Flagyl and Vomiting: What Users Say

• Dre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2020

For Diverticulitis "I was prescribed Flagyl and Cipro for diverticulitis. Oh my goodness. The drug radically wasted my muscles and made me feel dreadful, like I was slipping away. I got to where just looking at the pill made me vomit immediately. My doctor switched me to Augmentin, which worked well, no problem. Why is Flagyl even legal?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2012

For Dental Abscess "This was the first time I received Metronidazole for a tooth infection, usually they prescribe Keflex (cephalexin) or Amoxicillin. I would say that the Metronidazole worked quicker at easing the pain and it wasn't a capsule so I had an easier time swallowing it. However, I have been suffering serious nausea followed by diarrhea since I began taking it. Then last night, without thinking about the interaction, I had a few drinks and spent the night vomiting and very ill with nausea, dry heaves, etc. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WITH THIS MEDICINE and always read your labels and accompanying info. I usually do, but I've never had any kind of reaction to an antibiotic so I got lazy, I suppose, because it was clearly stated on the bottle."

• Dra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I was prescribed Flagyl and Cipro Sunday night when I went to the ER for severe abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed acute colitis. Day 3 of antibiotics and now feeling nauseous, light-headed, no appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pain gone but will suffer through if it clears up those pesky parasites. Doc said could be short or long term. I vote for short. The docs should warn of possible side effects to prepare a person."

• Tra...
• August 29, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I took this for BV. There are a ton of bad reviews about this medication. Yes, the taste is bad, but only if you don't swallow it right and it sits on your tongue. Shouldn't cause C. diff, this med is used to treat C. diff as a first-line med. I had no side effects from this medication and tolerated it well. This cleared up my BV in about 3 days. These reviews scared me, but I did not have any side effects except a fresh vagina. Do not drink alcohol whatsoever!!! Most medications tell you that, and usually nothing happens, but this medication will make you violently vomit. I finished my course and waited about a day and a half and had only two glasses of wine and thought I was in the clear, but then after an hour, I violently vomited all night and am still feeling sick as I write this. I can't imagine how I would feel if I drank while actively taking it. Wait at least 3 days after you finish it."

• Tay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2013

For Trichomoniasis "I started the medicine and didn't have any side effects for up to three days, but after the third day, the side effects hit me big time. I was sick to my stomach, and I had vomiting. I didn't have a problem with the taste of the pill, I just threw it in the back of my throat and chugged some juice to make it go away really quickly. My infection seems to have cleared up after the first two days. No discharge or itching. Haven't had intercourse yet to see if the discomfort was gone, but will make another review when that happens. Great medicine!"

• wyn...
• November 7, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I know the side effects (now), but my doc did not mention anything beyond complete avoidance of alcohol. Take that seriously, not even mouthwash. You will vomit. I am on 500 mg oral twice daily for 7 days. Took about 2 days for side effects to kick in. But the infection was gone by then (symptomatically). Around Day 2, I was getting muscle stomach pain, happened to on cephalexin too. This went away by Day 4. Almost passed out on Day 5, sweating on the back of my neck (first time ever), so winded and weak to the point of not being able to speak. Been trying to force food and water but appetite is gone, repulsed by food. Lots of diffuse weakness from neck to waist. Nausea is terrible. Light sensitivity too. I am sensitive to meds in general but wish I had taken the topical alternative. Be careful if your body is sensitive. Flood yourself with water and if you have no appetite, just try to get as much of your favorite food and eat what you can because food helps. Only thing that helped was sleep."

• Eva...
• July 28, 2009

For Bacterial Infection "I had a vaginal infection and was prescribed Flagyl to cure it. I hated the immediate awful taste in my mouth, and it dissolved immediately upon hitting my tongue. I only experienced the awful taste and some slight stomach upset as side effects. The infection began to clear up after 3 days of a 7-day prescription. I recommend it, and drink something fruity with it. Also, DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL AT ALL while on this medication OR FOR 3 DAYS AFTER YOU STOP TAKING IT. You WILL have severe vomiting, heaving, and dizziness."

• abe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2016

For Diverticulitis "Was hospitalized with my first case of diverticulitis in March of this year and was given Flagyl 3x daily for 3-4 weeks. Vomited violently in the hospital within 10 minutes after taking it each time until they started giving me something to coat my stomach a little beforehand. The entire time I had to take it, I felt like my stomach was being eaten from the inside. My taste buds changed totally while I was on it, and nothing tasted normal. I agree, Flagyl is the worst medicine ever! I will suffer the pain from diverticulitis before taking it again!"

• sis...
• September 15, 2018

For Diverticulitis "I went to the ER with acute diverticulitis and was prescribed Metronidazole along with Cipro and pain pills. I was administered a couple of pain shots and thought I could go home and take these meds and get better. Three days later, I was back in the ER and let them admit me this time. The terrible headaches, horrific taste in my mouth, nausea, and vomiting were about more than I could bear. I have had sleeve surgery, and so my stomach is small, but this gave me such bad heartburn and indigestion, I could not imagine a medicine making a person this sick. I also had diarrhea with every bathroom trip and very dark urine. I couldn't even stand the taste of water, or the food I ate tasted horrible, along with a lack of appetite, lethargy, and lightheadedness. I finished my prescription of ten days, but I hope I never have to take this horrible drug again. One good thing about it is my diverticulitis pain is gone, and I pray it will never return."

• Wor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Everyone's body will react differently to meds, genetics. Just because I had a bad experience doesn't mean you will. Took with a full stomach of bland food, 16 oz water, and took a daily probiotic. My experience with this medication was horrible. I was unbearably anxious, had a rapid heartbeat, intense pelvic pressure, bad stomach cramping, nonstop nausea, vomiting, and explosive diarrhea. This was my second time with this medication, with the same bad reaction. I had to discontinue both times. It took 3 days to start feeling better, 5 to 7 until normal. I'll never take this medication again. I'm sure it's good for others, but not me. I had cancer, so I've taken a lot of medications. Never had to stop another medication from side effects before, but I was scared to the point of going to the ER. Never again."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Coming off a long bout with diarrhea (unknown causation). Very run down with constant diarrhea, but it was slowing. Developed a UTI, and the doctor prescribed Flagyl. Lots of warnings about alcohol and mouthwash. Took one tablet and became nauseous. Started vomiting. Today (second day), nausea and vomiting continued. Dehydrated and went to the ER for rehydration, anti-nausea IV, and a prescription for a new antibiotic. Still can’t take the new antibiotic because it must be taken with food, and I can’t keep any food or liquid down (11 pm, second day). Anti-nausea meds (Zofran) slow to kick in because, as the nurse explained, Flagyl (1 tablet) is still in my system. Flagyl may be fine, but be very careful. If you are prone to nausea or seasickness, or just don’t trust your tummy, do not take this. Ask for another antibiotic. Even the pharmacist, after hearing of my experience when my husband filled prescriptions today, commented that Flagyl is wretched on the stomach."

• ADB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2018

For Diverticulitis "I went to the ER with abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and feeling sick. I was diagnosed with diverticulitis and was prescribed Flagyl, Bactrim, and Tramadol, none of which I have taken before. Gag! That's all I've been doing since taking the antibiotics, that and the hot and cold sweats, and feeling terrible. The worst is the Tramadol, which after the third dose I will not take another. I felt terrible anxiety and googled that drug and found that is a side effect in some people. I'm sipping chamomile tea to try to help the gagging with little relief, but I am taking in fluids. I have no appetite, food makes me gag when I look at it. It was good to read others' comments that this is expected with the antibiotics. This is day 2, I have 5 more to go."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed Flagyl for 7 days, 3 times a day. It is awful, this medicine has kept me with a headache, nauseated, and vomiting. Today is number 6, and I'm dreading the last day. I just want to be normal again!!"

• Lor...
• March 17, 2017

For Clostridioides difficile Infection "I have ulcerative colitis, and I tested positive for C. diff and was put on Flagyl - 500 mg 4x/day. The first 5 days I could function, although I had no appetite and was dizzy and nauseated. The last 6 days I was bedridden with nausea and vomiting, an aversion to food, dizziness, and the skin on my legs went numb. It's been a week now, and the skin on my legs is still numb, although it doesn't affect my mobility. I don't want to eat anything still, but the food doesn't come back up now. However, all the symptoms of C. diff are gone. It seems to have calmed down the UC as well. So yes, it worked very well so far, but the side effects for me were horrendous."

• per...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2017

For Dental Abscess "I was prescribed Flagyl three a day for 10 days due to a tonsil abscess. I’m on the 7th day, and I will not be continuing. This medication feels like torture. I throw up or dry heave every time I take a pill. Nothing tastes normal, which makes me not want to eat or drink. I am beyond weak and have lost so much weight in so little time. My doctors told me this was normal, when in fact it feels rather unhealthy. I would honestly rather have my initial infection than to experience the side effects of this medication ever again. It’s that bad."

• per...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2017

For Dental Abscess "I was prescribed Flagyl three a day for 10 days due to a tonsil abscess. I’m on the 7th day, and I will not be continuing. This medication feels like torture. I throw up or dry heave every time I take a pill. Nothing tastes normal, which makes me not want to eat or drink. I am beyond weak and have lost so much weight in so little time. My doctors told me this was normal, when in fact it feels rather unhealthy. I would honestly rather have my initial infection than to experience the side effects of this medication ever again. It’s that bad."

• Roc...
• January 17, 2009

For Bacterial Infection "I had C. diff, which is a bacteria that is resistant to too many antibiotics. I caught this in the hospital. I was never so sick. Between losing weight and the vomiting and diarrhea, I thought I was going to die. Flagyl did help but took many months."

• tlw...
• January 8, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "First, just to comment on the medicine itself, I was taking 500 mg pills every 12 hours for 7 days. I did not get to finish. The medicine is amazing! The smell and discharge were gone within the 1st two pills. The worst part was the side effects, and this is why I didn't finish. I was constantly vomiting and could not sleep at all. Every time I tried to eat or drink anything, I threw it right up. I also experienced diarrhea, but that was not nearly as bad as the vomiting. I quit on day 4 because I couldn't bear the side effects, but the medicine itself is really a lifesaver!"

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2022

For Diverticulitis "I was prescribed this for a diverticulitis flare-up. After the second day, all hell broke loose. Felt faint and sick with diarrhea and vomiting. Couldn't eat anything and ended up in the ER. Was told to stop taking it and see my gastroenterologist. It takes 48 hours to get out of your system, and I can barely move off the couch without passing out. Run far away if prescribed this. And research the permanent damage it can cause. Scary."

• JPC...
• February 10, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "For the last few years, I have had recurrences, sometimes as often as once a week of vomiting and diarrhea. It seemed to be traced to exhaustion and fatty foods. In the meantime, my wife contacted C. difficile in the hospital. Along the way, I may have contracted C. difficile too. In any event, my doctor prescribed Flagyl, which I took four times a day for 10 days. This cleared everything up, but the problem kept occurring. For the last 45 days, I have been taking 2, 250 mg capsules once a day. Recently, I have cut down to one. Although I have had occasional diarrhea, there has been no vomiting or nausea."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "I have experience with a lot of other antibiotics, but this one has been by far the worst. The taste is so bad I threw up one of my doses, and the taste doesn’t wash away with water, it lingers. It helped with the infection, but it also wiped out all the good bacteria in my gut. This isn’t unheard of from antibiotics, so I’d supplement with probiotics as well. Food doesn’t sit in my body for longer than 10 minutes, and the lack of food is giving me bad headaches, and my body is so tired."

• AWa...
• August 10, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I am taking this alongside Amoxicillin prescribed by the dentist for gum infection. Never had problems with Amoxicillin. I’m into the third day, and I am feeling sick. Woke up in the middle of the night, vomiting, and my limbs were in pain. Never have I experienced side effects of a drug this severe. It has helped, though, as the swelling and pain in my gums have gone."

• Sur...
• October 30, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "The worst nightmare of my life after taking Flagyl. My appendix had ruptured, after surgery, they gave me Flagyl intravenously, and my nightmares began. Fever, chills, nausea/vomiting, high blood pressure, explosive diarrhea every thirty minutes, my stomach was so extended and tight it looked like I was 9 months pregnant, anxiety, tingling in hands. After four days of absolute terror in the hospital and no one would believe me, I demanded to be taken off of Flagyl. They had me on blood pressure medicine, anti-anxiety meds, anti-nausea, pain relievers, and did an X-ray, showed it to me, my bowels were swollen to the size of baseballs in some places. They were going to operate on me again, and I said NO. As soon as I told them to take me off of Flagyl, in 12 hours my stomach started to reduce in size, my diarrhea was only every four hours instead of every 30 min. My heart rate went down, and I was able to leave the hospital the next day. I am lucky to be alive. I would give a '0'."

• Lis...
• September 29, 2015

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I have Crohn's disease as well and was fine getting the Flagyl by IV, but when switching to the pill form, the vomiting started again. My doctor stopped that treatment and proceeded with the next phase of the Czimzia injection treatments, which are working much better so far."

• MMs...
• September 7, 2015

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "My little guy was prescribed this to help treat a fistula and possible Crohn's. He's showing no signs of Crohn's and had been on this about 30 days. He's now vomiting when he takes it in pill form. It tastes awful. I thought he was just being dramatic, so I tasted it. I think the taste stayed in my mouth for three hours! Right now, I'm not sure if he had a bug or if this medicine is too harsh for his stomach. However, it seems to be helping to close the fistula...the jury is still out on this medication."