Metronidazole and Upset Stomach: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Ann...
• June 3, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I contracted my first case of BV two weeks ago and thought it was a yeast infection. I waited a week before going in and getting tested. I was first prescribed clindamycin cream, which did absolutely nothing for me except worsen the symptoms and give me a UTI. I switched to Flagyl last night, and I started feeling noticeably better six hours later. I couldn't believe it! This morning, the terrible burning is gone. I am still going to take it for six more days because that's what the doctor told me to do. I am also upping my probiotic intake to replenish the good bacteria and prevent a yeast infection (100 billion CFUs a day). I would give it a 10/10 except for the fatigue and upset stomach I am experiencing."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2012

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I am currently taking the twice-a-day 500 mg tablets, and I can't explain how happy I have been and how comfortable I feel now that my infection has cleared up. The pills for me worked rather quickly, by the third day, I was clean. I don't mind the awful taste of the pill if it's going to work. What I do is either open my mouth wide and drop it at the end of my throat or put it inside a small piece of food and swallow. I also get dizzy at times, but as long as I drink water, it goes away. I experience bloating, and I'm gaseous, but it's nothing I will stop my treatment for. And it is true, please DO NOT DRINK! The first day I took them, I forgot the doctor said not to drink, and I felt right away stomach cramps and dizziness."

• Bes...
• December 7, 2009

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I have used this medication several times for bacterial infections. And they do a great job, but this time I am having a headache every day I've been using it and an upset stomach, but I guess it's worth it to get rid of the infection."

• Mia...
• September 11, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Had to take this for a week straight, 2x a day. Makes your body super tired, diarrhea, loss of appetite, slightly irritable, dry mouth, upset stomach (cramps), also back and thigh pain. All in all, it seems to be working on my lady parts. Good luck to anyone else!"

• 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."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "In the past, I've endured chemotherapy and radiation, so I thought I was pretty tough, however, this medication has worse side effects with each passing day. I'm on day 6 of 7 and just can't take any more. I was prescribed it for what seemed to be a UTI, but now I have bad headaches, dark urine, stomach cramps and loose stools, dizziness, a very sore vaginal area inside and out, a grotty taste in my mouth, sweating, palpitations, and constant nausea. Day 7 can go straight down the toilet as far as I'm concerned."

• Pic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I went to the doctor, as for 2 months I was experiencing diarrhea and mushy stools up to 5 times in 2 hours. I had lower left abdominal pain near the belly button, severe bloating, gas, belching, and stomach burning, no appetite, body aches, but no fever. The doctor never ran tests except for H. pylori. No other testing. I got prescribed Ciprofloxacin 500 mg every 12 hours and Metronidazole 500 mg every 8 hours, both for 10 days. I'm on day 5, and the side effects have definitely made me feel worse: metallic taste, burning stomach, still mushy stools, dizzy, confused, slurred speech, fatigue, and no energy. I have begun to see a thin white thread-like substance in my stool. Abdominal pain has subsided. I have no diagnosis, which is somewhat unsettling to me based on these harsh meds. I've also noticed that stools now have no odor at all. I have found that a banana and half a glass of milk help with the Metronidazole, but I cannot wait to be done with this medication."

• Pic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I went to the doctor, as for 2 months I was experiencing diarrhea and mushy stools up to 5 times in 2 hours. I had lower left abdominal pain near the belly button, severe bloating, gas, belching, and stomach burning, no appetite, body aches, but no fever. The doctor never ran tests except for H. pylori. No other testing. I got prescribed Ciprofloxacin 500 mg every 12 hours and Metronidazole 500 mg every 8 hours, both for 10 days. I'm on day 5, and the side effects have definitely made me feel worse: metallic taste, burning stomach, still mushy stools, dizzy, confused, slurred speech, fatigue, and no energy. I have begun to see a thin white thread-like substance in my stool. Abdominal pain has subsided. I have no diagnosis, which is somewhat unsettling to me based on these harsh meds. I've also noticed that stools now have no odor at all. I have found that a banana and half a glass of milk help with the Metronidazole, but I cannot wait to be done with this medication."

• Lri...
• June 22, 2016

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Working antibiotic, definitely strong on the side effects, feels like I have to urinate as if I was pregnant, insomnia for sure. Thank God I only need to take this pill for a little time. Stomach upset all the time, not when eating but early in the morning, feels the need to vomit."

• fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2021

For Diverticulitis "I was diagnosed with diverticulitis. Currently on my 5th day. The positive side is I am actually feeling better, far better, but side effects are hitting hard: diarrhea, heartburn, upset stomach, zero appetite, and the urge to vomit. There are still a few days to go. I will keep going since it's for my good."

• Han...
• August 7, 2017

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Literally, I feel like this is the worst medication I've ever been on. The surgeon put me on this for an oral abscess... been dying for like 5 days and two more to go. Can't sleep, but I'm so tired. Eat, look at light, worst headache ever. Stomach hurts, but this headache makes me forget about that. All in all, I feel horrible."

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2022

For Giardiasis "Just finished my treatment of Flagyl, and it was a roller coaster. It began when I contracted giardiasis from a lake. The virus itself lasted about 2 and 1/2 weeks. I then stopped eating due to my stomach shrinking from all the food posing from giardiasis. I started the medication and was able to eat more and more each day. The side effects are pretty bad, sadly, but if you're looking to get better, then it is worth it 100%. I had an upset stomach 24/7, metallic taste in my mouth, constipation, diarrhea, and complete loss of appetite. This drug is intended to kill everything in your system, and I will not be around people for another 3 days. The drug did work, and that is what its purpose was. If anyone gets this disease."

• Hat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "So I had H. Pylori a month ago and was prescribed three different antibiotics, one of them being Flagyl. Took it fine for the first couple of days. Immediately, the third day, I felt like I got hit with the flu. All the side effects they listed, I have them, or worse. I managed to do it for ten days. Longest, worst ten days of my life, or so I thought. A month later, I was infected with a gastric infection of C. diff. The antibiotics killed all my good bacteria, and for that, I got infected. Guess I was prescribed again, only Flagyl. Same thing, but the second day, I am nauseous, have stomach cramps, headaches, and no power whatsoever. Like having the flu again, but worse. I’m on day six of ten and trying to fight this nightmare (not C. diff., but this damn medication). This medicine's information said it causes minor side effects. Rubbish! It ain’t minor. It can drop a grown man down with ease! Four more days to go!"

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

For Bacterial Vaginosis "For BV, I was prescribed by my doctor a huge dose of Metronidazole 500 mg tablets and to take 4 tablets in one shot. After I took the pills, my head is heavy. I was having dinner before taking the meds, so I decided to sleep. When I woke up, I peed, and my pee was dark, and all my body was itching, got a major headache, upset stomach, not feeling comfy at all. This has been 24 hours after I took it, and I still have it. Hope it will go away anytime soon."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "My doctor prescribed metronidazole for a bacterial infection (2 pills a day for 7 days). I had to stop taking it after 5 days, as the fatigue was so bad I couldn't do anything without feeling as if I'm going to pass out. I also experienced bad headaches, stomach cramps, and dizziness. It's been 24 hours since stopping it, and still the fatigue is extreme. Calling my physician this morning. Will never take this again."

• Khe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2019

For Dental Abscess "I started taking this almost 4 days ago for a dental cyst triggering infection/abscess. I can’t even lift my head off the pillow in the morning to get up with my teen daughter for school. I feel so lethargic, which I wasn’t before starting them. I feel so awful, my stomach is giving me excessive hunger pangs, which I know stomach issues are a listed side effect. I also had pain in what I feel might be the right kidney and keep drinking loads of water as recommended. I suffered from heartburn too, plus headaches. However, my mouth feels better."

• ang...
• January 22, 2021

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "If you are a coffee drinker or smoker (weed), definitely try consuming less of both products during the course of Flagyl. It’s now my second time taking it, and it’s very effective for my BV. But the side effects are a downside. Eating BRAT foods (will help the diarrhea or upset stomach) and drinking lots, LOTS, of water is necessary. Also, getting lots of probiotics and electrolytes have helped me feel better. I’ve noticed that it makes the effect of caffeine and weed almost ten times stronger, and not in a good way. So be careful and watch your heartbeat/blood pressure. This worked way better for me than clindamycin. I think you do feel off, and it’s noticeable, but it’s better than the symptomatic BV I’ve been having."

• the...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Prescribed this for BV infection. On the second day, I started to feel like I had the flu! Terrible stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, runny/stuffy nose, tightness in my nasal passages-making my eyes feel tight, extreme fatigue, weakness, aches, chills, and finally, headaches with dizziness! No exaggeration here (I think it affects people differently). This was some nasty stuff for me! I thought I was going to have to go back to the doctor until I read about these side effects. At one point, I felt so awful I thought I was going to have to go to the ER! Overall, I mean the BV infection IS gone, and I'm still kickin'. Lol. Best advice was to EAT something when you take the pill... chicken noodle soup & crackers was my go-to that helped!"

• Dix...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "My GI doctor tested me for gut bacteria undergrowth. I tested negative, but he insisted I take Flagyl 500 mg 3 times a day. So I began taking it. Upset stomach and general malaise. Two days into it, I woke up barely being able to walk. My whole body was weak, and I felt like I was dying with panic and fear, confusion, and dizziness. Went immediately to the ER. I was having a toxic reaction to it with the combination of my Plaquenil. Just waiting for Monday a.m. to get here, I am going to blast him for putting me through that. There could have been serious consequences. He should have cross-referenced all my prescriptions I am on, the red flag would have been noted."

• gar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2021

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "This happened twice with two different OB/GYN doctors. I went in for my regular Pap smears and walked out of the office with prescriptions for Flagyl. Mind you, in both cases, I had no symptoms of a vaginal bacterial infection. The first time I took the medication, I had horrible side effects: upset stomach, feeling of illness, fatigue, metallic taste in my mouth. After finishing the meds, I ended up with a yeast infection because the meds got rid of all the good vaginal bacteria. I was recently prescribed another round of Flagyl after a routine Pap smear three years later with a different doctor, and again I've had no symptoms of a vaginal infection. I refuse to take the meds. I'm wondering if OB/GYNs are getting kickbacks for writing this prescription. 0 stars!!!!"

• Bea...
• March 29, 2017

For Trichomoniasis "The medicine tastes horrible, but it works! I coated it with peanut butter to take away from the taste and took it with milk. I also made sure to have food on my stomach. The first two days I took it with water, it was horrible. Then I did the peanut butter idea, way better, and milk helped with the upset stomach and nauseating feeling."

• Diz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Made it to day 8 of 10 on metronidazole. Was taking 3 times a day. The side effects are brutal. Stomach cramps, back pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, depression, terrible sleep. At times, felt like it was strangling my brain. Stomach constantly growling. Kicked my health anxiety up to 10. I can't wait for this to leave my system."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2025

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "So I have panic disorder and anxiety like many other people here. I delayed taking it because of side effects, like many people here. However, my approach was to take one pill on the first day to see how I responded, then two on the second. I am NOT a doctor, so don’t do this if you don’t want to. But for me, it helped the anxiety and also helped to discover how I would tolerate it. I take it as prescribed now and have had mild stomach upset, but nothing serious or debilitating. I notice dizziness occasionally, but that’s likely because you have to drink quite a bit of water with Flagyl, and I am not great at drinking water. I drink coffee and have no issues with anxiety or increased heart rate. I went for a 6-mile walk, no issues at all. I’ve also not had any headaches associated with it either. So, for those who are afraid to take it, take it as prescribed and trust that your doctor prescribed it because the benefits outweigh the costs."