Skip to main content

Metronidazole topical and Nausea: What Users Say

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

Nausea: mentioned by 23 users (6.7%)

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
  • Man...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 29, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "For me, this gel has been a lifesaver. I had BV for months. I was prescribed the metronidazole pills, and I was too nauseated to move, everything tasted bad, I had headaches. I couldn't finish the prescription. I tried other antibiotics, but they didn't work for me. For a while, I gave up and lived with BV symptoms. Then I was prescribed this gel. The directions say to use it before bed, but there were a couple of nights I didn't lay down right away, and the medicine didn't leak out of me at all. It cleared the infection that I had been fighting for MONTHS in 5 days. I even had sex one night after using it, and neither of us noticed the gel, and my BV still went away. Not telling you to do the same, just that I had no issues. I'm really glad I didn't read the reviews on here before trying this gel."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
176 Report
  • Tay...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 18, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "It has been almost two weeks since I’ve been informed that I have BV. When I first went to the doctor, they gave me the pills. First, I had to take two pills daily for one week. It was the worst experience I ever had, I had headaches, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. But after that week, nothing changed. So then I went to my OB-GYN, and she said I still have BV in me. So she gave me the gel. I’ve only taken it for two days now. I have no itch. The only thing is I have a thick white discharge with no smell. Hopefully, this goes away when I’m done."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
48 Report
  • yoo...
  • April 1, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I’m not gonna lie... I was so scared to take this medicine because of the review. TERRIFIED. Let me start off by saying I took this same medicine in pill form back in August 2019, and from what I remember, it did make me super nauseous. And I was taking other medication at the time, so that also didn’t help. But right now I’m on this gel for 5 days at nighttime. I put in a full applicator last night, and after 5 minutes, it felt a little tingly, but it went away instantly. This morning, nothing came out to my surprise! Pee looks a little darker, I also feel a little bloated. But nothing crazy! I’m also on fluconazole. Hopefully, this goes away by the time I’m done taking the gel, cause it’s super annoying, especially when you have to go to work. I’ll update my progress!"

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 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
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report
  • Mrs...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 20, 2019

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Having suffered with BV for 2 years, I've tried all sorts to get rid of it! Natural yogurt, using 0% fragrance-free shower gel, Canesten (which worked for a little while but soon came back!) So I took a trip to the GP who prescribed me metronidazole gel. Before I took it, I read through the reviews here, and I was petrified reading all the side effects. Especially the feeling nauseous or vomiting ones. I am petrified of vomiting! But I bit the bullet and took the gel for 5 nights. I have had absolutely NO side effects at all. I feel very lucky considering the amount of ladies who have had this medication and suffered horrendous side effects! The BV has completely cleared up, I'm cured of soreness, and the awful smell! Finally!! I didn't drink any alcohol while taking the gel for 48 hours before I started using it and 72 hours after (very hard as I love my wine!) Just wanted to write this to reassure people that not everyone gets side effects :) Good luck, ladies!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Ove...
  • March 24, 2017

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "After being treated for yeast for 8 months with little success, my doctor put me on MetroGel as kind of a last resort to soothe my itching, burning, abnormal discharge, tingling, even though my cultures keep coming back negative for everything. I've taken MetroGel before when I actually had a positive culture for BV and had no complaints. This time around, I'm on my second night and feel awful. Itching is still there, I have body aches, chills, feel nauseous. I'm going to continue using this medicine for the next 3 nights, and I'll check back in to finish the review. I also have a gross discharge, but I assume this is the gel coming out."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • blo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 19, 2019

Metronidazole topical for Rosacea "Suffered with rosacea for years, delighted with results, but started experiencing a metallic taste and nausea after a week of use - have now had 3 weeks of nausea and wish I had read the enclosed leaflet to say that this was a side effect - my doctor was not aware of this."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Spa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 25, 2016

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "Tried this gel for 1 night thinking it would have fewer side effects than in pill form. But I had a very bad experience. Within half an hour of using, my legs felt as if they were on fire, mainly from my knees to feet. Got worse with aching, shooting pains up and down my legs. My head felt funny, but no headache. All night I barely slept because of the severity of the pain. The hotness did lessen, still had painful legs until mid-morning, but it had spread to the rest of my body - a dull ache as if I had the flu. Had a slight blocked nose till morning as well. Felt slightly nauseous. Was itchy too, all over. Felt spaced out. Suffered memory loss in the day before all went away. Will not take again as I am allergic to antibiotics, so it is probably just me. BV did feel a bit better though."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 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
Was this helpful?YesNo
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
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • glo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 2, 2019

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was prescribed MetroGel for BV, took the medication for 5 days like it said, and Sunday night was my last dose, that weekend on Saturday, I had a drink. I only had the one, and I got sick that night. I figured that was just from the alcohol. But I woke up the next morning and felt nauseous. And throughout the day, my nausea kept getting so much worse. I was running to the bathroom every 10-15 minutes to throw up. Tingly hands. Hot face. Dizzy. I had an idea it was because of the metronidazole, but all the forums I checked say wait at least 72 hours. For me, it seems the medicine was still in my system for 5 days. I thought I’d be fine, but no. I wanted to share because I feel so sick, and I wanted to complain but also let someone know. Do not drink, don’t risk it. It feels worse than a hangover. And to be safe, I would wait a week before drinking. Don’t be like me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 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
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Tal...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 26, 2022

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I’ve been waiting to share my experience, so here I am. First of all, I had the metronidazole gel just sitting in my dresser for at least 3 months, terrified because of the reviews I read, like literally I was just gonna accept it hoping it was going to go away (I read them ALL, by the way). Anyways, I finally got sick of dealing with BV, the smell was terrible some days, like I could smell it through my pants, it was so embarrassing. I finally got the courage one night after a nice hot shower to start the five-day process. My only and ONLY side effects were headaches and a little nauseous. My first day, the smell was completely gone, I had no chunky white discharge. I noticed very tiny cramps (no pain). The tube was a tad bit painful to get up there. But that was it. To all the ladies suffering with BV, take the gel!!! It works!! Don’t let the bad experiences control you."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 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
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • ama...
  • September 13, 2019

For Bacterial Vaginosis "First off, I usually view the reviews of all the medications I take so I know what to prepare for. Reading these reviews for metronidazole spiked my anxiety to the MAX. I had suspicions I had an infection as there was an awful odor down there after I would have sex, and I would just smell not pleasant, so I made an appointment to see my doctor. Screening indicated I had BV. My doctor prescribed the cream, and I am so glad she did. I have a very sensitive stomach, so every little thing makes me nauseous. I am on my second night of this cream, and so far, so good! I don't know if the minor side effects (fatigue, light nausea) were just me since I work long days, or if it was the medication, but it seems to do the job! There was a little cottage cheese discharge throughout the day, but not heavy (maybe start of vag YI as well)! No smell at all or itchiness! I will be taking probiotics every day or every other day to help me avoid getting a yeast infection with this medication. I will further update you all!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • JDe...
  • February 4, 2018

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was diagnosed with BV and recently prescribed metronidazole gel. After just 1 application, I became extremely sick! Started with extreme bloating and nausea, and dizziness during the day... by the end of the night, I had started coughing and having a sore throat. Did not sleep the entire night, was coughing violently all night into the next day, all day and night again the next. The second night, (I had already stopped the medicine the night before) I had excruciating body pain, the shakes, and extreme hot and cold flashes. Took all I had not to rush myself to the hospital! Literally thought I was going to die... I had never been so extremely hot before in my life! Needless to say, I beg of anyone DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE!!!! SO not worth it... terrifying experience!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • Lov...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 6, 2022

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I completed my 7 days. The first day I did get a fast heartbeat, but maybe it was my anxiety, so when that happened, I just lay down and relaxed and let it pass. But after that, the rest of the 6 days I just had nausea/upset tummy, but besides that, everything was good. I was worried I wasn't gonna get my period, but after the treatment, I got my period on time, so don't worry, the treatment doesn't mess up period schedule."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • Lin...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 2, 2017

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "1st day fine. 2nd day it made me so sick. Severe stomach cramps, and I mean severe. Nausea, dizziness, headache, racing heart, backache, weakness, and fatigue. I haven't used it for 2 days, and most symptoms have cleared, but the stomach cramps and fatigue are still very painful. MD said to go to emergency for stomach pain, but it's an hour + drive, so I opted to try to sleep it off. Since it's still ongoing, I'll be seeing my MD tomorrow. I will never take this again!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 27, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "First time with BV, got prescribed Flagyl 2x for 7 days. How I took my antibiotics/probiotics: 1. Antibiotic after breakfast 2. Probiotic right before or with lunch 3. Antibiotic after dinner Tips: -Take the antibiotic with food in your stomach to avoid nausea. -Drink green tea and exercise daily to increase energy and reduce tiredness, which was a common symptom. -Use Vagisil body wash down there to help balance your vagina pH levels and keep it fresh. -Wear cotton undies. -Take probiotic supplements or eat yogurt. (Continue to take them after your antibiotics are finished to replenish your good gut bacteria and avoid future infections!)"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Kay...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 5, 2020

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "AVOID THIS DRUG IN ANY FORM. I got diagnosed with BV and started taking the oral metronidazole pills. By day 2, I was having horrible side effects: nausea, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, tingling sensations in my body, cramps, metallic taste, dry mouth. I literally had a panic attack and was on my bathroom floor for hours. The doctor then prescribed the gel, and the side effects were the same! I barely slept, felt disgusting, and I had shortness of breath from being anxious. I’ve never had a drug make me feel so bad, and I’m unsure if I had an allergic reaction or not. (I am allergic to penicillin. Also, if you have anxiety, it will elevate from this product."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Lil...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 3, 2017

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I was a bit scared of using this gel at first as I read the reviews first. I went to a clinic for an STD check, which came back that I had BV. The lady gave me a little chat and handed me a box called Zidoval. The first night I used it, it interacted with my bipolar medication and made me feel unwell: fast pounding heartbeat, nausea, dizziness. Then the next four nights I used it without and felt fine. I ate before using it, which made a difference. As far as the BV symptoms, no discharge, no smell after the second night. Tonight's my last night using it, and I feel okay at the moment."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Lil...
  • January 14, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was diagnosed with BV by my ob/gyn, and she prescribed me Metronidazole 500 mg twice a day for 7 days. I took the pill and noticed that my discharge lessened, but my odor was still traveling around, it wasn't as strong. Then, as the days went on... Day 2: I felt dizzy, as if the room was spinning, minor cramps, headache. Day 3: nausea, cramps, dizziness, headache, constipation, dry mouth, loss of appetite. Day 4: I was vomiting all night, and I decided to stop taking the pills and called my doctor in the morning because the side effects weren't getting any better and my BV didn't seem to be clearing up as much as I wanted it to. She prescribed me Metronidazole vaginal 0.75% gel for 5 days, and I haven't taken it yet, but will be reviewing."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Ros...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 19, 2021

Metronidazole topical for Bacterial Vaginosis "I have been experiencing BV on and off for about the last 5 years. Flagyl (the pill) works almost immediately, however, it makes me feel sick to my stomach! My doctor prescribed the Metronidazole gel this time around and an antibiotic, Doxycycline. I am experiencing a thick white cottage cheese discharge, which I have never had, but reading everyone’s posts, it seems normal. I guess it is pushing out the bacteria."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
0 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
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.