Metronidazole and Bad Taste: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Sup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Doctor diagnosed me with BV and gave me a Flagyl prescription: 2/day 500 mg. I have just completed the fourth day. I noticed the symptoms of BV subside by the second day, and by day four, the smell and rash are almost completely gone. I've been eating a lot of yogurt, drinking cranberry juice to deter UTI. I've had very little stomach pain, only after I eat dinner. The main side effect I have felt is a constant slight headache (nothing close to a migraine). I also get very fatigued after completing very simple tasks (I had to take a two-hour nap after sorting through some of my clothes to donate). Taste is horrid, but I started gulping it down with a smoothie or coconut water, and that disguises it. Worth taking, despite the side effects."

• Bay...
• June 28, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "So, I was put on metronidazole by my gastroenterologist because of 'gut issues.' 250 mg 3x/day for 10 days. The first two-ish days, I had diarrhea, dry mouth, and the 'metallic' taste many people mention. My gut symptoms seemed to worsen, but after a few days, this medication seemed to get everything under control. All bad side effects subsided, and I felt totally fine. I absolutely did NOT drink alcohol while taking this (and my doctor did make it very clear not to). When you read the potentially terrible (and dangerous) side effects from mixing this medication and booze, it's just not worth it. The worst thing about this medication is the taste - terribly bitter, so swallow quickly! All in all, don't fear this medication too much."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2018

For Trichomoniasis "This is the worst drug I've taken, and under no circumstances will I ever take it again! I was diagnosed with trich and instructed to take 4 pills at once to clear it up. I had a horrible taste along with nausea, a severe headache, and itching all over. This lasted several days just for the infection not to clear up. I was then given them again and told to take 2x daily for 7 days. I couldn't get past day 3. I had an allergy to it, so I broke out with hives over my entire body, my eye was swollen shut, and I developed a blister on my tongue. I ended up trying natural methods that worked for me because I couldn't stomach the thought of taking another one of those pills. In almost 30 years, that is the first time I have ever had a negative reaction to any medication. Side note, if anyone has a bacterial or trich infection that won't go away, you could try a zinc sulfate douche twice a day until the infection clears up. It may take longer to clear up than with meds, but at least it's natural."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 21, 2022

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I've taken this medication 5 times in the past 2 years. Take this in the middle of a big meal, and what helps the most, I put the pills inside mini marshmallows and swallow them down with water so I don't taste it. 500 mg twice a day, tolerate it well, awful taste in mouth if I don't use the marshmallow technique."

• jol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "This medicine was a lifesaver. It kept me home and out of the hospital on IV antibiotics, which would have been my other option for a nasty tooth abscess, which turned into Ludwig's angina. This was the scariest infection of my life, and because Flagyl gets rid of anaerobic bacteria (sorry for the spelling), it was the ONLY medicine that would work. (I had tried Amoxicillin and Cipro with no result). I masked the taste by putting the pill in peanut butter, and had to take it quickly, as otherwise the pill would dissolve. By this time, I was only drinking fluids through a straw as my jaw wouldn't open, but I could still get the pill in and would have milk or Ensure prior to taking the pill. This medicine may be nasty, but it is GREAT at killing nasty bacteria."

• blu...
• December 14, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I made the mistake of not reading about the side effects before taking this medication. I took my first pill at night and was up all night with stomach cramps and diarrhea. It was so bad I thought I had food poisoning. By the second day, I had no appetite, and the cramping and bloating in my stomach were unbelievable. It was at this time that I started reading the side effects and realized this was indeed a bad side effect. I too was so happy when my last day arrived to take my last pill. And although I also experienced an awful taste in my mouth after taking this pill, that was the least of my complaints as all the other side effects were worse. Good luck taking this medication."

• Bam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2018

For Diverticulitis "I’ve been on a dose of Cipro and Flagyl for 7 days. Three days to go-thankfully!!!!! My experience and side effects are similar to what I’ve read on this site. All I can say is, “It better work.” I’m 70 years old and never remember feeling this bad. The doctors really should tell you about the horrible taste in your mouth, lack of appetite, etc., etc. Pretty miserable. Thankful there are drugs to combat illnesses. Just think about how our ancestors must have suffered!!!"

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2019

For Bacterial Vaginosis "So I decided to share my experience because reading the reviews makes you second guess even taking it. Everyone is different. I’m taking the metronidazole for 7 days at twice a day. I’m not going to lie, the first 3 days I had stomach pains even though I would eat while taking it or right after. The only thing that would help is taking Excedrin before I ate, then eating a meal, letting it digest, and taking the pill 10 minutes after letting the food digest. Works wonders! It does taste disgusting. Before I took the pill, I would drink orange juice or Pepsi, and now on day 6 I still don’t have any taste of the pill. Symptoms are long gone after the 2 days. Good luck, everyone!! Hope this helps!"

• Anonymous
• September 15, 2009

For Trichomoniasis "This worked. What was not good was the horrible taste. The label warned about a bitter taste, and the pills were not coated at all. My boyfriend made the mistake of chewing them. Milk seemed to help me keep them down, but I will never forget the taste. That was the #1 'punishment' from getting this STI."

• Anonymous
• September 15, 2009

For Trichomoniasis "This worked. What was not good was the horrible taste. The label warned about a bitter taste, and the pills were not coated at all. My boyfriend made the mistake of chewing them. Milk seemed to help me keep them down, but I will never forget the taste. That was the #1 'punishment' from getting this STI."

• Anonymous
• April 29, 2010

For Bacterial Vaginosis "The worst tasting pill I have ever taken, though it did cure me. I didn't experience the horrible side effects some of the others did. However, this is the worst tasting pill ever! I wish I would have read these reviews on how to coat the pill before, but I would take it with chocolate milk, and it did a pretty good job of masking most of the taste since it made water taste like Clorox to me. Oh, and it made vanilla ice cream taste horrible too. Also, after finishing the medication, I developed a white film all over my tongue with a fuzzy and dry feeling. No matter how many times I scrub my tongue (like 4 times a day), it keeps coming back. So I guess now I have to call the doctor for that too."

• Des...
• September 30, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was given 500 mg four times a day for H. pylori. The taste was horrible, and by day 5, I started to vomit. I called my doctor, who refused to return my call. By day 6, I started having stools like water. I stopped the drug on my own. I'll be careful what I take next time."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "My side effects for Flagyl were nausea, diarrhea, and headache throughout the week of me taking this twice a day for bacterial vaginitis. Nasty taste in my mouth and urine smells awful. Irritation from BV has subsided but is still present. Swollen feet and hands, along with chills. Terrible feeling!"

• spe...
• May 29, 2015

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "3rd day on Flagyl and Cipro after 6 days of diarrhea, found out I have colitis. Bowel infection due to a parasite. Diarrhea finally stopped, but the stomach sounds I have are hugely intense! And the horrible taste in my mouth is awful. But hey! It's doing its job! Better than having the big D for 6 days in a row!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Lord, where should I begin with this medication... was told to take 2 pills for 7 days. I am on day 7, and I am so happy it is almost over! Since day 1, I have had major side effects... the tiredness is the worst. I literally laid in bed for 2 days, no motivation to even move, and that is not like me. Day 3, I started noticing a bad taste in my mouth and really dark urine. The pill definitely works, it is the side effects that are horrible. Side effects: cramping, headache, tiredness, metal taste in my mouth, I experienced some confusion and extreme stomachache, and dry mouth constantly... take with caution, please."

• Tri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2018

For Dental Abscess "Started on Amoxicillin for a few days, but pain just got worse. Ibuprofen maximum strength did not touch the pain, so the dentist prescribed 7 days of Metronidazole [400 x 3 per day]. Initially, no relief, and as well as pain, I was now exhausted to the point of daytime sleeping, which actually was a relief. It was only today, having taken 13 Metronidazole pills, that there was noticeable improvement, and I have been able to reduce the number of painkillers. No major side effects except an odd taste in my mouth. I also found putting oil of cloves on my tooth gave some relief. Not completely cured yet, but at least I can now read and write this review! Lucky in the UK, so medication for 60 years and over is free."

• NoC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2015

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Very interesting comments. I have been taking the drug for 14 days, and my doctor just prescribed another 2-week course. It is treating infection after experiencing sepsis during a colectomy. I have an ileostomy, and my bag was bloating with severe gas to the point that it was causing leakage. OTC meds didn't help with gas. When I asked the doctor for a Rx to relieve the gas, he said the Flagyl I would be taking would help. Since I started, I haven't had a single gas episode, and I even started back on carbonated water beverages. I haven't experienced the other issues I've been reading about from others except for the taste and some fatigue. I can attest not to drink alcohol, as I did have two drinks at my son's wedding, and I hit a wall."

• tan...
• September 29, 2018

For Diverticulitis "Have several times been through the Cipro/Flagyl combo because I can't take penicillin/amoxicillin. The worst effect I've had has been having my tongue turn black as it seemed to kill the taste buds; for the entire course and several days after, the taste in my mouth was like a combination of rotting meat and curdled milk. I've since learned to scrape or brush my tongue and that keeps the awful taste down, which is indescribable first thing in the morning. Also, cutting the Flagyl tablet in half reduces the odds that it'll stick on the back of your tongue, which is absolutely awful. Wash it down with a lot of water and follow with a saltine cracker, and it helps to have a little nibble of something about every three hours to keep the taste in the back of the mouth bearable."

• ans...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2013

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I mentioned my concerns about an odor to my doctor, and she believed I had bacterial vaginitis. Today she prescribed me Flagyl 500 mg that I am to take twice a day for 7 days. Being a complete worrywart, I decided to read reviews and side effects of the medicine. I noticed a bunch of people complained about the taste, so I decided to tilt my head back and drop the pill onto my throat rather than letting it touch my tongue, and chugged water quickly to avoid tasting it. That worked wonders, because I don't taste a thing! I also took it with a big meal. I'm hoping I don't experience any side effects! I experience an anaphylactic reaction to some antibiotics, but she said I should not have an issue with Flagyl."

• Car...
• December 6, 2014

For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease "After being prescribed these for a pelvic infection, I was worried about potential side effects. I have been taking them twice a day for just over a week now, but haven't had any sickness or nausea, I am happy to report. I have, however, noticed a metallic taste in my mouth, a bit of a numb tongue, change in taste, and the first few days I felt a tad dizzy, like I was recovering from a hangover. I have also noticed an increase in my fluid intake and bowel movements, although nothing unpleasant."

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2018

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I’m on my last day of this medicine, taking it for bacterial vaginosis (BV). Terrible taste going down, have to swallow the pill fast, but the smell from BV was gone around the second day of taking the medication. Very good antibiotic."

• Cap...
• November 4, 2012

For Bacterial Infection "I found that this medication made a HUGE difference within even the first day of taking it, however, the nasty bitter taste was really hard to get by, and I even threw up once when I was trying to take it. BUT I discovered taking the pill with milk masks the nasty taste. I now put the pill on the back of my tongue and swallow it down with water. Try it, I guarantee it will help."

• Kar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2019

For Diverticulitis "I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I was prescribed Flagyl for recurrent loose stools pending the results of a stool sample and colonoscopy. I've taken them for ten days, and other than the vile bitter taste of the pill, I've had no additional side effects. My colonoscopy diagnosed diverticulitis, so I guess I was on the right meds. I wasn't having severe cramping, just loose stools that had to be controlled with Imodium every few days. My stools have gone from loose to formed, so that's a positive sign. I'll finish the meds and hope for the best going forward. Changing my diet and taking probiotics is a must from this point forward."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Within the second day, the smell from the BV was gone. It does, however, leave a bad aftertaste. To solve that, after taking it, I drank a whole bottle of water and then chewed a piece of gum that helped for me."

• Pha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2019

For Dental Abscess "Given metronidazole for a big dental abscess in Jan. It worked well. No nasty side effects. A week later, the 'bad' tooth broke off, exposing the roots. So, back on the Metro for five days. No problems with side effects. Root canal treatment and all seemed well. On 9th/10th March, the abscess reappeared. Hard to find emergency dental treatment here on weekends, but our lovely NHS came to the rescue. The local A&E saw me within 20 minutes. Talking to the nurse, the abscess burst. She prescribed Metro 400 mg for 7 days, plus Clarithromycin 500 mg for 7 days, plus Co-codamol for pain, though I haven't needed it so far. The dentist said the jury's out until the infection settles but recommended that 5 days on the Metro was more than enough but to complete the course of Clarithromycin. Still only minor issues with Metro, but the Clarithro is making me tired, with a bad taste in my mouth."