Metronidazole and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2019

For Diverticulitis "This metronidazole medication wrecks me as bad as the diverticulitis, but they work. Day 3 of severe attack and pain is a bit better, but today started with diarrhea. I'm starting to think IBS and diverticulitis are quite connected, anybody feel the same way?"

• Bee...
• March 19, 2021

For Diverticulitis "Metronidazole or Flagyl is very powerful. I have diverticular disease, and the alternative is surgery for flare-ups. While I probably will get surgery later on, this is the go-to drug before. It happens between 2-4 times every year, and I know what it feels like when slight cramping and urge to go then escalates to straight-up sharp pain within hours. Long story short, this drug is not pleasant. It leaves a metallic/bitter aftertaste in your mouth for the two-week duration you are on it, it takes a few days AFTER ceasing the treatment for that to end. But otherwise, it is doing its job. The gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea are all symptoms of diverticular disease, not necessarily this drug. This drug is the solution, and it is a powerful one. It is not pleasant, but it works and it's cheap. That's my experience using it for the past decade with this terrible disease, this drug has kept me off the operating table so far, and I'm hoping it can extend that for several more years until I have no choice."

• Jba...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2020

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "Was prescribed Flagyl for possible diverticulitis, took it for two days and could not take it anymore. It caused me to have severe diarrhea, fever, severe flu-like symptoms, made me very weak, had to stop taking it. Will never take it again."

• Amy...
• October 3, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I was on metronidazole (Flagyl) & ciprofloxacin for diverticulitis. Let me start off by saying these two medications together SUCK, however they DO work. I have never had any problems with medications...ever (in 40 years). This time though, at times, I thought I was dying! Best described as the worst flu ever. Massive nausea, occasional vomiting, diarrhea, exhaustion, horrible taste in my mouth, nothing tasted good, and my appetite was bad. Day 4 was the peak of feeling awful. I went to every review site trying to gather what worked to curb the symptoms. Everyone is different, so what worked for others didn't necessarily work for me. Here is what did work for me a bit, in case it can help anyone else. 1.) Try not to take them together. Split up the doses by like an hour or so. 2.) Take each dose with a little food (even if you aren't hungry), something bland. DO NOT USE DAIRY PRODUCTS. This made my nausea worse! 3.) Have mints or candy at all times. Your mouth will feel gross and things will taste funny. However, I found spearmints also helped soothe the tummy a bit. 4.) Pepto-Bismol. 5.) Try not to take them immediately before bed at night. Give it about an hour or two. I noticed nausea will wake me up throughout the night if I take them too close to going to sleep. GOOD LUCK, and remember: Your doctor prescribed these for a reason. A reason that could turn into life-threatening unless you get it controlled. The worst thing ever is to start taking an antibiotic and then stopping it mid-cycle, as your body then becomes immune to it and is essentially ineffective."

• Yet...
• December 9, 2016

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "I deal with diverticulitis every 9 to 12 months. CT scans over the past 15 years keep showing mild diverticulitis as they call it, but when it hits, it feels nothing like mild! Nasty lower left abdominal pain. Sometimes I get a fever. Now my doctor just put me on antibiotics as soon as I get symptoms because I always go into a fever eventually. Yes, going on this for 7 to 10 days can give you diarrhea. I found quite a while ago, since probiotic yogurt came out, as long as I eat lots of that, I rarely get diarrhea now. And since you should be on a liquid and very soft food diet anyway, just switch yourself and eat nothing but probiotic yogurt and soups while you're taking this stuff. Always take it with a meal too. And no alcohol!"

• Jul...
• January 20, 2021

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I am on day 4 out of 7 taking this metronidazole antibiotic. I was prescribed 2 per day. I have awful fatigue and brain fogginess. I feel like I am in a dream, my stomach is so sick, and I have super painful stomach cramping that had me in tears today. Diarrhea as well. I’m very nauseous even if I take this with food. This medication is very hard to take. I want to give up on it. I’ve never experienced side effects like this."

• LKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2019

For Diverticulitis "I took Flagyl and Cipro together for 10 days for apparent diverticulitis. I haven’t used any antibiotics for years. My experience was awful and I’m still having problems after my last dose 4 days ago. I have diarrhea, bad taste in my mouth, loss of appetite (forcing myself to eat), weight loss, and body aches. My doctor is going to check for other problems but I think these medications really messed me up. I hope the symptoms go away. It’s scary feeling like this. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences. Makes me realize I’m not alone."

• Mia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2020

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I would not recommend taking Flagyl at all. I was given a one-time high dosage of 5 pills at once and have experienced terrible anxiety, shortness of breath, insomnia, and diarrhea. I was up all night worried sick about how I am feeling and just wishing I never took them at all. I don’t know why this drug is still on the market. Hoping my side effects disappear within 24 hours. It has definitely taken the infection away but in my opinion not worth the paranoia."

• Num...
• November 19, 2019

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "Taking the antibiotic combo metronidazole and Cipro for a flare-up of diverticulitis and now on day 4. My side effects are that I feel so dreadful, very weak, no appetite at all, dizzy, nauseated, night sweats, vaginal discharge, diarrhea, and I have lost 7 lbs already. Forcing small bits of food down as I have to eat something, drinking lots of water, feel nauseated. I am in the UK. This medicine is utterly brutal and toxic, but my pain is nearly gone. Longing for day 7 to end the drama."

• Amb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I recently had my gallbladder removed a week ago. Woke up 3 days later with blood pouring out of me at the other end. Went to the ER where they did a CT scan and showed colitis. The doctor put me on Flagyl and Cipro for 10 days. Woke up today, 5 days later, with horrible nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. I am extremely dehydrated and feel horrible. I literally feel the worst possible. Does anyone else feel bad and weak on these meds?"

• smb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2016

For Trichomoniasis "I was prescribed the 2000mg one-time dosage. Yes, the pills have a horrible taste, but I'd rather taste that than have the symptoms of trich! I've taken the same meds for BV before and usually end up pretty tired after about 2 hours or so. I took this about 12 hours after a night of heavy drinking. Have felt a little nauseous and had loose stools and a little headache. But it's been 3 hours since I've taken it, and the odor is weaker, and the discharge has dramatically decreased! Bye-bye trich and bye-bye cheating boyfriend that gave it to me!"

• MsA...
• January 25, 2014

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "Took Flagyl and Cipro together - felt worse than I did before - all the side effects everyone is mentioning. However, the alternative - raging infection - not really an option. Taking my diet seriously moving forward."

• mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2019

For Diverticulitis "My doctor prescribed metronidazole and Cipro for diverticulitis. I have been taking them for 9 days and have been extremely tired and fatigued, with bouts of diarrhea, and I basically head to the bathroom within a few minutes of eating anything. I am on a probiotic and eating Activia yogurt to help with the stomach issues. I also started having severe upper abdominal and back pain, which is a weird sensation. I did not know what was causing this, but I read on this site where a few other folks had the same problems. UGH!! I'm still having some very low tenderness in my lower colon area, but I think the constant bathroom trips are possibly causing this problem. I guess I should go back to the doctor, but do not want to. I'm really concerned about the upper abdominal and back pain. It is fairly constant and feels tender to the touch. Good luck out there, folks! Diverticulitis is no fun."

• Duf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Given metronidazole for a tooth infection, wish I’d never gone to the dentist. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sleeping endlessly, shivering even when wrapped in layers, snuffles, and borderline psychosis. Luckily, I only have 2 tablets left. Never again!"

• Ano...
• June 5, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "It’s been months since I’ve taken this medication, and I still feel the symptoms from it. I developed a pain in my lower stomach, was having mini hallucinations, headaches, and diarrhea. I truly believe that taking this caused me to develop cysts on my ovaries. Please do not take!!! Run from these pills, I wish I would have never taken these. I’m writing this to save others."

• non...
• August 27, 2016

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "This drug caused uncontrollable diarrhea and stomach upset, and I had to stop taking it after just 2 days. This was given for mild diverticulitis, and I got better with a liquid diet for several days, then low-fiber soft food, and then graduated to regular foods. I had another bout of diverticulitis 4 months later and just did the diet - didn't go to doctors or use antibiotics. For my mild cases, this is the way to go. This drug caused more harm than good."

• Inf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2019

For Bacterial Vaginosis "The bad reviews and side effects scared me. I don't need more toilet/cry time. So I did this to have zero loose stools and barely lowered mood: -Set up your phone alarm so you don't miss a dose. -Dose at equal times apart. Your body will benefit from consistent levels of antibiotics (AB). If you dose early, you get more side effects. If you dose late, bacteria can grow back. Example: For two doses per day, dose 24 ÷ (2) = 12 hours apart. -Take probiotics (PB) between your AB. AB kill both good and bad bacteria. Without good bacteria, your mood worsens (look up 'mood gut'). PB restores a healthy gut. I took AB twice a day; this was my alarm clock schedule: 10 am-AB, 4 pm-PB, 10 pm-AB, 4 am-PB (I'd wake up, eat a bit, dose, then back to sleep.) -Take all your AB. Follow these tips to get fewer side effects. Take all your AB to save humanity from AB-resistant bacteria! -Eat some food before you take either AB or PB to avoid upset stomach from AB and to get more benefits from the PB."

• kb7...
• February 7, 2015

For Diverticulitis "I was put on metronidazole 500 mg and Cipro 500 mg twice daily for diverticulitis. I noticed the pain eased up after 2 days. I'm on day 5 and I feel horrid. Diarrhea, headache, tired, dizzy, nauseous, foggy-headed, anxiety, depression, and body pain. I don't know if I can do this for 5 more days!"

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

Metronidazole 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."

• met...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2015

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "Seems effective. Second use with diverticulitis. Both times combined with Cipro. Had some side effects but not sure which medication they came from. Plus the diverticulitis itself causes gas, bloating, diarrhea, headache, nausea so how do you know what was meds and what was the illness? I experienced urine discoloration-slight rusty tone. I can say that the taste of the Flagyl pill is horrible. Also, after starting the meds I became oversensitive to smells and everything I ate or drank, even water, tasted disgusting. (Not so bad as I'm not supposed to be eating foods). I found that if I swallow the Flagyl with a sip of a smoothie (from supermarket) it slips down easy with no sticking and no bad taste."

• Luc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2021

For Trichomoniasis "I was prescribed the 500 mg 2 times a day for 7 days. The pill didn’t even taste that bad, lol. The only side effect I had was dark urine and diarrhea, and that was on days 3 and 4. I’m approaching my 7th day with my last pill. So far, it’s been good. I do want to warn you that you might have discharge. It’s not always a yeast infection, it’s the medicine pushing the infection out."

• Jen...
• July 23, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I was recently prescribed both Metronidazole and Cipro for diverticulitis. This is the second time I've had an issue with diverticulitis since being diagnosed approximately 2 years ago. I have learned a few things this time around that have reduced the negative side effects. I no longer take these medications at the same time, they are spaced an hour or two apart, and both are taken with a slice of toast-nothing more. If I take this medication after a meal, it causes problems. This has greatly reduced (eliminated) the stomach pains and nausea that I experienced before. Limit food intake while having a diverticulitis attack for the first couple of days, replace it with water. You need to flush out the infection, and there will be diarrhea."

• Del...
• April 7, 2016

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "I have taken this for diverticulitis and BV. It works. I had bleeding and severe, almost septic diverticulitis, I was in the hospital for 5 days, and this cured it. It gets rid of BV too, just make sure to take Rephresh Pro-B pill immediately after finishing the course of Flagyl and continue for a few months if you want to keep your vagina healthy. Side effects of Flagyl are diarrhea and slight nausea, but they are bearable, just take it in the middle of a meal. If you have horrible effects from it, you are having an allergic reaction, not side effects. I know because my mom is allergic to Flagyl. If taking it for diverticulitis, take a high-grade probiotic for 2 months after finishing the course of antibiotics to replenish good bacteria in the gut."

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

Metronidazole 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."

• Sev...
• November 3, 2016

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "Taking Flagyl and Cipro for diverticulitis, and got all the symptoms as everyone else. Dry mouth, headaches, funny taste in mouth, diarrhea, and generally feel sluggish, tired, and beside myself. Though I was the only one feeling like crap, but the pain is gone, and I too am on a better diet. Seven days left, and I am throwing these empty bottles in the trash!"