The health experts have said it could be causing an unusual symptom – and perhaps you don’t know about it
Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer
10:08, 02 Jan 2026
Your medication could be the issue(Image: Viktoria Ruban via Getty Images)
The NHS has warned people who take certain medications that they could be experiencing a side effect and not know it. On its website, the NHS notes that it’s something people should not ignore.
Discussing a common symptom of a “metallic” taste, the medical experts say that whilst medication can be one cause, there are “lots of possible causes.”
As explained on the NHS website: “A metallic taste is not usually serious. What you can do to get rid of it will depend on the cause.”
Seek medical help if you are worried and the taste is not going away
Listing seven reasons why this may be the case, the NHS stresses that “taking certain medicines, like metronidazole or zopiclone” could be at play. It also notes that something as simple as gum disease could be the cause.
Metronidazole is used to treat skin infections, rosacea and mouth infections, including infected gums and dental abscesses. It’s also used to treat conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Additionally, it is used to treat infected insect bites, skin ulcers, bed sores and wounds, as well as to prevent and treat bacterial and parasitic infections.
This medication has brand names including:
- Acea
- Anabact
- Flagyl
- Metrogel
- Metrosa
- Rosiced
- Rozex
- Vaginyl
- Zidoval
- Zyomet
The NHS has issued a warning(Image: Getty)
The second medication it warns people about is Zopiclone. This is often prescribed for short-term treatment of severe insomnia. In fact, on the drug’s about page, it warns that “common side effects are a metallic taste in your mouth, a dry mouth and daytime sleepiness.”
It notes that other causes of a metallic taste that don’t involve medication include:
- cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- colds, sinus infections and other airway problems
- indigestion
- being pregnant
- a lost or changed sense of smell
How can I get rid of a metallic taste?
If you are experiencing a metallic taste in your mouth, the following steps may help alleviate it, depending on the underlying cause:
- Gum disease: Maintain oral hygiene by brushing regularly and flossing. Ensure you visit a dentist every six months for a check-up.
- Medication side effects: Consult a pharmacist for guidance, but do not stop taking any prescribed medication without consulting a healthcare professional.
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy: Try eating foods with stronger flavours, such as ginger or spices, or sucking on hard-boiled sweets.
- Respiratory issues (colds/airway problems): The sensation typically resolves on its own once the infection or congestion has cleared.
- Indigestion: The metallic taste usually subsides once the indigestion is effectively treated.
- Pregnancy: This is often a temporary symptom that typically resolves on its own over time.
If there is no apparent cause, the NHS warns you should book a non-urgent GP appointment. It also notes that if the taste does not go away, you should seek medical help.