Metronidazole and Vomiting: What Users Say

• Amy...
• October 3, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I was on metronidazole (Flagyl) & ciprofloxacin for diverticulitis. Let me start off by saying these two medications together SUCK, however they DO work. I have never had any problems with medications...ever (in 40 years). This time though, at times, I thought I was dying! Best described as the worst flu ever. Massive nausea, occasional vomiting, diarrhea, exhaustion, horrible taste in my mouth, nothing tasted good, and my appetite was bad. Day 4 was the peak of feeling awful. I went to every review site trying to gather what worked to curb the symptoms. Everyone is different, so what worked for others didn't necessarily work for me. Here is what did work for me a bit, in case it can help anyone else. 1.) Try not to take them together. Split up the doses by like an hour or so. 2.) Take each dose with a little food (even if you aren't hungry), something bland. DO NOT USE DAIRY PRODUCTS. This made my nausea worse! 3.) Have mints or candy at all times. Your mouth will feel gross and things will taste funny. However, I found spearmints also helped soothe the tummy a bit. 4.) Pepto-Bismol. 5.) Try not to take them immediately before bed at night. Give it about an hour or two. I noticed nausea will wake me up throughout the night if I take them too close to going to sleep. GOOD LUCK, and remember: Your doctor prescribed these for a reason. A reason that could turn into life-threatening unless you get it controlled. The worst thing ever is to start taking an antibiotic and then stopping it mid-cycle, as your body then becomes immune to it and is essentially ineffective."

• Dre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2020

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "I was prescribed Flagyl and Cipro for diverticulitis. Oh my goodness. The drug radically wasted my muscles and made me feel dreadful, like I was slipping away. I got to where just looking at the pill made me vomit immediately. My doctor switched me to Augmentin, which worked well, no problem. Why is Flagyl even legal?"

• Amb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I recently had my gallbladder removed a week ago. Woke up 3 days later with blood pouring out of me at the other end. Went to the ER where they did a CT scan and showed colitis. The doctor put me on Flagyl and Cipro for 10 days. Woke up today, 5 days later, with horrible nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. I am extremely dehydrated and feel horrible. I literally feel the worst possible. Does anyone else feel bad and weak on these meds?"

• sic...
• May 29, 2019

For Diverticulitis "I have had my first bout of diverticulitis. I was prescribed Flagyl and Cipro. The first day I took them together, I got a massive headache and felt awful. On the second day, I did this: Cipro at 6 a.m. on an empty stomach with 500 ml of water. I had coffee an hour later. At 8 a.m., I took Flagyl with a glass of milk (I can't take Cipro with milk because it has calcium, but you can take Flagyl with milk) or applesauce. I have no bad taste with milk. Then I repeated this at 6 p.m. with Cipro and 500 ml of water, and at 8 p.m. with Flagyl and milk, and that's it. I get no headache, no nausea, no vomiting, nothing, and I am slowly getting better. I think taking Cipro and Flagyl together causes a reaction and gut issues, so it is best to separate them out, let them work separately, and not mix the medications together. Also, Flagyl is an antiparasitic, so it might be causing a bit of Herxheimer reaction after a few days."

• Duf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Given metronidazole for a tooth infection, wish I’d never gone to the dentist. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sleeping endlessly, shivering even when wrapped in layers, snuffles, and borderline psychosis. Luckily, I only have 2 tablets left. Never again!"

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

Metronidazole 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."

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

Metronidazole 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."

• Too...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2020

For Diverticulitis "Diagnosed in ER with acute moderate diverticulitis 9 days ago. Prescribed 14 days of both Metronidazole and Flagyl, with a double dose of Metronidazole 3x daily. The side effects are making me sicker! I’ve lost 10 pounds, and the pain that had mostly gone by day 3 is back, along with vomiting. I can’t eat anything at all, I have severe diarrhea and insomnia. Heading to ER again later to see my gastro specialist. Medical reports and studies I’ve been reading say that these medications should NOT be prescribed for diverticulitis unless a bacterial infection has been confirmed. I’m not taking any more unless my doctor can convince me that the agony is worth it and that I’m not going to be worse off afterward."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2020

For Dental Abscess "I would never take this drug again. Side effects included: * Violent vomiting even when I had nothing left in my stomach to throw up * Nausea * Diarrhea (hasn't stopped since I finished the dose 3 days ago) * Fatigue * Tingly legs and feet / shaky at times / felt unbalanced * Yeast infection on torso * Fungal acne breakout on face * Loss of appetite Tips: * If you are taking it 3 times a day, take it 8 hours apart (so 7 am, 3 pm, and 11 pm) with as much food as you can stomach * Do not drink alcohol 2 days before starting (or while taking) * Drink as many probiotics as you can * Stay close to home / bed / toilet * Ask your doctor for something else."

• Tra...
• August 29, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I took this for BV. There are a ton of bad reviews about this medication. Yes, the taste is bad, but only if you don't swallow it right and it sits on your tongue. Shouldn't cause C. diff, this med is used to treat C. diff as a first-line med. I had no side effects from this medication and tolerated it well. This cleared up my BV in about 3 days. These reviews scared me, but I did not have any side effects except a fresh vagina. Do not drink alcohol whatsoever!!! Most medications tell you that, and usually nothing happens, but this medication will make you violently vomit. I finished my course and waited about a day and a half and had only two glasses of wine and thought I was in the clear, but then after an hour, I violently vomited all night and am still feeling sick as I write this. I can't imagine how I would feel if I drank while actively taking it. Wait at least 3 days after you finish it."

• Tay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2013

Metronidazole for Trichomoniasis "I started the medicine and didn't have any side effects for up to three days, but after the third day, the side effects hit me big time. I was sick to my stomach, and I had vomiting. I didn't have a problem with the taste of the pill, I just threw it in the back of my throat and chugged some juice to make it go away really quickly. My infection seems to have cleared up after the first two days. No discharge or itching. Haven't had intercourse yet to see if the discomfort was gone, but will make another review when that happens. Great medicine!"

• Vic...
• November 27, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I was given metronidazole and Flagyl after a diverticulitis flare-up that took me to the emergency room. It was fine the first couple of days I took them. After the fourth day or so, my real nightmare began: irritated, bitchy, depressed, moody. No appetite, bad taste in my mouth, even drinking water was a task. I also had severe chills, feeling exhausted, even walking to the restroom was a task. In other words, I felt like I was being poisoned by these horrible meds. After a vomiting episode and so much gas in my stomach, I called the 24-hour hotline to my doctor's office, she agreed to stop taking them. It was already almost 10 days with those nasty meds. It's been 2 days now since I stopped them, still feeling crappy, exhausted, and my tummy is still unsettled."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2020

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I got prescribed 500 mg metronidazole twice a day for 7 days for BV. By day 4, I had extreme nausea, dizziness, irritability, and trouble falling asleep. On day 5, I woke up with awful stomach cramps, got out of bed to throw up, and ended up fainting. I felt mentally out of it the whole time I was on them. It cleared the infection, though. I don't really want to experience this again. Also, the taste is god-awful."

• wyn...
• November 7, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I know the side effects (now), but my doc did not mention anything beyond complete avoidance of alcohol. Take that seriously, not even mouthwash. You will vomit. I am on 500 mg oral twice daily for 7 days. Took about 2 days for side effects to kick in. But the infection was gone by then (symptomatically). Around Day 2, I was getting muscle stomach pain, happened to on cephalexin too. This went away by Day 4. Almost passed out on Day 5, sweating on the back of my neck (first time ever), so winded and weak to the point of not being able to speak. Been trying to force food and water but appetite is gone, repulsed by food. Lots of diffuse weakness from neck to waist. Nausea is terrible. Light sensitivity too. I am sensitive to meds in general but wish I had taken the topical alternative. Be careful if your body is sensitive. Flood yourself with water and if you have no appetite, just try to get as much of your favorite food and eat what you can because food helps. Only thing that helped was sleep."

• Gru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2019

For Diverticulitis "I take metronidazole 3 times a day for diverticulitis. I have been on this off and on for 5 months. I have lost 30 pounds and have no appetite. I just don't feel like I am living. The taste is terrible and dry heaves nonstop. I have to stay on this medication until we schedule surgery. I am not eating much, tired, and don’t want to do anything. The holiday is approaching, and it is my favorite holiday. I hope never to have to be on this again. I feel like I want to jump out of my skin and cry a lot. This is not how I want to live my life."

• Eva...
• July 28, 2009

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I had a vaginal infection and was prescribed Flagyl to cure it. I hated the immediate awful taste in my mouth, and it dissolved immediately upon hitting my tongue. I only experienced the awful taste and some slight stomach upset as side effects. The infection began to clear up after 3 days of a 7-day prescription. I recommend it, and drink something fruity with it. Also, DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL AT ALL while on this medication OR FOR 3 DAYS AFTER YOU STOP TAKING IT. You WILL have severe vomiting, heaving, and dizziness."

• abe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2016

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "Was hospitalized with my first case of diverticulitis in March of this year and was given Flagyl 3x daily for 3-4 weeks. Vomited violently in the hospital within 10 minutes after taking it each time until they started giving me something to coat my stomach a little beforehand. The entire time I had to take it, I felt like my stomach was being eaten from the inside. My taste buds changed totally while I was on it, and nothing tasted normal. I agree, Flagyl is the worst medicine ever! I will suffer the pain from diverticulitis before taking it again!"

• sis...
• September 15, 2018

Metronidazole 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."

• Ang...
• February 17, 2014

For Diverticulitis "First time I had diverticulitis, I was prescribed metronidazole and Cipro. The metronidazole was so horrible tasting it would make me gag and throw up. I got some double zero gelation capsules and put the pill inside the capsule. It worked like a charm, no more gagging. It works for bad tasting pills as well as chalky pills that get stuck in your throat. Good luck!"

• Im ...
• December 7, 2014

For Diverticulitis "I find my experience to be the exact opposite of those I've read here! I had a terrible reaction to Cipro last year... vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain. Refused it this week when I developed diverticulitis. I'm taking Flagyl and clindamycin combination with absolutely zero side effects. I plan to start yogurt tomorrow as diet progresses."

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

Metronidazole 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2013

For Diverticulitis "The taste of this drug is so terrible that I would gag, and the pill would get caught in my throat. Then I would gag some more and throw it all up. I finally asked my doctor if it would hurt if I coated it with something, and he said it shouldn't. So tonight, I melted a couple pieces of Hershey's milk chocolate in a little saucer and rolled each pill in it to coat. One or two minutes in the freezer on a plate, and bam! Not a problem tossing it back and swallowing these suckers now."

• Col...
• December 5, 2014

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Did a great job clearing the infection within days, however, you have to drink water and eat before taking it. I had nausea and vomiting for hours after taking it when I didn't have a full meal on my stomach."

• dgo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2017

For Diverticulitis "Wow... is all I can say. I was in a terrible state one week ago today. Woke up at 5 AM to pain in the lower abdomen and was in the bathroom the best part of 3 hours straight. By 7:30 AM, losing just blood, three hours of this, and hospital it was. I was hooked to IV fluids and meds... numerous tests run to nothing showing up seriously!!! I was sent home after 6 hours... with Cipro one two times daily and Flagyl one three times a day. It was on top of reg meds for BP and R. Oh boy, nothing in stomach, feeling ill, popping all these pills took a few days to eat anything. My gut is in an awful state, woke up many nights feeling ill, mornings are the worst, I feel like throwing up. Then last night I woke to vomit in my mouth... sorry... but these meds are brutal. I'm done... and stomach still a mess."

• Cin...
• April 11, 2017

For Diverticulitis "If I could give a neg 100, I would. I hate this drug. Horrible side effects, I'm still dizzy and have brain fog after 3 months. I had a severe headache, vomiting, severe anxiety, horrible brain fog, fatigue, no appetite. I still have anxiety! Cipro or any fluoroquinolone is usually prescribed with this. I have to say shame on all the doctors who give any fluoroquinolone out since Bayer themselves and the FDA sent out warning letters. The FDA safety review found that both oral and injectable fluoroquinolones are associated with disabling side effects involving tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and the central nervous system. These side effects can occur hours to weeks after exposure to fluoroquinolones and may potentially be permanent."