Flagyl and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Jba...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2020

For Diverticulitis "Was prescribed Flagyl for possible diverticulitis, took it for two days and could not take it anymore. It caused me to have severe diarrhea, fever, severe flu-like symptoms, made me very weak, had to stop taking it. Will never take it again."

• Yet...
• December 9, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I deal with diverticulitis every 9 to 12 months. CT scans over the past 15 years keep showing mild diverticulitis as they call it, but when it hits, it feels nothing like mild! Nasty lower left abdominal pain. Sometimes I get a fever. Now my doctor just put me on antibiotics as soon as I get symptoms because I always go into a fever eventually. Yes, going on this for 7 to 10 days can give you diarrhea. I found quite a while ago, since probiotic yogurt came out, as long as I eat lots of that, I rarely get diarrhea now. And since you should be on a liquid and very soft food diet anyway, just switch yourself and eat nothing but probiotic yogurt and soups while you're taking this stuff. Always take it with a meal too. And no alcohol!"

• Mia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I would not recommend taking Flagyl at all. I was given a one-time high dosage of 5 pills at once and have experienced terrible anxiety, shortness of breath, insomnia, and diarrhea. I was up all night worried sick about how I am feeling and just wishing I never took them at all. I don’t know why this drug is still on the market. Hoping my side effects disappear within 24 hours. It has definitely taken the infection away but in my opinion not worth the paranoia."

• ash...
• July 24, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "I really don't understand all the negative reviews for this medicine. I've been on it for three solid days now and have had absolutely no issues. I'm taking 500 mg, one pill twice a day. I've been taking it after lunch and dinner and haven't had any issues with diarrhea, nausea, or dizziness. As for people complaining about the taste of the pill, how are you even able to know what it tastes like? It should be in your mouth for less than a second, just swallow it down with a glass of water or some orange juice."

• Num...
• November 19, 2019

For Diverticulitis "Taking the antibiotic combo metronidazole and Cipro for a flare-up of diverticulitis and now on day 4. My side effects are that I feel so dreadful, very weak, no appetite at all, dizzy, nauseated, night sweats, vaginal discharge, diarrhea, and I have lost 7 lbs already. Forcing small bits of food down as I have to eat something, drinking lots of water, feel nauseated. I am in the UK. This medicine is utterly brutal and toxic, but my pain is nearly gone. Longing for day 7 to end the drama."

• MsA...
• January 25, 2014

For Diverticulitis "Took Flagyl and Cipro together - felt worse than I did before - all the side effects everyone is mentioning. However, the alternative - raging infection - not really an option. Taking my diet seriously moving forward."

• non...
• August 27, 2016

For Diverticulitis "This drug caused uncontrollable diarrhea and stomach upset, and I had to stop taking it after just 2 days. This was given for mild diverticulitis, and I got better with a liquid diet for several days, then low-fiber soft food, and then graduated to regular foods. I had another bout of diverticulitis 4 months later and just did the diet - didn't go to doctors or use antibiotics. For my mild cases, this is the way to go. This drug caused more harm than good."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2012

For Dental Abscess "This was the first time I received Metronidazole for a tooth infection, usually they prescribe Keflex (cephalexin) or Amoxicillin. I would say that the Metronidazole worked quicker at easing the pain and it wasn't a capsule so I had an easier time swallowing it. However, I have been suffering serious nausea followed by diarrhea since I began taking it. Then last night, without thinking about the interaction, I had a few drinks and spent the night vomiting and very ill with nausea, dry heaves, etc. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WITH THIS MEDICINE and always read your labels and accompanying info. I usually do, but I've never had any kind of reaction to an antibiotic so I got lazy, I suppose, because it was clearly stated on the bottle."

• met...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2015

For Diverticulitis "Seems effective. Second use with diverticulitis. Both times combined with Cipro. Had some side effects but not sure which medication they came from. Plus the diverticulitis itself causes gas, bloating, diarrhea, headache, nausea so how do you know what was meds and what was the illness? I experienced urine discoloration-slight rusty tone. I can say that the taste of the Flagyl pill is horrible. Also, after starting the meds I became oversensitive to smells and everything I ate or drank, even water, tasted disgusting. (Not so bad as I'm not supposed to be eating foods). I found that if I swallow the Flagyl with a sip of a smoothie (from supermarket) it slips down easy with no sticking and no bad taste."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "I have never written a review in my life on an antibiotic. I’m here for three reasons. 1) Warn everybody about the severe side effects this can have and sadly 2) nobody, including my close friends and family, believe it’s true. 3) It might have helped stomach but not sure yet. I took Flagyl for four days. The nausea and diarrhea for me were not bad the first day. Day 2, 3, and 4 turned into the darkest moments of my life. Memory loss, extreme confusion, heart palpitations. Overall just the worst headaches and depression ever. I’m four days off of it and can’t drive safely or do directions. Headaches continue. I want my life and brain back. The doctors and family think it’s “all in my head.” Absolutely devastating to deal with. If they only knew. These are 100% real effects that can happen to you. Find an alternative!! Do not take this without a full explanation from your doctor!!"

• Del...
• April 7, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I have taken this for diverticulitis and BV. It works. I had bleeding and severe, almost septic diverticulitis, I was in the hospital for 5 days, and this cured it. It gets rid of BV too, just make sure to take Rephresh Pro-B pill immediately after finishing the course of Flagyl and continue for a few months if you want to keep your vagina healthy. Side effects of Flagyl are diarrhea and slight nausea, but they are bearable, just take it in the middle of a meal. If you have horrible effects from it, you are having an allergic reaction, not side effects. I know because my mom is allergic to Flagyl. If taking it for diverticulitis, take a high-grade probiotic for 2 months after finishing the course of antibiotics to replenish good bacteria in the gut."

• Anonymous
• February 27, 2012

For Diverticulitis "I have taken this medicine once before and it made me have flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, a terrible taste in my mouth, and in general feel awful when I am on this. I agree with the person above, it's almost worse than having the pain from diverticulitis. I am also taking Cipro so no dairy products or antacid tablets. Basically, I try to force myself to eat, drink, and sleep through the worst of the symptoms. This is miserable and depressing. As soon as I can, I plan to try to eat the recommended amount of fiber, 25-30 grams. I never want to have diverticulitis again, twice in 5 months is too much. I have 1 more week of meds, it feels like a lifetime."

• Sev...
• November 3, 2016

For Diverticulitis "Taking Flagyl and Cipro for diverticulitis, and got all the symptoms as everyone else. Dry mouth, headaches, funny taste in mouth, diarrhea, and generally feel sluggish, tired, and beside myself. Though I was the only one feeling like crap, but the pain is gone, and I too am on a better diet. Seven days left, and I am throwing these empty bottles in the trash!"

• Dra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I was prescribed Flagyl and Cipro Sunday night when I went to the ER for severe abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed acute colitis. Day 3 of antibiotics and now feeling nauseous, light-headed, no appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pain gone but will suffer through if it clears up those pesky parasites. Doc said could be short or long term. I vote for short. The docs should warn of possible side effects to prepare a person."

• Gar...
• June 20, 2015

For Diverticulitis "Prescribed Flagyl and Cipro for diverticulitis, and both worked well. Hard to tease out which caused some of the side effects, however, Flagyl seemed the milder of the two. Bad pill taste is no problem, but the metallic taste tainted everything. So glad to hear others experienced heightened/changed sense of smell! I thought I was going crazy! No nausea with the Flagyl alone, but about an hour after adding the Cipro, the exhaustion and nausea are awful. Also, dark urine and diarrhea, which are unsettling but sound normal."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2018

For Diverticulitis "I went to my doctor for lower abdominal pain and was told I had diverticulitis. I was prescribed Flagyl and Cipro. It started out with nausea, so I called my doctor because I had terrible nausea, and I was prescribed Zofran. I still have two and a half days left, and it's absolute torture! I have never had side effects like this: debilitating nausea, headaches, chills and sweats, lethargy, metallic taste, diarrhea, and I am having trouble sleeping because of the nausea and my upset stomach. I kind of feel like I have the flu without a fever. I am up right now at 4 a.m., sipping ginger ale, trying to get through the night. The pain in my abdomen has subsided. This medication is very harsh on the body."

• Spa...
• November 30, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I took Flagyl for 10 days, 3X a day to treat a parasite (Blastocystis spp.). Before taking the medication, I was having extremely bad-smelling farts, almost constant diarrhea, and abdominal pain followed by diarrhea. They heavily warned me that this medication sucks, and they were right: it does. That being said, my excessively smelling gas went away within a few days. Days 2-3 and 8-10 seemed to suck the most as far as symptoms. I also experienced mental fog from taking this medication. I really felt not on my game mentally and had a hard time concentrating. I did have some problems sleeping at night while taking this medication and then problems as well once the medication had been finished. For about 4 days after taking the medication, I had oral thrush and whiteness on my tongue. The bad taste in my mouth stayed for a while. I am 9 days finished with this medication, and I feel like I still don’t have any appetite or interest in food. All in all, it was not great, but I would take it again."

• Gas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2016

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I had a duodenal switch (a major weight loss surgery combining the vertical sleeve with rearranging one's intestines to minimize fat absorption) 9 years ago. Since then, I've had problems with gas and a stomach ulcer, both caused by H. pylori. I've taken Flagyl twice. I am now on Day 5 of this round, and I don't experience most of the side effects I see described. (250 mg 3X per day) While the pill doesn't 'taste' great, there are other meds that also don't, and I find this no more severe than those. I don't have a lingering bad taste. I've had no diarrhea and have had more regular bowel movements. I've had almost no gas. My pain is gone. I don't feel sick. I am grateful for this drug!"

• fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I went to the ER and was told I had diverticulitis. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days. I started taking Cipro and Flagyl. Only side effect is diarrhea, hard to manage when you work full time. Medication does work. On meds for 1 week."

• UN...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Prescribed this medicine for an infection I got after getting an IUD inserted. 500 mg metronidazole twice a day. Took them at 8 AM day one. No issues day two. Up at 4 AM, had symptoms of bloating, stomach gurgling, cramps, explosive diarrhea, extremely liquid stool, pain. All subsided by 11 AM next day. Day three. Up at 1 AM. Bloating, stomach gurgling, doubled from the night before. I had cramps, diarrhea, but not as bad as the night before, and I swore that I was done with this medicine. Drank a probiotic yogurt, and it’s been a while, 20 minutes with no gurgling... nope, I was wrong. Here we go again..."

• sis...
• September 15, 2018

For Diverticulitis "I went to the ER with acute diverticulitis and was prescribed Metronidazole along with Cipro and pain pills. I was administered a couple of pain shots and thought I could go home and take these meds and get better. Three days later, I was back in the ER and let them admit me this time. The terrible headaches, horrific taste in my mouth, nausea, and vomiting were about more than I could bear. I have had sleeve surgery, and so my stomach is small, but this gave me such bad heartburn and indigestion, I could not imagine a medicine making a person this sick. I also had diarrhea with every bathroom trip and very dark urine. I couldn't even stand the taste of water, or the food I ate tasted horrible, along with a lack of appetite, lethargy, and lightheadedness. I finished my prescription of ten days, but I hope I never have to take this horrible drug again. One good thing about it is my diverticulitis pain is gone, and I pray it will never return."

• Avi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Was prescribed Flagyl for diverticulitis. All I can say is that I had to stop this medication after 6 days. My side effects included: numbness and tingling of my hands, dark urine, high anxiety, headaches, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. My dosage was 2x250 mg tabs three times a day. I am in my 60s, and without a doubt, this is the medication that has given me the most side effects."

• Wor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Everyone's body will react differently to meds, genetics. Just because I had a bad experience doesn't mean you will. Took with a full stomach of bland food, 16 oz water, and took a daily probiotic. My experience with this medication was horrible. I was unbearably anxious, had a rapid heartbeat, intense pelvic pressure, bad stomach cramping, nonstop nausea, vomiting, and explosive diarrhea. This was my second time with this medication, with the same bad reaction. I had to discontinue both times. It took 3 days to start feeling better, 5 to 7 until normal. I'll never take this medication again. I'm sure it's good for others, but not me. I had cancer, so I've taken a lot of medications. Never had to stop another medication from side effects before, but I was scared to the point of going to the ER. Never again."

• Pie...
• December 21, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "Ok, so I didn't know what was going on. This medicine has totally changed. My side effects are nausea, lower back pain every time I stand, mouth taste blah, and tired. Oh, gas and diarrhea. I'm so glad tomorrow is my last day. The best advice I can give is to eat heavy."

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

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!!"