Flagyl and Metallic Taste: What Users Say

• alo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Went in for my Pap smear and found out I had BV. I was prescribed Flagyl (1 tablet 2x a day). The first day I only took one pill during my lunch break but forgot to take the second that night. The next day I took two pills as prescribed (morning and night). The following morning I noticed dark urine... allegedly that's a 'rare' side effect. I’ve also experienced dry mouth, a metallic aftertaste, headaches, and loss of appetite. Other than that, I do see an improvement already. I’m glad these pills work quickly, just hoping I won’t have to take it ever again after the 7th day."

• Ame...
• September 23, 2015

For Diverticulitis "I'm a 36-year-old active female diagnosed with diverticulitis. I took the combo of meds and am on day 7 now. I work out 6 days a week and have had to modify my workouts and weight lifting because I feel absolutely drained, weak, and muscles ache. (This, of course, was advised against by both doctor and pharmacist but alas, I am a knucklehead.) I have the metallic taste as well in addition to nausea with the meds. However, I would prefer these side effects to the pain associated with diverticulitis."

• Anonymous
• November 13, 2015

For Diverticulitis "Day 3 on Flagyl and Cipro. I thought I was having a heart attack. This stuff has horrid side effects. Discomfort in my chest and arm. Foggy-headed feeling, dizziness, unbalanced, headache, very nauseous, metal taste, very blurry eyesight. No energy, at 55 it is not a good thing to feel this way, especially when you are overweight and out of shape. This is only day 3. I don't think I can take this stuff for 7 more days. They say the IV kind is worse though. Supposedly it's helping (I do feel less pain in my abdomen, I think). If I make it through this stuff, I bet I will watch what I eat and make better choices in the future. I called the pharmacy and the doc, and both said to stay on it, Cipro 2X daily and Flagyl 4X daily. Scary stuff."

• Sna...
• October 2, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I went into the hospital on Saturday with extreme stomach pain and constipation. CT scan and blood work showed colitis with a bacterial infection. Prescribed 500 mg Flagyl 3x a day and 500 mg Cipro 2x a day. I've taken Cipro before but had never heard of Flagyl. I made the mistake of reading reviews and became panicked. But most people don't leave reviews when things are good. I'm on day 3, but things are okay. I have to take it with milk. Keeps the nausea and metallic taste to a minimum. I have mild stomach upset (but nothing compared to before) and a headache. It's not pleasant, but I'm almost halfway through. My suggestion is to eat and drink different things. I also found spacing out the Flagyl and Cipro helped with nausea as well. The medicine seems to be working. And the side effects have been bearable so far. Take each review with a grain of salt and remember-every body is different and will respond to things differently."

• lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I have SIBO, and my doctor prescribed Flagyl 250 mg 3 times/day for 14 days and Rifaximin 3 times/day for 14 days to treat SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Overall, my experience with Flagyl was unpleasant. I experienced moderate side effects that made me feel worse, so I stopped after 4 days and kept on the Rifaximin with no problems. On Flagyl, I experienced fatigue. When I tried to work out to boost energy, I felt horrendous: nauseous with flu-like symptoms. I experienced loss of appetite for normal healthy foods and found that I was binging on unhealthy foods. A slight metallic taste in my mouth, and a moderate feeling of upset stomach that came and went. Also, moderate bloating. If I had been extremely sick and Flagyl made me feel better, I may have kept on it, but for someone with mild SIBO, this drug wasn't worth it. If you're only mildly ill, I'd suggest finding an alternative medicine, if possible."

• 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."

• Non...
• April 11, 2012

For Diverticulitis "The taste it leaves in your mouth is horrible, but I have been on it along with Cipro since Saturday and as of this morning could tell a big difference in how I feel. The soreness in my lower stomach is almost gone and until today it has been unbearable. It leaves a metallic taste in your mouth, takes away your appetite and made me feel nauseous but I would take it again if I had another flare up with the Diverticulitis it seems to help."

• 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."

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2018

For Diverticulitis "I'm all too familiar with the Flagyl/Cipro combination. I've dealt with diverticulitis many times over the years. I have tried several ways to get through the unpleasant task of ingesting these medications. I found that alternating one pill every 6 hours instead of taking two pills every 12 hours really helped. Also, taking milk with the Flagyl and making sure you eat 2 hours before and after taking Cipro really makes a difference. Keep hydrated also. I do get the metallic taste and find that drinking water just makes it worse. I'm a huge water lover, but not when taking these meds. I drink water that is cut with juice. I hope this helps."

• mac...
• October 20, 2011

For Diverticulitis "While I'm confident Flagyl is working, I have suffered some severe side effects, one of which is unlisted. I believe it is working because my abdominal pain has significantly decreased since being diagnosed with diverticulitis about 1 week ago. I am also taking Cipro. The reported side effect of having a metallic taste is very understated! Not only do I have an AWFUL paint/chemical taste constantly in my mouth, but my sense of smell is on overdrive! This has contributed significantly to my loss of appetite, nausea, and in many cases my inability to function. I threw away my sheets because I couldn't sleep; I carry around room deodorizer with me because whenever I walk into a room I gag due to the smells - that are only overwhelming to me."

• ADG...
• July 29, 2016

For Trichomoniasis "Was diagnosed with Trich. Dr. prescribed four 500 mg of Flagyl to take at once. Only complaint was metallic taste, but it made me drink water more often and chew minty gum - I survived. Unfortunately, it did not work. Six weeks and two days later, the discharge, itching, and symptoms returned. Note: I had not been intimate with anyone, so it was not because of sexual contact; Flagyl just didn't work. Returned to Dr., was retested, and it was positive for Trich. Dr. prescribed Tinidazole the second time, which I took yesterday; as soon as I reach or exceed 60-90 days with no symptoms, I will repost."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2012

For Bacterial Infection "My doctor gave me this because I had bacterial vaginosis. Not even 12 hours into my first dose, I got the metallic taste in my mouth, then severe stomach cramps and nausea. I'm on day 5 and have had bouts of nausea throughout the course of my medication. My appetite has gone way, way down, and I'm so tired! I literally will sleep 12 hours and then get up for 2, then go back to bed for another 4! Having trouble staying awake at work, but it is doing its job!"

• adi...
• December 29, 2011

For Bacterial Infection "I just finished a 10-day treatment of 500 mg every 12 hours. I am so glad it is over. I experienced stomach aches, a metallic taste in my mouth, which I am still experiencing, as well as tingling/numbness in my tongue. I am also experiencing itchy and a burning sensation in the vaginal area, it is uncomfortable. I hope it goes away soon. The only good thing about all this is that I don't have that fishy smell anymore."

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2008

For Bacterial Infection "I took this in February of 2008, and in December 2008, I was diagnosed with the same bacterial infection again. The doctor said this is the best medicine available to kill the bacteria. The pills are horrible to take since they are not coated. I've experienced the metallic taste and stomach upset feelings. However, if they work, I am willing to withstand this temporary inconvenience."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2017

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am now on day 7 of a 14. I'm on metronidazole, omeprazole, and clarithromycin. I have had H. pylori 3 times within a year. The treatment for me has been awful. The dosage was tripled, and it has given me nausea, bloating, foggy memory, a white film on my tongue, and fatigue. The metallic taste lasts all day. The thing that you need to be aware of is if you continue to get H. pylori like I have, it can be a precursor to stomach cancer. After this round of treatment, I have taken the steps to see a gastroenterologist to insist that he does an endoscopy to ensure me that there isn't anything for me to be concerned with at this time. It's a very scary feeling to have gotten this infection at least 3 times within a year."

• Cd4...
• June 13, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "Was prescribed Flagyl for BV but was never entirely sure I even had it as no tests were conducted. Took the pills and am so happy tomorrow is my last day! Literally the worst side effects ever, day one wasn't so bad, just had a metallic taste in my mouth, but every other day I've experienced headaches, nausea, and extreme fatigue to where I'm sleeping all day. The medication is so much worse than the slight issues I even had."

• 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!!"

• Tum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "This is my third time with diverticulitis and have taken Flagyl and Cipro combo each time. I'm currently on day 7 of the course, and it has relieved the pain early on each time. So for that, it is highly effective. The downside is that you can't drink alcohol. It also leaves a terrible metallic taste, as well as dry mouth, which is hard to deal with and annoying to say the least. Slight nausea from time to time as well."

• Ret...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2022

For Giardiasis "It was such a relief to get a diagnosis of giardiasis instead of something worse that I was happy to accept a 10-day treatment of 500 mg/3x day Flagyl. As a retired RN, I knew it could be bad, and it was! Dizziness, metallic taste in my mouth, stomach pain that differed from the one Giardia was giving me, headaches, nausea, sleep disruption, random itchy spots, foul-tasting heartburn - full range of side effects. HOWEVER, I am still so grateful to have something to get rid of my parasites after suffering with them for 3 months that I just dug in and took the 10-day treatment with gratitude. It's been rough, and now at the end of the treatment, I am focusing forward on healing my GI system and getting back to normal."

• DeD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I was in the hospital for extreme pain in my tummy, vomiting and diarrhea at the same time, which later turned into vomiting and pooping blood. Diagnosed with colitis. She also said it was a BI. I stayed a day because the pain was so bad, and I couldn't keep anything down, so I was given morphine by IV until I could keep fluids down. Also on Flagyl 500 3x a day and Cipro 500 2x a day for 14 days. On my 4th day, and this medicine has been a lifesaver!! I've lost 6 pounds in 4 days. I'm only eating a couple of crackers and soup juice. Nothing tastes right. Some foods have a metal taste. Also, it makes me ache like I have the flu. But nothing like the pain I was in before! I will take these few side effects before going through the pain I had before."

• Val...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "This is the final day of my 10-day prescription of Flagyl 750 mg x3 daily for a parasite infection, and over the last nine days, this is what I have been experiencing: - Bad or metallic taste in the mouth. - Nausea. - Little fatigue. - Moody. - A few bloating periods. - 8th and 9th days frequent diarrhea. I don't know if the parasite infection is still there, nor what to expect after the dosage. Would love to hear feedback from someone in a similar position. Thanks."

• Cee...
• September 27, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I was taking Flagyl two times a day for a week time period, and it was awful in terms of side effects as concerned. It started working instantly. However, I was throwing up every night I took this pill due to an upset stomach, which was aggravating because I already was not eating much to begin with, so I was dry heaving. I experienced diarrhea, shortness of breath, brief itching. The metallic taste puts a horrible taste in your mouth, so bad to the point I literally dreaded taking the pill each day. But midway through the pill, I got smart and put it on a spoonful of yogurt to mask the taste, and let me tell you, it works wonders! So if you don't eat yogurt, try a pudding or something like that, and it will be so much better. I hope that helps."

• Anonymous
• September 2, 2017

For Diverticulitis "I have had to take this medicine numerous times. The absolute best way to take it and not taste it is to fill your mouth with kefir and drop the pill in your mouth and then swallow. You will not taste the metallic taste!"

• Des...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "My doctor prescribed me Flagyl 500 mg for 4 days, once a day. Before I take any meds, I do research on them to know what to expect or what's not normal, but honestly, I have to stop doing this! I read all these awful symptoms all of you, or most of you, were going through, and I almost gave up on the pill before even starting! But then I realized each woman has a different experience, and so far, the only symptom is the metallic taste in my mouth and a little dryness in my mouth also. I'm hoping this is the last medication I have to take and go back to a healthy vagina because I've been MONTHS at this, between BV or yeast infections, and it's driving me INSANE. Before these pills, I used Metrogel for 7 days. Either it didn't work, or now I have a yeast infection. Good luck to you all!"

• Anonymous
• August 4, 2011

For Bacterial Infection "I just got off the medicine after a 10-day treatment for C. diff that I got after a week in the hospital. Here's a hint. Ask for it in liquid form. I took it three times a day, and the liquid goes down easy and doesn't taste bad at all. I have been off it for 4 days, and I still have the metallic taste in my mouth. Will be glad when that goes away."