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What Causes Pain In Head After Having Flagyl For Bacterial Vaginosis?

Posted on Mon, 16 Feb 2015

Question: Hi. About a week ago i was prescribed flagyl for bacterial vaginosis. 500mg 3 times a day. Once i started taking it i had severe nausea, diarrhea, neck pain, pain in the lower back of my head, pain in my forehead, and pain and pressure behind my eyes. A dr on here said it could be brain swelling so im checking in. I haven't taken the medicine for 3 days yet I still have pain in the back of my head, and in the front of my head. i feel like my head is full of pressure. my fever is currently 101.3. I took 600 mg of ibuprofen that was prescribed to me a long time ago to cool it down. Could this be brain swelling? Do I need to go to the ER?

Answered by Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
clinical examination & investigations are needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing your query.
After reading your post, it seems that your symptoms of headaches and neck pain can be due to fever.
I would advise that you should take paracetamol 500mg three times daily. If the fever or pain still persists, you can take Ibuprofen twice daily after meals along with an antacid like Omeprazole 40mg. Nausea can be controlled by taking Domperidone 30mg along with Omeprazole.
I would also suggest that get yourself clinically examined and investigated.
Following investigations may be helpful :-
1. Complete Blood Count ( CBC ).
2. Liver Function Test ( LFT ).
3. Urine examination ( Routine / Microscopic and Culture / Sensitivity ).
4. Stool examination.
If the above investigations suggest any infection, antibiotics can be started accordingly.
Brain swelling can be ruled out clinically.

I hope this is helpful to you. If you have any further query, I will be happy to help.
Regards. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (6 minutes later)

Does this sound like brain swelling to you? My fever spikes, then goes back down, then the next day it spikes again.
When im just sitting there i dont have a headache but my head feels heavy but if i cough i have to stop because it hurts my forehead so badly. i had none of the symptoms prior to flagyl.
also if i rub my eyes it really hurts

Answered by Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It seems like sinus headache.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for providing more information.
After reading your post, I would suggest that your symptoms are suggestive of sinus headaches. X Ray PNS will help to confirm that.
I would advise that you should follow the instructions mentioned before and get yourself clinically examined and investigated.
I hope this answers your query. If you have any further doubts, please mention.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (6 minutes later)

can I wait until tomorrow or does this sound urgent

Answered by Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes you can wait.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, you can wait and go for medical check up tomorrow. Till then, follow the medicines mentioned earlier.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (2 minutes later)

I don't have any of those I only have 600 mg ibuprofen..nyquil..and lortadine..when I get up and walk that's when I have a headache but not when I sit..are you sure this does not sound like brain swelling ? can flagyl cause pressure? I had none of this until I took that

Answered by Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Take Ibuprofen.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing your query.
Flagyl can cause headache, nausea as its side effect. You can take Ibuprofen for relief from pain.
Brain swelling seems unlikely, it can be ruled out only after a clinical assessment after examination only.
I hope this answers your query.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (4 minutes later)

Okay thanks. my fever keeps fluctuating. it was 101.5 until I took ibuprofen..then it went down to 100.6 then to 99.4 then to 98.5 now it's back up to 99.9. my head feels so pressurized. especially when I get up and walk it feels heavy. what are the symptoms of brain swelling ? also, how long do I have to wait to take another 600 mg ibuprofen

Answered by Dr. Dr. R.A. SINGH (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you can repeat Ibuprofen 8 hourly.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for providing more information.
Ceebral edema can represent as nausea / vomiting, blurred vision, seizures, unconsciousness or coma.
You can repeat Ibuprofen after 8 hours if pain persists.
I hope this answers your query. If you have any further doubts, please mention.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar