yeast infection after use. I did wake up with a sore throat and a bad cough. I don't know if these are related, though. I'm waiting to see how this works completed for my BV and then I'll post back a final review. I just wanted to share my first-time personal experience. Because I was scared to use it at first."

9 / 10
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30 Report
  • Suh...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 20, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I got BV from stupidly using body wash in the nether regions, completely regret it! I’ve never used antibiotics, but my doctor gave me MetroGel. So far, no irritation, and the smell is gone completely. Currently, I am experiencing discharge, but no cramping so far. The only thing I fear is that I may get a yeast infection, but hopes are high."

8 / 10
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19 Report
  • Gig...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 22, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I'm 28, never had BV before. The MetroGel was easy to use, but I would have some slight cramping after inserting it. I used it for 5 days. I do have this white clumpy discharge and a slight odor, but it isn't fishy or foul. I'm just hoping this gel hasn't messed up my vaginal pH or going to cause a yeast infection."

5 / 10
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19 Report
  • Sus...
  • March 2, 2016

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I was diagnosed with BV and took this medicine perfectly for 5 days. After the first day, I got severe, crippling anxiety attacks, which are very uncommon for me. I also had an upset stomach, cramps, and diarrhea for a week. The symptoms of BV never cleared up. I started my period after day 5 of medicine, and after that, I was back to square one. It did not work at all for any of the symptoms, except the smell of the discharge was less bad, so that's why I gave it a two instead of a one. Still trying to find a medicine that helps me! This is so frustrating."

2 / 10
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22 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 31, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I used Metronidazole vaginal cream 10% for bacterial vaginosis caused by washing too much. My only symptom was a yellow discharge. I was very worried to start the treatment because of the reviews, I was scared of the side effects, and I waited for a month before starting. I’m on my last day of treatment, and the only symptom I had was a bit of a headache at the beginning and, today, mild cramping. Symptoms are very minimal. I have no more discharge."

10 / 10
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15 Report
  • Ste...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 17, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I’m on MetroGel-Vaginal on day 3, and I’ve been absolutely fine. Only side effect was cramping and feeling sick on the first day, other than that, absolutely fine. I was scared at first because of reading reviews, but so happy I started this and took the chance. If you’re worried, don’t be, do it! Best thing."

10 / 10
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11 Report
  • Bon...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 26, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I've struggled with BV for a couple of years now. I've taken so many meds for this thing that it became a way of life. Always it returns! I'm also always told I have an inflamed cervix. Now I'm 11 weeks pregnant and went for my check. My cervix was severely inflamed (it bled during the pap smear). Was initially given Gynotran vaginal inserts (that didn't work). Now I've been given MetroGel inserts for 5 days. It was my last dose last night, and I noticed on day 3 cramping, then day 4-5 persistent abdominal cramping like when you hold your pee too long (which I didn't). Plus, I'm urinating a lot. Saw tiny white clumpy discharge too. Really hope this works and that I don't get a yeast infection as I'm already worried about my baby and fear using more meds during this time."

5 / 10
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17 Report
  • Bon...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 26, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I've struggled with BV for a couple of years now. I've taken so many meds for this thing that it became a way of life. Always it returns! I'm also always told I have an inflamed cervix. Now I'm 11 weeks pregnant and went for my check. My cervix was severely inflamed (it bled during the pap smear). Was initially given Gynotran vaginal inserts (that didn't work). Now I've been given MetroGel inserts for 5 days. It was my last dose last night, and I noticed on day 3 cramping, then day 4-5 persistent abdominal cramping like when you hold your pee too long (which I didn't). Plus, I'm urinating a lot. Saw tiny white clumpy discharge too. Really hope this works and that I don't get a yeast infection as I'm already worried about my baby and fear using more meds during this time."

5 / 10
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17 Report
  • Oan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 11, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "Used a 5-day gel treatment for mild BV. Caused very mild cramping and moderate itching after the first dose. A day after completing treatment, I developed a bad yeast infection and extreme itching. Did help the BV, but I’m not sure which infection I’d rather have, to be honest. Some reviews say that the white clumpy discharge is just the gel coming out, which I think I also have, accompanied by yeast infection discharge."

6 / 10
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10 Report
  • Kat...
  • August 16, 2018

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I have been having BV problems for a couple of years after I had my babe. Took this for the first time this week. Looks like it helped with BV, but caused some pretty bad symptoms: headache, stomachache, nervousness, some discharge with blood, cramping, insomnia, and intestinal issues. Hopefully it does the job!"

8 / 10
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13 Report
  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 8, 2018

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I was honestly scared to try this medication with all the reviews I’ve read. I had little to no side effects. My side effects were just a little bit of cramping and discharge with a little blood. Symptoms were noticeably better. Just stay away from alcohol."

9 / 10
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12 Report
  • Veg...
  • July 9, 2018

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I started taking the MetroGel a few days ago and have been hospitalized twice since for severe stomach pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting, sweating, and breast discharge. This drug is horrible. None of the ER doctors put two and two together to find that my symptoms were a result of the gel. My own GYN doesn’t believe that the symptoms are related side effects, but it says right on the package that these are ‘less common’ side effects. I just figured it out last night and now I’m trying to get it out of my system."

1 / 10
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14 Report
  • Kat...
  • July 27, 2018

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "Awful medication. I had absolutely 0 symptoms of BV, but it came up in my pap during my physical. My doctor started me on the pill and I could hardly make it 1.5 days. Wasn't able to focus, felt drunk, nausea, extreme fatigue, ear congestion, and so on. I quit taking it immediately. My doctor then prescribed the topical gel, which I believe was a huge mistake, as it caused extreme and intense burning on the outside of my vagina. Then onto the vaginal gel insertion. I had to do 2 awful rounds of this. Worst cramps, nausea, and fatigue I've ever experienced. Bloating was so uncomfortable, I could hardly wear some of my clothes. It's been 3 weeks since I've been off the medication now, and I've still had waves of side effects. My gut bacteria and vaginal pH are completely out of whack. All I want to do is sleep, my migraines have intensified, and bloating is still an issue. Do not take this medicine, especially if you didn't have symptoms of BV to begin with!"

1 / 10
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20 Report
  • Mya...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 4, 2018

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I’ve used this for one day, and this is my second night using it, and I feel horrible. I feel like I’m on my period, nausea, cramps, lightheaded, and dizzy. I couldn’t walk up my steps because of my cramps. All I want to do is sleep, and what’s funny is that I’ve used this medicine before, and it was never like this. I want to stop using it. 3 days left, and I don’t think I can do it."

2 / 10
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10 Report
  • Zoi...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 9, 2022

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I will have to give the MetroGel a 10 out of 10, simply because it worked exactly as intended and cleared up BV probably within the first two days, but I finished the 5-day course and everything is brand new and healthy. Yes, it had side effects and fortunately not nearly as extreme as some other users. Mine were: a bit of a crampy feeling starting around day 4, some of the gel coming out from down there in this thick, clearish ooze with a tinge of pink here and there (probably some kind of tissue or blood), but not enough to alarm me, starting around day 3 and usually at night. Day 5 was the worst, I had a really dull, constant cramp feeling overnight, and it went away within 24 hours since there were no more doses left. Other overall symptom was a bit of a loss of appetite, which is whatever. I read a lot of reviews, and to avoid any yeast infections or some other imbalances, I started a probiotic targeting vaginal health immediately on day 6."

10 / 10
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3 Report
  • Mim...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 24, 2018

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "Same deal as one of the other girls, was tested for UTI symptoms, cultured twice with no growth, but positive for BV, have done 2 nights of the gel so far, have experienced lack of appetite, bloating feeling, and cramps, hope it ends soon."

4 / 10
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9 Report
  • Rea...
  • August 4, 2018

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I’ve had many recurrences from bacterial vaginitis (BV), and it usually happens after sex or after I get my period. Extremely annoying, and the pills prescribed for it make me feel horrible, and I don’t even want to get out of bed on those days. I just tried the gel, and I honestly love it so far. Very mild cramping, but my period is also around the corner, and I have had no issues besides my vagina seeming a little swelled whenever I insert or afterwards, which is kind of expected. The gel is clear, and it isn’t anything crazy to clean or any of that. Highly recommend if you don’t like taking the pills."

10 / 10
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6 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 14, 2018

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "Started the gel 3 days ago, had my wisdom teeth out 2 days before I got the gel for BV. My stomach started hurting and I thought maybe because I haven’t pooped since the pain pills backed me up. Pooped yesterday but had very bad pelvic cramps last night and stomach pain all day today. Also have a runny nose and cough. The stomach cramps hurt really bad, but the gel worked the first application. I do like it, but the side effects are awful. I just push through the pain."

10 / 10
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7 Report
  • Lee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 7, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I’ve used this medication twice. Once when I was around 19, and once now at 23. I don’t remember having side effects the first time, but this time I’ve got immediate intense bloating, cramping, and nausea. I’ve never felt this uncomfortable before, even during menstruation. I can’t attest to the effectiveness because both this time and last time I didn’t feel any symptoms of BV to start with, which just makes these side effects worse knowing they’re not going to lead to some kind of relief."

5 / 10
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6 Report
  • Dee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 26, 2018

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was battling BV for about a month. I used the yoni pearls to balance my pH. Still didn’t work. I was prescribed metronidazole gel after ruling out any STDs. This is my 2nd day. The odor and discharge are gone already. I’m still going to complete the treatment, but it’s already working well. I think my pH was off from using the scented soaps down there, wearing tights, pants, etc. I’m having mild cramps as a side effect, that’s it."

8 / 10
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4 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.