What is the difference between Cipro and Flagyl? Do they work together, or are they to be taken individually.

Does anybody have problems with nausea on these medications? Even though I took Flagyl on a full stomach last night, I still felt like I was gonna hurl.

Some people [ like me ] cannot tolerate Flagyl. I find Cipro easier to take. It can cause joint and tendon pain - but all in all - Cipro is easier on my stomach.

A few doctors will prescribe both Flagyl AND Cipro together. Especially if they think the pouchitis is a very nasty case. I think this is more rare though.

Flagyl....broke out in serious hives so that was not a med I could take. I do well with the Cipro but it usually takes a 20 day cycle to get under control. Unfortunately they usually go with a 10 day cycle but that didnt work for me personally. I have only had a few bouts of pouchitis since my takedown in December of 2002. Best advice is to use what works best for you!!!

I was on a three month dose of Flagyl and Cipro because I had a pretty bad case of pouchitis.

At first the Flagyl really upset my stomach and I didn't think I was going to be able to continue taking it. The metalic taste in my mouth was horrible as well but after a few weeks of taking it the side effects slowly went away.

Flagyl is pretty nasty stuff but if you can tolerate it, it works wonders (at least it did for me). Currently I am just taking Cipro now for my pouchitis as my doctor doesn't want me on Flagyl long term and the Cipro on it's own doesn't seem to have the same effects but it's better than suffering with pouchitis.

But, as others have said, find what works for you and go with that.

My doctor always put me on both Flagyl and Cipro at the same time. I have been free from Pouchitis since May (knocking on wood )so haven't had any antibiotics recently.

Flagyl does upset stomachs so I hear.... just don't drink alcohol while taking it, that will turn your stomach inside out!
Wendy

I also cannot take flagyl. I actually list it as an allergy because it makes me so sick. There was a doctor once (my first GI) that put me on it for 2 weeks. I vomitted for two weeks straight and never left the bathroom floor. And when I called his office, his assistant told me to "suck it up" and that she wouldn't even relay the message. Needless to say, I promptly found a new GI.

Flagyl and Cipro are different types of antibiotics so to speak. Flagyl is an antiprotozoal and antibacterial and is listed in the class of 'miscellaneous anti-infectives' whereas Cipro is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and is in the class of 'fluroquinolone' antibiotics. But both are used for pouchitis and both found to be pretty effective in most people, however people need varying strengths and durations and some do not respond at all or will respond at first and then stop after time, as well as some will respond to one and not the other. Docs will sometimes prescribe one alone or in tough cases both together. Almost all antibiotics can cause nausea though, especially when taken on an empty stomach. Definitely take with food, as you say you are. And make sure you do NOT drink alcohol under any circumstances while on Flagyl, not even a sip, and for at least one day after stopping Flagyl. This can make you quite ill.

Flagyl does seem to pack the most punch with the nausea though from my experience but also seems to help the most (from my experience too). Only you can decide what is 'worth it' so to speak. Maybe you can try just the Cipro and see if that clears things up, and then if not add the Flagyl and see if you can stick it out with the nausea long enough to clear-up the pouchitis. For many people, only a short-course of Flagyl is needed. There are also medications to help with nausea if need be (if you just need a short course). I know adding medication after medication isn't fun, but if it is short-term and clears up the pouchitis, it may be worth it and then you could start a probiotic to hopefully keep the pouchitis away. There are also natural remedies to calm nausea, such as ginger, etc. that you may find helpful during this time. Best of luck to you!!

My stomach couldn't handle Flagyl, and I had SO many yeast infections. I do great on Cipro, although I fear it has stopped working. I also take VSL #3 for the pouchitis. The VSL is all that has saved my pouch from being taken down.