I had J-pouch surgery in 1990.
In January this year, I was diagnosed with an anorectal fistula. In February, I a fistulotomy and insertion of a plug. The plug fell out within 2 weeks. The surgeon was hopeing it would close without it, but the fistula returned in April. I was put on Metronidazole 500 mg 3x day for 21 days on, 7 days off. I have been on that regiment for 3 months now.
I have been having for the last 2 weeks, some muscle pain, and for 1 week tingly toes. I called the surgeon, was told, that they did not think this was a side effect, but call you pharmacist or your primary physician. Called the pharmacist, was told, no doesn't sound like a side effect. Called the primary physcian - could be side effect, but there is no good alternative, so do what the surgeon tells you. --- I was just at the end of my 21 days on, so I got off and have been off since Thursday. I'm really concerned about getting back on. Shouldn't I be staying off, and what other alternate meds are there?

Thanks for any feed back,
Maria

Peripheral neuropathy is the main adverse side effect of Flagyl (metronidazole) and it is characterized by tingling and/or numbness in the extremities. The thing is that the side effect is generally reversible IF you stop the medication. If you continue it, it can become permanant.

I would call your surgeon and ask for something else, such as Cipro. You may be able to get by with a lower dose, which could be enough to reduce the nerve irritation. There are no medications without possible adverse side effects, but once you get one, you need to move on or reevaluate.

http://millercenter.uchicago.edu/learnaboutpn/typesofpn/toxic/drugs.shtml

Jan

The tingling in the toes is a potentially serious side effect from Flagyl called paresthesias. You can get this tingling in any of the extremities - fingers, toes, etc. Flagyl should be stopped immediately if this occurs as permanent neruropathy (nerve damage characterized by numbness) can result. This happened to my husband and he now drops coffee mugs, etc. when emptying the dishwasher! Since you stopped there is a good chance yours is reversable and the effect will go away, but I (personally) would not go back on it. If you read the patient brochure that came with the medication from the pharmacy, you will clearly see peripheral neuropathy listed as a possible side effect and most likely states to call your doctor immediately if you experience this.

I am sure there are other medications you can take for your condition. I would ask your doctor/surgeon about alternatives. I am sure there are plenty of antibiotics for this. Good luck to you!