Metronidazole and Upset Stomach: What Users Say (Page 2)

• AT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2019

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "This is the 4th time I have had diverticulitis, and one of the things I dread is having to take 500 mg of Cipro (2x a day) and 500 mg of Flagyl (3x a day) for 10 days. The nausea and stomach ache are horrible. I am now on the 7th day, and this morning I began thinking about why the problems remain so many hours after I take the drugs. I thought perhaps the drugs were not dissolving properly, so I cut the pills in half and took them in 2 pieces. I have not had nausea or stomach pain today. It did not help the fatigue and weakness, however."

• 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."

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

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Doctor prescribed 400 mg metronidazole to be taken thrice daily and 500 mg clarithromycin twice daily. Esomeprazole twice daily. This was for 14 days to get rid of Helicobacter pylori. This absolutely wrecked my body. The first day had terrible stomach cramps and constant severe hunger pains. Did not sleep at all from the pain. After two days, the cramps went away but were replaced with intense nausea, weakness, a really dry mouth, and a constant disgusting taste in my mouth. Could not eat anything after the fifth day. Had to stop taking the drugs on the sixth day and my doctor agreed that this was too much to handle. Could only handle fluids the day after stopping the regimen. Was set out to finish my 14-day course as I would love to get rid of this bug once and for all, but my body couldn't take it anymore. Now hoping five days of intense antibiotics were enough to eradicate H. pylori. Will have to wait a month before retesting. Maybe a lower dose fewer times a day could have helped? But possibly not as effective."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I have never ever written a review on any product, but I feel the need to write this one in hopes that I will help others. I was put on metronidazole and cipro for diverticulitis, and I feel awful. My diverticulitis has improved, but I have terrible stomach and headaches, but the worst side effect is tiredness. I am exhausted beyond belief! I could fall asleep ten minutes after I get up in the morning. This exhaustion continues all day!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2014

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I seem to get bacterial vaginitis often, about 2-3 times a year. I tried Flagyl in the pill form and vaginal gel on different occasions. For me, they both clear up the infection by the 3rd day. The only difference is, I do not experience side effects with the vaginal gel, but with the pill, I experience stomach cramps and fatigue."

• sge...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2013

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Metronidazole causes me to have headaches, a bloated stomach with cramps (sometimes severe), and a heavy feeling. Prescribed for H. pylori treatment for 10 days along with clarithromycin. It also causes a lack of appetite. When taking this medicine, it will taste bad and leave a bad taste in your mouth and throat for a few hours. I find drinking a hot beverage like cocoa or low-acid coffee after taking it has helped relieve the bad taste but doesn't get rid of it completely. For manufacturers: manufacturers should really consider making this as a hard caplet. Maybe even adding a flavor enhancer. In its current form, it almost immediately starts dissolving before being swallowed with a disgusting salty taste."

• lau...
• July 10, 2019

For Dental Abscess "Was prescribed 200 mg of Metronidazole 3 times a day along with 500 mg of Amoxicillin for a dental abscess. I've taken Amoxicillin several times before, and I know I have no adverse reaction, so all of the side effects must be due to the Metronidazole. Had a severe wisdom tooth infection which completely locked the right-hand side of my jaw, and was prescribed Metronidazole by the emergency dentist. Seems to be working as I'm now on day 4, and my jaw has mostly unlocked and the pain and swelling have reduced greatly, but the side effects are horrible. I'm so tired constantly and feel as if I have no motivation to do anything, which is awful at work. It's also given me anxiety, a really tight chest, and heart palpitations, which aren't helping the anxiety. I have headaches and brain fog, and my stomach definitely doesn't feel right. If possible, I would recommend requesting another form of antibiotics. They've been just about bearable for me, but I wouldn't take them again unless there was no other option."

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 6, 2018

For Diverticulitis "I am prescribed metronidazole fairly frequently for recurrent diverticulitis, usually 400 mg 3 times daily for ten days, alongside co-amoxiclav 500 mg 3 times daily for ten days. Co-amoxiclav I can handle all day long, but metronidazole is just really hard work. It causes severe headaches and confusion, extreme fatigue and apathy, dizziness, slurred speech. I would be severely idiotic to even attempt to drive. I get a racing heartbeat, hot hands, gurgling stomach so loud it wakes me up, my stomach feels like it turns to stone, and then there's the nausea. Relentless, overpowering nausea worsened with movement, but no vomiting. All those disgusting, unbearable physical side effects are bad enough, but worst for me is the state of mind it creates. I honestly feel a deep depression whenever I take metronidazole. Not because of the side effects, just in general. I feel so utterly, wretchedly depressed and desolate I don't know what to do with myself. It is a horrifically dangerous drug in my opinion."

• Kid...
• January 10, 2019

For Diverticulitis "Flagyl and Cipro will 100% upset your stomach. They serve multiple purposes. They get rid of infection and also make your stomach too upset to eat. This will give your colon a chance to rest and heal. You will be back to normal in a week or two."

• Ser...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I took Flagyl x 2 for 5 days for BV last month, having suffered bacterial vaginitis for over a year. I had tried natural remedies that just did not work, so as a last resort in utter frustration, I turned to Flagyl despite having read such awful reviews about it. I experienced no side effects at all from it until the very last day when I suffered a mild upset stomach. All signs of the BV were completely gone by the end of the week following when I completed the course of antibiotics, which was fantastic, however, since then I have reasonably frequent stomach upsets after eating. I'd rather have that rather than have BV, so a small price to pay. As antibiotics kill off all bacteria, both good and bad, I have now been loading up on probiotics in an attempt to put good bacteria back into my body. This medication did work for me for BV, and I'm so thankful that it's gone at last."

• Alb...
• December 11, 2017

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "This drug almost killed me. I took 400 mg twice a day for 5 days. The first day was okay. The second day, I experienced stomachache, agitation, insomnia, nausea, hallucination, and nightmares. The third day, I rushed to the hospital with blurred vision, which lasted for over 11 hours. Never again."

• Man...
• February 19, 2018

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was prescribed metronidazole (two 500 mg pills twice daily, for 7 days) for BV. I got anxiety from reading the extreme reviews. Don't do that to yourself. I had stomach cramps and gas, slight nausea (rarely), and that was it. 1. Don't drink alcohol with this drug and try to avoid foods containing alcohol. Be strict with yourself. Getting sick isn't worth it. 2. Take a daily probiotic with this medication. Metronidazole kills good bacteria too. Eat probiotic yogurt or buy Flora probiotic capsules. I took two Flora capsules per day two hours after each Metro pill and ate yogurt. 3. Drink lots of water throughout the day and take the pill with food. 4. If you were not prescribed an exact time frame to take the two times a day pill, take it twelve hours apart. That gives you exactly two times in 24 hours for the medication to work. I'm on my last day, and I'm feeling great! Sorry this was a bit long, but I sincerely hope it helps some of you that might be afraid to take this drug. Good luck!!"

• Bka...
• March 21, 2019

For Trichomoniasis "Only negative thing to say about metronidazole is it gave me a minor headache and nausea, but considering how great the positives are, it completely got rid of my trichs. The little stomach ache was worth it. Recommend."

• med...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2015

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I went on a holiday to Thailand and developed a bloated stomach with wind and later diarrhea. The doctor prescribed Flagyl to kill any bugs in the intestine. We know that in these countries it is rather easy to get a bug from foods. After many trips, I finally got a Bangkok belly. After taking 400 mg three times a day, I felt some relief the next day. Felt good. Then the next day, I woke up feeling terrible. I had sneezing, a runny nose, a feeling of tightness in the nose (harder to breathe), asthma, dry lips, rashes on the hands, body aches, lack of appetite, feeling lethargic and tired, along with wind in the stomach and slight nausea. Diarrhea was almost gone. Most side effects were happening to me on the fourth day."

• Mar...
• September 14, 2019

For Diverticulitis "Do not drink alcohol while taking Flagyl or consume food or medicines that contain propylene glycol while you are taking metronidazole. You may have unpleasant side effects such as headaches, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)."

• Nmt...
• January 7, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Wanted to share my experience; as someone who is VERY wary of medications and specifically antibiotics, I researched the hell out of this drug and made myself very paranoid about it. However, I am on day 2, and I just want to say, I have had NO issues. And I am someone who has myriad health issues and sensitivities, and a very weak stomach. I fastidiously planned out a strict regimen, and it's working like a charm. I take it at the same times every day, WITH a full meal before, and a bit more food after, plus LOTS of water. I wrap the pill in a piece of torn bread to mask the flavor. The one time my stomach started to feel a bit upset, I drank 8 oz of Kefir and felt relief within 10 minutes. The infection already seems to be better!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2015

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I've been on this medication (clarithromycin, doxycycline, and omeprazole) for nine days now to treat H. Pylori and experiencing chest pains, bloating, stomach cramps, headaches, and dizziness. Five more days of these uncomfortable side effects, and I hope it'll all be over."

• Jil...
• December 23, 2013

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I have gotten bacterial vaginitis a few times over the past few years. Unlike most, I don't usually experience any odor or discharge. Instead, I just suffer from vaginal pain that is so bad it keeps me awake at night. I have taken this antibiotic in the past, and it works great - I feel better after just a few doses. This time around, I got very nauseous after my first dose and ended up throwing up. I think because I didn't take it with a real meal (just a small snack), it upset my stomach. Another possibility is I took a probiotic this morning, which says not to take it within 2 hours of taking an antibiotic..."

• mis...
• July 6, 2012

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I've been taking this medication for 5 days now. I'm on it for 10 days, 3 times a day, and I'm being treated for C. diff. Before I started this medication, I was in severe pain, diarrhea, weight loss, constantly urinating. Now my abdominal pain is minimal, I'm holding weight. Gained a few pounds. Still having constant urination, not quite as much, and still having an upset stomach, diarrhea. Now going back to the Dr. to see if I still have C. diff."

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2009

For Bacterial Infection "This medicine really did help me. Very effective. Side effects were minimal - occasional, very slight nausea or stomach upset. The downsides: (1) Pills are difficult to take: they are uncoated, stick to your tongue/throat, disintegrate quickly, and taste so indescribably toxic and foul. I could only get them down by breaking them in two and coating them in syrup or honey, then psyching myself up -- and I'm pretty good with pills. (2) No alcohol. Not that it's so important, but this was a drag. I was sorely tempted to stop after I felt well again, but it is so important to take the whole course. I felt much better after 24 hours, but not totally recovered until near the end. Stick with it, it's unpleasant, but it works."

• Mov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed a 14-day course of this medication for SIBO. The first five days I had nausea, diarrhea, foggy brain, metal mouth, dark urine, and an upset stomach. Then my foggy brain got worse, and I was dizzy, irritable, and depressed. This is not normal for me. I felt uncomfortable driving any serious distance, and some days wouldn’t drive at all. I feel just overwhelmingly not good. Headache, loss of appetite, and all the previous symptoms, and now the last three days my heart has been racing! Today is my last day, and I can’t tell if it’s helped the SIBO because the side effects mimic so many of the symptoms. Hoping for the best-would have a clear conversation with your doctor before you start these!"

• Bar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2015

For Diverticulitis "I was given 60 tabs of metronidazole... 2 x 3 a day for 10 days. Also given another drug with it, take 1 x 2 a day. By the 6th day, I was so sick I wished I could die. Stomach cramps, bloating, gas. Quit taking these meds on the 9th day. Stomach cleared up, but now I am riddled with so much joint pain I can hardly move."

• Fru...
• November 5, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed Flagyl for bacterial vaginitis (BV). I knew within two days that it wasn’t working, but proceeded to take the medicine. On day six, I returned to the doctor and was again tested, and as I suspected, still had BV. The medication caused an upset stomach and obviously didn’t treat the infection. I had to fight with the doctor to be prescribed clindamycin. I’m starting clindamycin today with the hopes that it will have a better impact on the BV."

• Lid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I developed a stubborn tonsillitis a month after a lower respiratory condition. I'm allergic to penicillin, so I always get clarithromycin. This time it didn't work. It eased some of the symptoms, but my tonsils looked the same. My doc suspected that it was caused by anaerobic bacteria, so I started taking metronidazole 2x500 mg. A short time after the first dose and since then, my nose never felt clearer. However, I had to stop it after the 4th day because of new symptoms: stomach ache, ear pain, enlarged lymph nodes on the neck and ear, temperature increase, and terrible headaches. Because it dries my throat, my sore throat also got worse. I suspect that I have some allergies to the medicine itself, also, it was useless to my infection, which might've come back after leaving clarithromycin. This medicine is powerful based on my nasal experience, but has unpleasant side effects."