Skip to main content

Tinidazole and Metallic Taste: What Users Say

Brand names: Tindamax, Fasigyn

Metallic taste: mentioned by 38 users (35.5%)

Based on user experiences from 107 Tinidazole reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

metallic taste 35.5%
nausea 23.4%
headaches 18.7%
fatigue 8.4%
diarrhea 7.5%
bad taste 6.5%
sleepy 6.5%
tiredness 5.6%
upset stomach 4.7%
increased heart rate 3.7%

Reviews for Tinidazole

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Kri...
  • June 15, 2015

For Bacterial Vaginosis "This drug was amazing. No side effects AT ALL. Only a very slight metallic taste in my mouth but it was brief and it only lasted a few minutes after consuming the pills. I consumed a couple of alcoholic beverages while on Tinidazole (at a wedding) and no side effects from that either. The reviews on here scared the life out of me but I have to say that this medication was an absolute joy to take. Oh, and it cleared up my BV so major score on that. Do not be afraid to take this medication. With any luck, you'll be side effect and symptom-free also!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
72 Report
  • Red...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 14, 2019

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I have been battling bacterial vaginitis (BV) for years, I have been on metro, clindamycin, and a few others. I went to urgent care, and they prescribed me 4 tinidazole pills of 500 mg to take for 3 days. I took the first 4 the same day, and my odor was gone. With any antibiotic you take, there will be side effects: metallic taste or whatever. I strongly recommend tinidazole. I wish my primary care doctor would have given me this instead of me going to urgent care. So, if you're walking around with that embarrassing odor, I suggest you head over to your nearest urgent care and ask for this antibiotic. As far as the cost, with my insurance, I only paid $5.00 at CVS."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • Mea...
  • September 6, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Been battling BV for as long as I can remember, and this is the only thing that works! Sure, you get a metallic taste in your mouth and feel a bit drained, but if that is what I have to deal with so my BV doesn't come back, then it's well worth it!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • JJS...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 4, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Took 4 pills a day for 2 days. I am at about 13 hours from my last pill as I write this. Maybe I was extremely lucky, but I didn't have any negative side effects. No metallic taste, no nausea, no headaches, etc. I also notice a positive difference 'down there'. I took one pill at a time - 1 with breakfast, 1 with lunch, 1 with afternoon snack, and 1 with dinner. Maybe that helps to reduce side effects rather than taking multiple at once? I drank a lot of water and did not have any alcohol since starting them."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 24, 2019

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Like others, I have had recurring BV for a year and had tried other drugs. I was prescribed 2 days of 4 pills, then 4 days of 2 pills. It works - the odor was gone in a day, and I’m on day 3. I’ve had a headache for three days, was extremely tired the first 24 hours, a strong metallic taste with any food or water, and very thirsty all the time. I’m hoping this gets the BV for good!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Spa...
  • March 16, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "It works! I took Tindamax, 2-day dosing, 4 pills on the first day, 4 pills the second day, and yes, it made me very sick. I was sleepy, fatigue, nausea, headache, it was horrible, and that metal taste is totally disgusting. It made everything taste nasty for 4 days, but the medication started working immediately, within hours after I took the first dose. My advice to you is, if you are prescribed this medication, you may want to take time off of work just so that you can deal with your symptoms."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • Jea...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 28, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Metallic taste, yes. Fatigue, no. Hungry, no. Intestinal disturbance, no. Took 4 pills once for two days. Drank a lot of water. Smell gone, discharge clear. I ate Fage yogurt at the end of day two. Everything will be okay!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Cyn...
  • July 19, 2011

Tinidazole for Bacterial Vaginosis "I've only had to deal with a mild metallic taste for the two days of treatment. It seems to leave the first day after treatment. Tindamax works quickly to get rid of the bacterial vaginitis, which I deal with on a more than regular basis to the point that I can now diagnose myself -- I just call the doctor and he calls in the prescription. I like that I only need to take it for two days and then I'm done and the bacterial vaginitis is gone... once again."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • Anonymous
  • November 18, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "My doctor gave me tinidazole yesterday, instructed me to take all 4 pills, and would clear up in 24 to 48 hours. So far, it's just the metallic taste in my mouth and sleepy, but symptoms seem to be subsiding."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Moa...
  • January 12, 2021

For Trichomoniasis "I took this med as a one-time dose, 4 pills at once, and I actually had 0 side effects the whole day. I ate a big meal with it. But I woke up this morning with a horrible metallic taste in my mouth and some nausea. But I have noticed the cloudy urine and odor has subsided. This is probably the only antibiotic that didn’t give me major side effects. Don’t let the reviews scare you!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report
  • kee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 2, 2013

For Bacterial Vaginosis "This is so far, so good. I would give this a ten, but the side effects bring it down to an 8. I started taking the two-day treatment and I still have this horrible metallic taste in my mouth. It causes me to lose my appetite because everything I eat tastes horrible. I also had a headache and nausea. I have been suffering from BV for almost a year now, and this medication has cleared it up really fast. So I have no major complaints. I will come back in a month and give an update."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Mis...
  • April 20, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I have had BV since my daughter was born. 8 years. Metro, both pills and gel, would not cut it. Finally, I'm on tinidazole and I feel the pain from BV going away! My stomach cramps were unbearable! The next day, I felt better! BUT I googled this 'why do I taste metal,' and I smell it too. This site popped up! So glad to hear it works! My teeth hurt too. No nausea, though... a few sharp pains. But, could be related to my hernia issues. Hope this helps! I am taking 2 pills daily for 7 days. I will report back when I go into OB for results."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 20, 2012

Tinidazole for Bacterial Vaginosis "My insurance covered some, but good thing Tindamax gives a discount card for prescription. I have suffered with bacterial vaginitis off and on for 4 years. Finally got a prescription for Tindamax, and it was the only thing that cleared it up for a few weeks. When my period came, the bacterial vaginitis came back! On round 2 of Tindamax now. Hopefully, it gets rid of it for good. 4 pills, 2 days. I get a really nasty metallic taste and nausea, but the few weeks I was without bacterial vaginitis, it was definitely worth it!"

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • Bel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 12, 2014

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I had bacterial vaginitis for about six months, the four pills for two days were great. It made me a little sick the first day, and you do have a metallic taste in your mouth. This medicine works quickly."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Can...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 6, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I'm a little late on my prognosis, by the next day, the BV and smell were gone! Happy to say I didn't get nausea, or vomiting, or diarrhea. I did, however, get the metallic taste. I didn't feel weak or fatigued, nothing at all. It's great, I like it better than the metrogel. I hate using vaginal creams, and this was great! Good, y'all."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 9, 2015

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Within 10 minutes of taking the pills, I could taste the metallic taste. It was not unbearable. BV was gone when I was done with the 2-day treatment. Make sure to take with a very large meal! I think this is what saved me from vomiting. I have a very sensitive stomach and only felt nauseous a couple of times, but it went away quickly. The only other side effect was that I was very fatigued."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • Alb...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 28, 2017

For Giardiasis "I'm immunocompromised, so sometimes I end up with random bowel infections. I've been on a 2g stat dose of tinidazole a few times now. For violent bouts of uncontrolled and explosive diarrhea caused by suspected protozoal infections, this stuff works amazingly and quickly. Bad parts are the fatigue and metallic taste in your mouth (similar to radiotherapy), and no alcohol for 72 hours lest you end up with nasty issues."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • clt...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 31, 2018

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was so nervous about taking this medication because of the possible side effects and because it was such a large dose (2g/4 pills taken at once per day for 2 days), but it was totally fine and I had barely any side effects! My symptoms started going away on the second day and were completely gone by the next. I made sure to eat a heavy meal (spaghetti and bread followed by a cup of almond milk) before taking the 4 pills both nights. I never felt nauseous, but I did feel very sleepy within 2 hours...slept for almost 12 hrs both nights and didn't want to get out of bed for work the next day. Once I started the day, I felt fine all day, almost forgot I was on them. Had a slight metallic taste in my mouth the next morning but used lifesaver candies to cover it up. I avoided all lotions and makeup products that had traces of alcohol to make sure I didn't have any chance of a reaction. I liked that it was only 2 days of taking antibiotics rather than a week to 10 days."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 6, 2011

Tinidazole for Bacterial Vaginosis "The nausea alone is what made me give this medication a 1. Not only are you over-the-top nauseous, but the tired feeling and nasty metallic taste are overwhelming! I will most definitely be calling my doctor tomorrow for the gel."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 Report
  • Jej...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 12, 2018

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I will be so glad when I wake up tomorrow and don’t have to take another pill. I have the worst heartburn and bad metallic taste in my mouth. I can’t drink enough water. I’m tired and have a bad headache. But 4 pills a day for two days was quick. I spread them out and took one every 4 hours. I feel better down there, and hopefully, the BV is gone. I’ve heard with Mirena BV is common, but I’ve changed some of my cleaning habits, as my doctor said overcleaning can be a cause as well. Hoping for no yeast infection. I have been eating a lot of Greek yogurt while taking these pills. Very expensive antibiotic, even with insurance!"

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • SKa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 27, 2020

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was asymptomatic for BV, it was only found on a Pap, but I had to take the tinidazole drug for five days, twice a day. I might’ve had itching, although it could’ve been in my head, but it went away. I didn’t have any side effects besides the metallic taste. I usually took it with meals, but not always. However, the metallic taste is awful and is only starting to go away nearly 24 hours after my last dose. Water is disgusting, and brushing your teeth only helps a little before it gets worse again."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • Kat...
  • June 1, 2020

For Giardiasis "I was terrified to take this tinidazole for giardia. I took 1 pill to see what it would do in the height of my infection. It did give me diarrhea. Later (a week), I took the correct dose, all 4 in a day but a couple of hours apart. It wasn't bad. I did get a metallic taste, my stomach rumbled, but other than that, I was fine. I did make sure to eat a big meal first, take lots of water, and avoid anything with alcohol. Unfortunately, after 3 weeks, I believe the giardia is back. Not sure if because I had so bad, or it's something else? These reviews really scare people. Unfortunately, everyone is different. I am sensitive and was able to take this, however, I would not recommend if your stomach is in a horrible state. When I took the first pill, I couldn’t even eat a piece of bread without pain. Try not to take it when your stomach is completely out of whack. Get yourself a bit together first. This is a strong medicine on your stomach. Have some graham crackers on hand and kefir to keep coating your tummy. Good luck."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • Pke...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 24, 2021

For Bacterial Vaginosis "So I read all the bad reviews before taking this, so I'm writing this in case it'll help someone else. To avoid any vomiting, I ate food, took a Bonine (tablet to stop nausea), ate some more food, then took 2 of the antibiotics and chugged a 16.9 oz bottle of water. I did this for the second set of two pills I took a few hours later. I had to take 4 pills daily for 2 days. This didn't help avoid the chills, headache, or the metallic taste, but I didn't vomit or have diarrhea. Not sure if it'll work out the same for you, but I want to share in case it does. Not entirely sure if it worked for me in regards to my condition."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • mcc...
  • April 18, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Got prescribed 2 pills daily for 5 days to treat BV that my doctor thought would not be treated by metronidazole (spelling?) or basically any vaginal creams. It's been two days now, and I'm only starting to feel better. Definitely not as bad as it was before, but also not 100% there yet. I'm surprised by the comments about metallic taste and nausea. I have a very weak stomach and take antibiotics very poorly, except this one has really been a charm. I forget that I'm even on it throughout the day. I made sure to eat big breakfasts and dinners before taking my doses. Slight headache that goes on and off throughout the day, but really nothing compared to other antibiotics and their side effects. Have yet to experience the metallic taste."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • Ros...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 7, 2020

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I have been having bacterial vaginitis for more than 8 years. In the first year, I walked into a pharmacy, saw the drug Tinidazole, and just bought about 5 packs of 2g-4 tablets each. I took 4 tablets for 3 days without a prescription. I'm a registered nurse, and within those 3 days, I felt relieved, but because of the serious metallic taste, I reduced it to 2 tablets 2 times daily. That is how the infection resurfaced for more than 8 years. I have tried several drugs, they did not work, there was no odor, but I felt irritation sometimes. In the last seven days, I decided to risk taking it again without a prescription, I have just taken it for the 7th day, 4 tablets. I hope to take a High Vaginal Swab after this, though the side effects are terrible: metallic taste, severe headache, sometimes nausea, rapid pulse. I just hope I can complete 10 days before giving up. Lest I forget, in Nigeria, it is one of the cheapest antibiotics."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
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.