Metronidazole and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Gar...
• June 20, 2015

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "Prescribed Flagyl and Cipro for diverticulitis, and both worked well. Hard to tease out which caused some of the side effects, however, Flagyl seemed the milder of the two. Bad pill taste is no problem, but the metallic taste tainted everything. So glad to hear others experienced heightened/changed sense of smell! I thought I was going crazy! No nausea with the Flagyl alone, but about an hour after adding the Cipro, the exhaustion and nausea are awful. Also, dark urine and diarrhea, which are unsettling but sound normal."

• Anonymous
• February 27, 2012

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "I have taken this medicine once before and it made me have flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, a terrible taste in my mouth, and in general feel awful when I am on this. I agree with the person above, it's almost worse than having the pain from diverticulitis. I am also taking Cipro so no dairy products or antacid tablets. Basically, I try to force myself to eat, drink, and sleep through the worst of the symptoms. This is miserable and depressing. As soon as I can, I plan to try to eat the recommended amount of fiber, 25-30 grams. I never want to have diverticulitis again, twice in 5 months is too much. I have 1 more week of meds, it feels like a lifetime."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2022

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I have never written a review in my life on an antibiotic. I’m here for three reasons. 1) Warn everybody about the severe side effects this can have and sadly 2) nobody, including my close friends and family, believe it’s true. 3) It might have helped stomach but not sure yet. I took Flagyl for four days. The nausea and diarrhea for me were not bad the first day. Day 2, 3, and 4 turned into the darkest moments of my life. Memory loss, extreme confusion, heart palpitations. Overall just the worst headaches and depression ever. I’m four days off of it and can’t drive safely or do directions. Headaches continue. I want my life and brain back. The doctors and family think it’s “all in my head.” Absolutely devastating to deal with. If they only knew. These are 100% real effects that can happen to you. Find an alternative!! Do not take this without a full explanation from your doctor!!"

• Too...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2020

For Diverticulitis "Diagnosed in ER with acute moderate diverticulitis 9 days ago. Prescribed 14 days of both Metronidazole and Flagyl, with a double dose of Metronidazole 3x daily. The side effects are making me sicker! I’ve lost 10 pounds, and the pain that had mostly gone by day 3 is back, along with vomiting. I can’t eat anything at all, I have severe diarrhea and insomnia. Heading to ER again later to see my gastro specialist. Medical reports and studies I’ve been reading say that these medications should NOT be prescribed for diverticulitis unless a bacterial infection has been confirmed. I’m not taking any more unless my doctor can convince me that the agony is worth it and that I’m not going to be worse off afterward."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2018

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "I went to my doctor for lower abdominal pain and was told I had diverticulitis. I was prescribed Flagyl and Cipro. It started out with nausea, so I called my doctor because I had terrible nausea, and I was prescribed Zofran. I still have two and a half days left, and it's absolute torture! I have never had side effects like this: debilitating nausea, headaches, chills and sweats, lethargy, metallic taste, diarrhea, and I am having trouble sleeping because of the nausea and my upset stomach. I kind of feel like I have the flu without a fever. I am up right now at 4 a.m., sipping ginger ale, trying to get through the night. The pain in my abdomen has subsided. This medication is very harsh on the body."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2020

For Dental Abscess "I would never take this drug again. Side effects included: * Violent vomiting even when I had nothing left in my stomach to throw up * Nausea * Diarrhea (hasn't stopped since I finished the dose 3 days ago) * Fatigue * Tingly legs and feet / shaky at times / felt unbalanced * Yeast infection on torso * Fungal acne breakout on face * Loss of appetite Tips: * If you are taking it 3 times a day, take it 8 hours apart (so 7 am, 3 pm, and 11 pm) with as much food as you can stomach * Do not drink alcohol 2 days before starting (or while taking) * Drink as many probiotics as you can * Stay close to home / bed / toilet * Ask your doctor for something else."

• Ele...
• September 6, 2014

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I experienced a couple of side effects: metallic taste in mouth, sore throat, abdominal pain, loose stools, headache, nausea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and a yeast infection at day 5! Side effects aside, this stuff works. All symptoms of bacterial vaginitis disappeared by day 2. Take some probiotics while taking this and hopefully you can avoid a yeast infection. Felt like the longest week of my life. I need a drink (you have to avoid alcohol on this)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2014

For Dental Abscess "Insomnia was the only really troubling side effect for me. A slight metallic taste in my mouth around day 3, but was gone in 24 hrs. Mild diarrhea, my stomach was a bit more acidic than usual, but nothing I couldn't deal with. Always took with a full meal, had NO ALCOHOL (even mouthwash with alcohol is too much on this med, re: pharmacist) and took with Gatorade (helps with bad taste). Be gentle with your body on this med. I found that not having caffeine, any NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc.) or anything harsh on the stomach works best. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while on this med - EVEN 1 DRINK. I had already tried 1 course of penicillin and 1 course of amoxicillin before this med, neither worked - 6 days on this, jaw pain and swelling is gone!"

• Anonymous
• May 26, 2020

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "I am on the 5th day! The last day of metronidazole 500 mg twice a day! I don't recommend this antibiotic to anyone. I have had the most vivid, worst nightmares on this drug. My stomach cramps, and hurts, and I have diarrhea bad. I feel like my eyes are so dry and have a brain fog, and don't know if I'm coming or going. Side note, it cleared my diverticulitis up, though."

• Spa...
• November 30, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I took Flagyl for 10 days, 3X a day to treat a parasite (Blastocystis spp.). Before taking the medication, I was having extremely bad-smelling farts, almost constant diarrhea, and abdominal pain followed by diarrhea. They heavily warned me that this medication sucks, and they were right: it does. That being said, my excessively smelling gas went away within a few days. Days 2-3 and 8-10 seemed to suck the most as far as symptoms. I also experienced mental fog from taking this medication. I really felt not on my game mentally and had a hard time concentrating. I did have some problems sleeping at night while taking this medication and then problems as well once the medication had been finished. For about 4 days after taking the medication, I had oral thrush and whiteness on my tongue. The bad taste in my mouth stayed for a while. I am 9 days finished with this medication, and I feel like I still don’t have any appetite or interest in food. All in all, it was not great, but I would take it again."

• fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2016

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "I went to the ER and was told I had diverticulitis. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days. I started taking Cipro and Flagyl. Only side effect is diarrhea, hard to manage when you work full time. Medication does work. On meds for 1 week."

• Gas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2016

Metronidazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I had a duodenal switch (a major weight loss surgery combining the vertical sleeve with rearranging one's intestines to minimize fat absorption) 9 years ago. Since then, I've had problems with gas and a stomach ulcer, both caused by H. pylori. I've taken Flagyl twice. I am now on Day 5 of this round, and I don't experience most of the side effects I see described. (250 mg 3X per day) While the pill doesn't 'taste' great, there are other meds that also don't, and I find this no more severe than those. I don't have a lingering bad taste. I've had no diarrhea and have had more regular bowel movements. I've had almost no gas. My pain is gone. I don't feel sick. I am grateful for this drug!"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2015

For Diverticulitis "I just had my 1st bout of diverticulitis and am now being treated with Cipro and Flagyl. I was in ER for a few hours with IV antibiotics, then sent home. This was Wednesday night, and I started treatment Thursday. The pain has eased up, but I feel tired a lot, feel depressed and spaced out, and went from being constipated to diarrhea. My urine looks dark like beer, a bitter taste in my mouth, gas and burbling noises...not fun. But considering how sick I was before treatment (fever, abdominal pain, terrible diarrhea...thought it was the gastro), this isn't so bad. Every day it seems to improve...I hope this clears up, and I will do my utmost to make sure I never have another flare-up again."

• sis...
• September 15, 2018

Metronidazole 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."

• Avi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2020

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Was prescribed Flagyl for diverticulitis. All I can say is that I had to stop this medication after 6 days. My side effects included: numbness and tingling of my hands, dark urine, high anxiety, headaches, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. My dosage was 2x250 mg tabs three times a day. I am in my 60s, and without a doubt, this is the medication that has given me the most side effects."

• Dam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I was diagnosed for the 1st time at the ER after a CT scan. Cipro 2x and Flagyl 3x per day were prescribed. I can't feel any pain b/c I'm too focused on the nausea, dizziness, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Day 2 - I had an important meeting to attend (that I could not miss), the metallic taste was awful, and the smells when I walked in the room made the nausea unbearable. Out of desperation, I popped 2 pieces of mentos spearmint gum in my mouth and sucked on them, and within minutes felt so much better. The mint soothed my stomach and I was functioning. I went on to another meeting thereafter and did just fine. Thereafter, I tried peppermint candy but it didn't have the same effect. I'm on a clear liquid diet too, which doesn't help."

• UN...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Prescribed this medicine for an infection I got after getting an IUD inserted. 500 mg metronidazole twice a day. Took them at 8 am day one. No issues day two. Up at 4 am, had symptoms of bloating, stomach gurgling, cramps, explosive diarrhea, extremely liquid stool, pain. All subsided by 11 am next day. Day three. Up at 1 am. Bloating, stomach gurgling, doubled from the night before. I had cramps, diarrhea, but not as bad as the night before, and I swore that I was done with this medicine. Drank a probiotic yogurt, and it’s been a while, 20 minutes with no gurgling... nope, I was wrong. Here we go again..."

• Im ...
• December 7, 2014

For Diverticulitis "I find my experience to be the exact opposite of those I've read here! I had a terrible reaction to Cipro last year... vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain. Refused it this week when I developed diverticulitis. I'm taking Flagyl and clindamycin combination with absolutely zero side effects. I plan to start yogurt tomorrow as diet progresses."

• Lai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2013

For Diverticulitis "34 yr old female, 500 mg-3 x 10 days. I do think it's healing me, but I started having side effects from this from the first day I took it. Severe anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, lethargy, diarrhea, ringing in ears, hands shaking, night sweats, metal taste in mouth, couldn't focus, and was overall very irritated. By day 3 & 4, I started having severe depression and uncontrollable crying, flu-like symptoms, and by day five, I felt homicidal!! I'm currently on day 6, and luckily I missed my last dose, or else who knows what could've happened! I am going to finish out my script, but I may cut it back to just 2 a day. I'll be so glad when this is over with!"

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

Metronidazole 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."

• tee...
• May 7, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I was put on this medication for diverticulitis, along with Cipro. I have been taking it for 7 days. I feel like I have been hit by a truck! No energy, sick to my stomach, diarrhea, along with a feeling of never being able to get comfortable. I have 7 more days, 3 times a day, to go! I don't think I can do it! I feel absolutely miserable. Just left a message with the Dr to see what they say about stopping it."

• ImR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Trichomoniasis "No, I’m not a fake spam comment or whatever you want to call it! I took my whole prescription as one dose, as directed, and my side effects lasted about 5 hours. I took the medicine around 7:30 am, so I’ll say the effects stopped around 1 pm. I had mild diarrhea about 30 minutes, and after that, I just felt a bit nauseous! Nothing too serious, and it worked great, no more infections for me whatsoever!"

• Anonymous
• October 23, 2015

For Trichomoniasis "Tried to take it the right way by just water, automatically spit it out. Tried the milk thing, nope, bread, nah uh. The only thing that worked without tasting it was putting it in peanut butter, hard to swallow but it's better than tasting that awful pill. Only side effects I have were loose stool, dark urine, and a little nausea (because I didn't take Zofran after like I'm supposed to). Four more days until I'm finished, I wake up every day dreading to take this pill. Makes you never want to have unprotected sex again. Thanks for the lesson."

• Jml...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2019

For Diverticulitis "I am taking metronidazole 500 mg three times daily for 10 days along with Augmentin (cannot take Cipro) for diverticulitis. This is my fourth round of these meds this year for recurrent diverticulitis. It always alleviates the nasty problem but returns several weeks later despite taking each dose of the regimen religiously. I will have a colonoscopy soon and will likely require a colon resection. The drugs produce very uncomfortable side effects including nausea, diarrhea, metallic taste, fog, headache, and fatigue. I have a suggestion that has helped tremendously in reducing side effects. Purchase Floragen in the refrigerator section at your pharmacy and take one an hour before your first antibiotic dose each day. It lines your gut with “good” bacteria and seems to help 80-90% with nausea. I’m still “off” but very manageable. I will finish metronidazole in 3 days and pray that I never have to take another dose."

• Ano...
• September 1, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "Within a couple days of taking Metronidazole, the infection cleared up, in that aspect, I feel 100% better! But the symptoms of the antibiotics are terrible. My entire body aches, I feel exhausted, my toes and fingers are tingling, I have no appetite, I have to force myself to eat something in order to take the medicine, bad diarrhea. I have a couple more days of this, and I can't wait to be done!"