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Metronidazole and Upset Stomach: What Users Say (Page 5)

Brand names: Flagyl, Metro, Flagyl 375, Flagyl IV, Likmez Metro IV

Reviews for Metronidazole

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Jba...
  • October 5, 2019

For Bacterial Vaginosis "This is the worst antibiotic ever. I was prescribed 500 mg metronidazole 3x a day, and WOW, I was so dizzy and lightheaded, but the worst symptom had to be the terrible stomach ache/pain. I would take one bite of food, and it would bloat me and make me feel like I ate 40 lbs of food. I will say I did take 2 different probiotics (one in the morning and one in the evening), and it seemed to keep the rest of the symptoms at bay - (I have taken this pill before and had worse symptoms)."

1 / 10
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  • Wil...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 5, 2020

Metronidazole for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Absolutely awful reaction to this drug, Flagyl. I have never been so sick on any medication. Was prescribed for a puncture wound to avoid infection but honestly cannot say if it worked or not, although the infection was prevented. However, I was completely dysfunctional with side effects from the Flagyl, including shocking headache, sore throat, hallucinations, dizziness, sore back, upset stomach, sinus reaction, and extreme fatigue."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • September 6, 2011

For Clostridioides difficile Infection "Took 4 days for diarrhea to stop, but side effects were terrible: nausea, upset stomach, insomnia, dizziness. Didn't have the bad taste. Just finished the last pill, thankfully, wouldn't want to take it again."

3 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • gre...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 23, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was prescribed the 2 a day dosage for a week, and yesterday was my last day on the medication. When I picked it up, I was warned side effects included an upset stomach, but the whole week while taking it my stomach was fine. Just one day for a few hours when I was experiencing cramps (unsure if they were metronidazole-related or not). I'm concerned that the medicine isn't really working because the side effects aren't very apparent for me, and compared to previous reviews, their side effects were intense. In addition to that, I still have discharge after the last day."

5 / 10
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  • Abd...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 5, 2021

For Gastrointestinal Perforation "It's very important that you don't use the products that contain propylene glycol. It could be shampoos, preservatives, skin care products, etc. The most important being that food you will feel the worst side effects with this drug, which may include fever, fatigue, joint pain, stomach cramps, skin irritation, etc. Don't skip a dosage as it's important to note that this is an antibiotic, it will mess up your digestive microbiome."

6 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • June 16, 2012

For Bacterial Vaginosis "The oral metronidazole is the worst to me. I was prescribed to take 1 x 500 mg pill twice a day for seven days. This is my first day, and I feel horrible. I have constant stomach cramping and diarrhea. I would recommend the vaginal gel and not the pills. When I was prescribed the gel during my pregnancy, I had no side effects."

2 / 10
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  • Sis...
  • June 3, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed 500 mg to be taken two times a day for 15 days for BV. I had an upset stomach, dark urine, bad taste in my mouth, headaches, and pain in/behind my eyes from day one through 15 on the pills. It made me lethargic and just overall under the weather. I considered stopping halfway through, but I could be doing more harm than good that way (you're supposed to take your full course of antibiotics to avoid bacterial resistance). My BV symptoms did clear up within 4 days or so. I must say it works well but made me feel gross :("

7 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Wha...
  • July 26, 2019

For Bacterial Vaginosis "So what is worse? BV or the side effects of this medicine? I'm on day 3. 500 mg every 12 hrs. Male DR. (my lady Gyno wasn't available) prescribes and says, Oh BTW, don't drink alcohol with this, you'll throw your guts up. Gee, thanks, the pharmacist actually gave me better information about this medicine. So I'm 6 pills in, and yes, I noticed severe headache, stomach cramping, fatigue, and nausea. Yes, the pill will get stuck on your tongue. I didn't have any odor, just mild discharge and itching. I'm itching worse today than ever and have been doubling up on my Activia yogurt for fear of developing a yeast infection. I'm stopping the meds today, so we shall see if it returns. My first bout with BV and hopefully my last."

1 / 10
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  • TJa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 5, 2021

For Dental Abscess "14-day prescription, 200 mg 3x day for dental abscess/infection. I was terrified to take this after reading the awful reviews, however, I experienced very minimal symptoms. I had an upset stomach/gassy feeling here and there, but most likely due to eating a lot of yogurt in between doses, as suggested by the physician. The only real symptom I had was a bad taste in my mouth. I recommend taking it after a full meal, drinking plenty of water all day, and staying away from alcohol. I would definitely take this again if required."

9 / 10
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  • Eli...
  • December 5, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I have been prescribed to take the metronidazole gel for 5 days. Day 1 was okay, but as soon as day 2 hit, I had terrible stomach cramps and bloating. Day 4 came, and I felt completely ill. Bad chest pain, nausea, stomach ache, cramping, fatigue, sweaty, anxiety, irritable, runny nose, bad cough, sore throat, and back pain. As you can tell, it all felt like hell. I spent one night crying because it was so bad. I read up on it, and a lot of people seem to have the same. I guess it's like you got to walk through hell to get to the better side. I had my period while taking this, so far, I have no idea if it helped with the BV. Hopefully, I'm good. Never am I taking this again! Everyone reacts differently, lucky me, I just got the worst end. Good luck."

5 / 10
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  • Eli...
  • December 5, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I have been prescribed to take the metronidazole gel for 5 days. Day 1 was okay, but as soon as day 2 hit, I had terrible stomach cramps and bloating. Day 4 came, and I felt completely ill. Bad chest pain, nausea, stomach ache, cramping, fatigue, sweaty, anxiety, irritable, runny nose, bad cough, sore throat, and back pain. As you can tell, it all felt like hell. I spent one night crying because it was so bad. I read up on it, and a lot of people seem to have the same. I guess it's like you got to walk through hell to get to the better side. I had my period while taking this, so far, I have no idea if it helped with the BV. Hopefully, I'm good. Never am I taking this again! Everyone reacts differently, lucky me, I just got the worst end. Good luck."

5 / 10
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  • Ric...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 18, 2022

For Dental Abscess "Let’s remember that everybody’s reaction to a drug is different. I can only tell you the experience I had. I was in great pain with a root canal infection. The tooth was due to be taken out in a few weeks, but an infection set in. This drug saved me from horrendous pain and discomfort within two days, it being a five-day course of 400 mg three times per day. Initial slight stomach upset, which was unpleasant, however, work through it if you are in pain, and you will definitely feel the benefit. I am allergic to penicillin, which is why this was prescribed to me."

9 / 10
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  • Pea...
  • May 25, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I have had many spells of BV, especially since I got the IUD placed. I was prescribed and told to take this for 7 days, twice a day. It usually works, but the BV comes back every time. I got BV again, and I'm now taking the meds, and I'm on Day 6. Right before I had my IUD removed, and I'm taking birth control pills at this time, so I'm going to see how this goes. Hopefully, I won't get the bacterial infections as much because when the IUD was placed is when they got worse. The taste of Flagyl is awful. I get nauseous, lose taste in my mouth, diarrhea, and tummy aches. I take the pill with milk. When you take it with milk, you won't taste a thing. Take a drink of milk first, tilt your head back, and then swallow the pill with the milk."

6 / 10
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  • kit...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 21, 2020

For Diverticulitis "I am on day 4 of my Flagyl/Cipro journey, and I am tolerating it well, surprising as that is. I was also put on prednisone 10 mg for 3 days along with it. I feel okay, and the Dr. only gave me 5 days of treatment of antibiotics and probiotics, which I feel really helped. The GI Dr. encouraged me to eat yogurt and do some tummy rest until I feel better, eat only light foods, soup, jello, drink 7-Up, and no heavy foods. I have done this and it's worked out well. He discussed with me the side effects of the Flagyl and explained it will upset my stomach and to eat when taking it. I am only on my meds twice a day, and I am done with the prednisone. All in all, it was not a bad experience. I think the teaching of my physician really helped, and I am feeling better. Ready for Christmas."

10 / 10
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  • Jac...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 27, 2016

For Giardiasis "I've been experiencing intermittent diarrhea for like 4 weeks, unsure why. Doc prescribed me this medication (Dazomet) brand. Today's my last day. These are the things I'm experiencing since day 1: 3 times a day, 500 mg for 7 days. 1) dark urine almost brown (the smell of antibiotic makes me vomit) 2) bloated and stomach cramps 3) abdominal pain 4) I also feel like I have the flu 5) behavioral changes (I've been depressed, clingy, etc.) 6) I can't sleep that much due to mentioned cramps, and I feel tired and weak. 7) loss of appetite. I don't want to eat much even if I want to because I feel like vomiting every day. But I feel a lot better now. The side effects are lesser and tolerable as the day goes by. Diarrhea did not come back, and I will go back to the doctor for a follow-up."

6 / 10
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  • rin...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 27, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "The doctor told me to have Flagyl 500 mg/day for 7 days for my BV. On my 2nd day, I feel so sleepy that I sleep a lot in the morning, and my body gets warm every time I have it. On the 3rd day, I got better but had a headache the whole day. Now I'm on my 4th day, and I'm having stomach cramps. I hope the BV clears up soon because I want to stop these tablets."

7 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 5, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Yes, the side effects are pretty bad. I have had diarrhea, headaches, vertigo (dizziness), fatigue, and stomach cramps. However, the odor and discharge are gone by Day 4. The side effects can easily be tolerated for a week to cure the BV. I would probably use the vaginal gel if I ever got BV again, though."

8 / 10
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  • Est...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 14, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "This medication was a lifesaver. I was ill for 3 weeks, and my stomach cramped every time I ate, and I lost weight. Three tests were done, and the last one finally showed a couple of white blood cells that indicated an infection. Finally, my Dr. prescribed this miracle medicine. After the first day of dosages, I was significantly better and could eat more than one slice of bread the whole day without my stomach cramping. I haven't taken this medication in over a month and still feel healed. This truly is a miracle medication."

10 / 10
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  • Awf...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 8, 2021

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was prescribed Flagyl for a bacterial infection. I was supposed to take it twice a day for one week. After day one of taking the first dose, I had to stop the medication. I had INTENSE flu-like symptoms: nausea, body aches, everything. After reading reviews on here, I knew I wasn’t going crazy. A week later, I went on vacation and my body was still so messed up: burning stomach. Couldn’t eat. Nauseous. It would come and go. It’s been about 3 and a half weeks later and I’m still having awful episodes. I’m worried that this medication destroyed my stomach. It’s been a week now since feeling awful again and I can’t eat, nauseous, stomach hurts while eating. Lightheaded. Anxiety at an all-time high. I was perfectly fine till I took this medication. Please stay away from it, it’s poison and there are other options to help clear your infection."

1 / 10
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  • NS ...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 2, 2021

For Dental Abscess "After what can be described as agonizing pain following a diagnosis of a dental abscess, I was prescribed a 7-day course of 400 mg of metronidazole (3 x daily). Pain relievers, including Co-codamol, did not even touch the pain, I was in agony. As some other reviewers comment, any side effects don't even touch my gratitude for the relief it gave me after about 48 hours of taking them. I was concerned that they weren't working, but they kicked in exactly 48 hours after the first dose for me. I had some mild nausea and stomach cramps the first day, but am now on day 6 and haven't experienced any side effects at all. Thank goodness for this antibiotic, I don't know how I would have survived the pain otherwise!"

10 / 10
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  • Sel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 12, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I've had this medication twice now, once for BV and once for another illness. Even though it was effective in treating the infections, the pills had some very uncomfortable side effects, including drowsiness, fatigue, upset stomach, and a dry cotton mouth with a horrible taste. I felt as though I had some sort of flu that would ease as each pill would wear off, but then I had to take another. I truly dreaded taking the next pill. I hope other people faired better."

4 / 10
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  • Hol...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 9, 2021

For Diverticulitis "Worst medication of my life. I was put on 300 mg every 8 hours after a parasitic infection from eating raw sushi. Dizziness, confusion, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, mouth ulcers (canker), horrible nausea, stomach cramps, disgusting metal aftertaste, especially after drinking water, exhaustion… the list goes on. I have never had this reaction to any antibiotic before. I would never take it again."

1 / 10
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  • Dia...
  • December 19, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "An absolute nightmare. Within 24 hours of starting the drug, I had the worst, WORST stomach cramping and flu-like symptoms, including back and neck stiffness, nausea, and a terrible headache. It made me constipated the first two days, and on the third, I had diarrhea. I made it into the fourth day of treatment and called my doctor to say I couldn't take it any longer. She said my BV may have cleared by that point, and it had, luckily. After stopping treatment, it took another two days to feel human again. I will NEVER take this drug again. If you have to, you'd better have a job that will allow you to work from home for the entire course of treatment. Again, a nightmare."

1 / 10
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  • Arm...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 18, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I am on Flagyl 500 mg 3X a day. I have a severe case of colitis and was prescribed this and Cipro 500 mg 2X a day. The Flagyl is so rough on me. It makes my stomach hurt so badly, as if I had pancreatitis. I also started running a temperature and felt like I had bronchial pneumonia. I am very limited on the antibiotics I can take due to allergies. I won't take this antibiotic again unless I'm in dire straits. I can't take Levaquin because it causes me to get pancreatitis and tendinitis. I've read that Flagyl gets rid of parasites. I hope if I have them that they're gone after taking the Flagyl 3X a day for 10 days."

4 / 10
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  • nen...
  • December 11, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I've been taking metronidazole, the 7-day pill for BV, and this is the 1st time I've been prescribed this medication. This is my 4th day taking this pill, and my 4th day has been my absolute worst. Nausea, gas, stomach cramping, and my urine was extremely dark this morning. But it's working great, and hopefully, this is the last I have to take this."

6 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.