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Metallic Taste in the Mouth (Dysgeusia)

A metallic taste in the mouth can be caused by infections of the mouth or teeth, skin conditions that affect the mucous membranes in the mouth (such as lichen planus), or other problems (such as Crohn's disease). A metallic taste also may be caused by a substance present in the mouth.

Medicines that are chewed, rather than swallowed, may cause a temporary metallic taste at the back of the tongue. Other medicines, such as Flagyl, tetracycline, penicillamine, Biaxin, ethambutol, biguanides, and allopurinol, can cause a metallic taste because they get into the mouth through salivary secretions or directly from the blood.

Last Revised: October 20, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & David Messenger, MD

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