Metronidazole and Metallic Taste: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• 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!"

• Jj1...
• June 25, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "This medicine does its job, my symptoms from the infection cleared within the first 3 days out of 7, taking 2 pills a day. It worked and cleared the infection, so I'll give it 10 stars, but the side effects are for sure mentionable. I felt fine other than a metallic taste in my mouth for the first 2 days, then the extreme nausea rolled in. Imagine the feeling you have seconds before you puke, 24/7 for days on end. I also had headaches and slight stomach pain. I took probiotics while on the medication, and they didn't do anything. I still recommend this antibiotic because it does its job, just be prepared for the side effects."

• 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."

• Lyn...
• November 1, 2015

For Diverticulitis "39-year-old mom of 4. On my 2nd bout of diverticulitis (1st one 7 years earlier), I was given 10 days of Flagyl & Cipro. I took them together twice a day, and then the 3rd Flagyl by itself at night. I noticed a minimal yucky taste when taking them, but by the time I had finished my water, it was usually gone. I had a metallic taste approximately 3 times total that lasted just minutes. By the last part of day 2, I was feeling better, day 3 there was no more pain. By day 4, there was some discoloration of urine - rusty colored to orange. I never ever felt anxious, nauseous, had diarrhea, or felt tired. Overall, great experience with the combo of meds!"

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2019

For Diverticulitis "This metronidazole is horrific! It's my third time within 6 years having to take this medication. Diagnosed back in 2013 with diverticulitis, only mine is on my right side and not my left. I only have to take it for 7 days this time because I called it really early. I'm on my third day, my diverticulitis pain is gone, but I'm having different pain across the top of my stomach. Went to the ER yesterday because of bloody stools because of the medication. No nausea or vomiting, just a horrible metallic taste in my mouth, which is unbearable. Will continue the course of the medication until finished. Diverticulitis is not a joke, I wish there was another way to treat it, but I'm allergic to penicillin. The first 2 days, I did the liquid diet, but while at the ER, I asked if I could resume my regular diet and did. Don't know which is worse: the medication or the illness."

• adi...
• December 29, 2011

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I just finished a 10-day treatment of 500 mg every 12 hours. I am so glad it is over. I experienced stomach aches, a metallic taste in my mouth, which I am still experiencing, as well as tingling/numbness in my tongue. I am also experiencing itchy and a burning sensation in the vaginal area, it is uncomfortable. I hope it goes away soon. The only good thing about all this is that I don't have that fishy smell anymore."

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2008

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I took this in February of 2008, and in December 2008, I was diagnosed with the same bacterial infection again. The doctor said this is the best medicine available to kill the bacteria. The pills are horrible to take since they are not coated. I've experienced the metallic taste and stomach upset feelings. However, if they work, I am willing to withstand this temporary inconvenience."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2017

Metronidazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am now on day 7 of a 14. I'm on metronidazole, omeprazole, and clarithromycin. I have had H. pylori 3 times within a year. The treatment for me has been awful. The dosage was tripled, and it has given me nausea, bloating, foggy memory, a white film on my tongue, and fatigue. The metallic taste lasts all day. The thing that you need to be aware of is if you continue to get H. pylori like I have, it can be a precursor to stomach cancer. After this round of treatment, I have taken the steps to see a gastroenterologist to insist that he does an endoscopy to ensure me that there isn't anything for me to be concerned with at this time. It's a very scary feeling to have gotten this infection at least 3 times within a year."

• Cla...
• October 21, 2019

For Diverticulitis "Given Cipro and Flagyl for diverticulitis. To complicate things, I take thyroid meds first thing in the morning and blood pressure meds and supplements at night. Trying to create a way to fit everything in is hard. I take both Cipro and Flagyl together in the morning but then eat breakfast with no dairy, which is hard for me. The best thing is eggs! Drink Kefir mid-morning and then Flagyl at lunch with no dairy.... Take the last Flagyl and Cipro at 8 or so, but have to wait two hours for evening meds. Pain is gone, but I feel tired, nauseous, and have a metallic taste in my mouth! Glad I am retired, as I could not do this while working."

• raf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was prescribed metronidazole, doxycycline, Prilosec, and bismuth for two weeks to treat H. pylori. My side effects include headaches, cramps, upset stomach, tingling sensation, fogginess, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and an awfully bad metallic taste. I can't concentrate on anything, my stool is pitch black, and I feel depressed. Metronidazole is very hard to swallow, it is very bitter and wreaks havoc on my stomach. For all the trouble I went through, I hope H. pylori is eradicated from my system."

• Anonymous
• June 26, 2014

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I have taken this medicine, and it does work. I'd advise a person to take it while at home with food because it may upset your stomach and cause you to go to the bathroom. It leaves a metallic taste in my mouth and alters the taste of food on the first day. After the first 2 days, I was fine, and symptoms cleared instantly. But continue the whole dosage to reassure that the infection is gone."

• tci...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2017

For Diverticulitis "Just finished my second course of taking Metronidazole, 500 mg, 3 x a day for 7 days. I was taking this along with Ciprofloxacin for recurring diverticulitis. The first course was six weeks ago, but at 400 mg instead of 500 mg. Side effects in round one included a bad metallic taste in my mouth that lasted the entire course, headache/pain behind my left eye, on and off nausea. This most recent course was a bit more harsh with the constant metallic taste in my mouth and severe fatigue, but no headaches this time. The meds seem to do the trick with getting rid of the stomach pains on the lower left side of my abdomen, but the side effects are unpleasant. Best advice is to try and ride it out if you can as the meds work."

• Cd4...
• June 13, 2017

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Was prescribed Flagyl for BV but was never entirely sure I even had it as no tests were conducted. Took the pills and am so happy tomorrow is my last day! Literally the worst side effects ever, day one wasn't so bad, just had a metallic taste in my mouth, but every other day I've experienced headaches, nausea, and extreme fatigue to where I'm sleeping all day. The medication is so much worse than the slight issues I even had."

• ecl...
• October 7, 2013

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Bacterial vaginitis was single-handedly the worst health experience I have ever had. I don't know what it is, but boom, you have vaginal odor, and you just can't even look in the mirror. My doctor prescribed me metronidazole twice a day for seven days. The nurse warned me that it tasted awful, but I didn't care, just wanted to feel better. Within 24 hours of my first dose, my odor and discharge were gone. All the reviews are right, it tastes awful, but if you can drop the pill in the back of your throat and not let it touch your tongue, then drink a lot of water, you won't even taste it. Eat before you take it. Time your doses with meals and flush your fluids, and you should be able to avoid the metallic taste like I did. The medication works!"

• Del...
• June 3, 2017

For Trichomoniasis "I found out I had trich within days of being infected. I was prescribed twice daily for 7 days. While my partner, he was prescribed the same, but the 4 pills at one time. We saw different doctors, and his lab work hasn't confirmed trich, but since I tested positive - they treated him as if he had it as well. I was also prescribed the miracle pill for a yeast infection if the metro causes one. Terrible metallic taste - I can't imagine 4 pills in one day. Will update with the effectiveness for both he and I."

• Rei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2018

For Trichomoniasis "I took the single 2g dose for trich yesterday. I was hesitant because of all the other reviews, but I’m also not one with hypersensitivity to meds, nor am I on any other prescription medications. I take a daily probiotic and mega B vitamin. Anyway, I took the dose after work and with a meal. The taste isn’t great, but it’s nothing to spazz about either. After a couple of hours, I felt tired and only slightly nauseous, I briefly felt like I was going to throw up (watery mouth) but didn’t. I went to bed, had vivid and odd dreams (strange listed side effect), a mild metal taste in my mouth as expected, and I have slightly darkened urine. It’s only been 24 hours, but I can tell the major symptoms are starting to go away. Take with food on a day off/after work and wash down the pills with some sort of juice. None of the symptoms from the meds are as bad as having trich or BV, so I highly recommend!"

• Rki...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2016

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed a 500 mg 3x a day dosage for 10 days. I always have issues with antibiotics, but this by far is the worst side effects I've ever had! The metallic taste, diarrhea, headaches, and overall feeling are horrible. I just completed day 5, and it was so bad that I wanted to stick my fingers down my throat and force myself to throw up! I also started to develop oral thrush! The medicine does seem to be working, but I'm not taking all 10 days. I feel like I can barely make it to 7!!"

• Cic...
• October 3, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "Oh my goodness, this medicine is hard work. I feel like a pregnant woman. My body goes through all kinds of changes, mentally and physically. The nausea, increased hunger or no appetite, dry and metal taste in my mouth. Sore body, and all I want to do is lay down, but taking this medicine and waking up from a nap will make you feel drowsy and sleep deprived. I feel so weak taking this, no matter how much I keep myself hydrated."

• Aya...
• March 3, 2020

For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease "I have been prescribed metronidazole for 14 days for PID not related to STD. I am on my day 4, and I have to say, I don’t know how I will do 14 days. I am feeling really sick, insomnia has hit me hard, exhaustion, metal taste, cold sweats. I wonder if I can reduce the dosage or call my GP and see if he can swap it with something else."

• Tum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "This is my third time with diverticulitis and have taken Flagyl and Cipro combo each time. I'm currently on day 7 of the course, and it has relieved the pain early on each time. So for that, it is highly effective. The downside is that you can't drink alcohol. It also leaves a terrible metallic taste, as well as dry mouth, which is hard to deal with and annoying to say the least. Slight nausea from time to time as well."

• wei...
• December 16, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "On metronidazole 400 for blastocystis hominis. My side effects have been somewhat abnormal. I've on and off had a metallic taste in my mouth, but it's bearable. I've been having hot flushes that last about an hour and then go away. My appetite has increased, but I think this is because I am trying to wash away the metallic taste. The weirdest thing for me, though, is having very vivid dreams at night that are usually pretty horrible, and I wake up feeling slightly depressed. Overall, though, the side effects have been manageable."

• Sue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2018

For Dental Abscess "I have an impacted wisdom tooth that the dentist said couldn’t be removed so close to going overseas and gave me the script, emphasizing NO ALCOHOL AT ALL. Day 1: no side effects and pain went from a 10/10 to a 7. Taking ibuprofen and paracetamol every 6 hours + heat packs. I made sure I ate something with each dose. I haven’t noticed the horrible taste of the tablets everyone is talking about. Day 2: still no side effects apart from the metallic taste in my mouth, but it’s not that bad. Pain is bearable at about 6/10. Last night I couldn’t sleep and had an ache in my temple area, but it wasn’t unbearable. Day 3: woke up with no significant pain and still no other side effects. The wisdom tooth area is tender, and I feel a little bit off, but I would say that’s because of all the painkillers I’ve been taking. So, the bottom line is the side effects don’t hit everybody, so it’s worth a go if you’re in a lot of pain. To be continued..."

• Ala...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2020

For Giardiasis "Caught Giardia traveling. Had severe stomach cramps and raging diarrhea for 5 days. Flagyl quickly cured my symptoms. Took 500 mg (I weigh 110 lbs) 2 times daily. Would recommend this drug. Only side effect was a metallic taste on day 4. Took meds with food."

• Ret...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2022

Metronidazole for Giardiasis "It was such a relief to get a diagnosis of giardiasis instead of something worse that I was happy to accept a 10-day treatment of 500 mg/3x day Flagyl. As a retired RN, I knew it could be bad, and it was! Dizziness, metallic taste in my mouth, stomach pain that differed from the one Giardia was giving me, headaches, nausea, sleep disruption, random itchy spots, foul-tasting heartburn - full range of side effects. HOWEVER, I am still so grateful to have something to get rid of my parasites after suffering with them for 3 months that I just dug in and took the 10-day treatment with gratitude. It's been rough, and now at the end of the treatment, I am focusing forward on healing my GI system and getting back to normal."