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Clarithromycin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Brand names: Biaxin XL

Clarithromycin has an average rating of 5.4 out of 10 from a total of 834 reviews on Drugs.com. 36% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 35% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Clarithromycin

  • Spilt...
  • April 14, 2009

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Sinusitis "Might work for others, but I came down with most of the adverse side effects within hours of taking one 500mg tab. Ended up in emergency 12 hours later with difficulty breathing from swollen airways. Hives. Scary part was how it can effects the mind. I had residual effects for a number of days."

1 / 10
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  • i...
  • April 19, 2016

Biaxin XL (clarithromycin) for Bronchitis "I have gotten bronchitis a few times. I have tried many other antibiotics, and none worked, biaxin is the only antibiotic I can take that actually works, personally the only side effects I ever experienced is a mild metallic taste in mouth, but it is not much of a big deal"

10 / 10
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  • Rue
  • July 10, 2016

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I'm either allergic or suffer severe side effects to all antibiotics I've tried with the exception of Clarithromycin & Ciprofloxacin. I've been taking Clarithromycin as my preferred antibiotic for over 20 years. I'm sorry to see so many people have issues with it. Maybe people like me who have always had very positive results just don't post. I do not have any side effects & have used it for everything from pneumonia to upper & lower respiratory infections. I have severe asthma so it is extremely important to stop any respiratory infection ASAP. Everyone is different pls don't dismiss this antibiotic without discussing it with your doctor & their other patients opinions. Personally, it is my antibiotic of choice."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Worst...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 15, 2016

For Sinusitis "Honestly, it gave the worst side effects i've ever experienced. I have Crohn's Disease and have been on a bunch of different types of medications, so that's saying something. The 1st dose wasn't too bad, horrible metalic taste in my mouth but that was about it. I noticed my sinuses to be less congested and i could finally sleep at night without my nose getting completed clogged. But after the second dose i had horrible stomach cramps (even though i took it with food) , the nausea was veryyyy uncomfortable and the taste in my mouth was so strong i could barely swallow my own saliva without wanting to hurl. NOTHING would get rid of the taste either. I've stopped taking it, never again! NEVER AGAIN!"

1 / 10
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  • Edmon...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 15, 2016

For Sinusitis "First of all To the people saying biaxin should be off the market, You do realize that there are different kinds of antibiotics and what works for uou wont work for me , and vice versa. For example I am allergic to penicillin and any antibiotic related to it makes me feel awful and worse. But it works for many other people. That being said Biaxin WORKS for me. In fact It instantly worked by the next day when I woke up my nose didnt have green chunks in it anymore. Yes it gives metallic taste. Yes day 3 I have head ache behind my eyes. ( maybe the medication working on the more deeper infected area). If you get a dull headache Take an advil dont stop taking the medication... A migraine I would stop but a mild headache I think is Managable."

9 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Shabby
  • September 13, 2019

For Sinusitis "The doctor prescribed clarithromycin for a sinus infection. I was really concerned after reading the reviews. My experience was positive. I only took the tablet with food, the nausea sensation only when my belly was empty; I had the metal taste in my mouth but sucking a lollie that quickly went away. I was very fatigued on this medication and my knees ached. It was hard to concentrate as well. The medication itself was a 7 day course and it took the full 7 days to clear my sinus infection where my tonsillitis etc went after day 1. I found breathing eucalyptus oil in my handkerchief dried my sinus really fast as this is a natural remedy to sooth I inflammation, I also massaged my sinus each night after a shower ( googled how to do this) and that really worked too. All in all the combination of the above worked abut it was really really slow to recover..don’t expect to feel great after a few days."

7 / 10
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  • Tashy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 24, 2020

For Otitis Media "So I got put on clarithromycin for a week twice a day 500mg tablets for an ear infection. First tablet I was fine then the 2nd I was so ill! Being sick, feeling weak just awful. The dr refused to change them and give me anti sickness tabs to help. I’m on my last 2 tablets and I can’t believe I made it this far as right now they have made me so weak I feel like I can’t do anything. Drinking with a glass of milk does help. Anyone being put on these it’s a hard slog getting through it. I’m at the drs in a few days if my ear infection hasn’t cleared up I will be refusing these as il NEVER take them again. I've actually cried and I feel that rubbish on them."

10 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 28, 2014

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I'm not allergic to penicillin, but was given Clarithromycin due to a very severe antibiotic-resistant bout of tonsillitis. I'd been suffering for weeks taking antibiotics that didn't work, but literally after the first tablet, I noticed a difference. Works VERY well. However, these are not particularly good tablets to take when you have swollen tonsils because they are huge tablets - I had to cut mine up and swallow them in 4 pieces. Also, I've noticed some side effects: I have diarrhoea (not too badly, but it makes life a bit more difficult), wind, and the taste in my mouth is constantly bitter. But overall, a very good medicine!"

9 / 10
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  • celti...
  • December 5, 2011

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Dental Abscess "I started taking Biaxin two days ago for both a dental abscess and chronic bronchitis. So far I haven't noticed a difference but it may take a while. Horrible taste in my mouth and very sleepy. All in all it's not a bad medication so far."

7 / 10
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  • QueennB
  • December 1, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on amoxicillin, clarithromycin twice a day and a PPI omeprazole- after reading the stories on this site, I delayed my Helicobacter Pylori Infection treatment by 3 days as I was terrified. I did start it and I am currently on day 4 and the side effects are bad, but I believe everyone has a different experience with this. Unfortunately I'm one of the people who suffered badly. I am only on treatment for 7 days so I have 3 more days left and I do not want to repeat this ever again in my life. My symptoms before this included vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, weakness, and depression. Since taking the medication, the first two days were okay. This 4th day is a nightmare, I am having extreme suicidal thoughts, unable to eat at all, weight loss, vomiting bile, sometimes burning sensations in my arms or chest - and I am trying my best to get through the next 3 days. I pray that when this is all over I will never have to repeat this. If you're worried you may have bad side effects please just try it out first"

5 / 10
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  • Bilbo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 6, 2020

For Otitis Media "I might as well have been prescribed POISON!☠️ than clairthromycin. On day two my earache got worse and by day three I couldn’t sleep a wink. Moreover I experienced stomach cramps, anxiety, panic attacks, groin pain, nausea, metallic zinc taste in the mouth, nightmares and finally suicidal ideation. My Doctor then prescribed me Flucloxacillin and only after one day it kicked in and my earache started to ease off. After reading the other reviews on Clarithromycin I realise I am not alone in my experience. I think this ‘medication’ should have its license withdrawn and be banned in the UK."

1 / 10
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  • ano
  • April 14, 2013

Biaxin XL (clarithromycin) for Bronchitis "Took it as soon as I got home from the doctor, 2 pills a day for 10 days but missed 2 doses when I thought I was better. A couple of days later I was sneezing like crazy and had a bad cough. Don't miss doses! Even when you think you're cured."

7 / 10
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  • male-...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 8, 2014

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was having sore throat, swollen tonsils, dry cough, and mucus. After 3 days with 500mg every 12hours of Claritromycin, my throat got better, productive cough and feeling better in general with more energy. Side effects bad mouth taste (bitter) specially at nights at the bed."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 24, 2010

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Bronchitis "I have been on Biaxin for 3 days now. I have very loose bowel movements, horrible taste in my mouth, and I can't sleep. I have been eating tootsie roll pops to combat the bad taste in my mouth. I am going to stop Biaxin immediately and call my Doctor first thing in the morning. Up at 2:00 am now, wide awake with diarrhea and a tootsie roll pop!"

3 / 10
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  • Leisl...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 26, 2017

For Bronchitis "I have always been vulnerable to bronchitis and pneumonia. This antibiotic is the only thing that works. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth yes but I know that after 10 days I will be done and better. Before I was prescribed this, I would often have to take more then 10 days of antibiotics in order to get better."

10 / 10
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  • Emma...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 28, 2016

For Sinusitis "I googled metallic taste from Clarithromycin as its revolting and wanted to know if anyone else experienced it too. I am on a 14 day course because of a sinus infection, which has made a world of difference. I just have an annoying cough and I have 3 days left of the course. What I have found fascinating is other people mentioning crazy vivid dreams and blurry eyes. I never would have associated it to the drug had I not read these comments. I'll stick out the course as I don't want the sinus infection to come back but boy it's a weird antibiotic!!"

8 / 10
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  • Jay
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 1, 2019

For Sinusitis "I have been fighting a sinus infection for almost a month now. I am on my third day of taking 1000mg of this antibiotic daily and around 3 hours after taking the pills I get an awful taste in my mouth, along with an upset stomach, a heavy feeling in my stomach and a headache. Awful : ("

4 / 10
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  • golden...
  • July 30, 2016

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Sinusitis "i always get sinusitis on a yearly basis. on my worst occasion, i tried 'em all from Zythromax to Ammoxicillian, etc. none worked for me. ONLY Biaxin works!! MD says its not the most recommended antibiotic for sinusitis but does work and is the only one that works for me. Yes ~ it does leave a metallic taste in my mouth, but i like knowing its in my system and attacking my problem so i don't mind the taste at all... i was also told it is a very old antibiotic, but its an "Oldie but Goodie"!! Some insurance will cover it while others will not."

10 / 10
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  • kardav
  • August 11, 2008

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Bronchitis "My doctor gave this to me for my brochitis, it seems to be working fairly well. The only thing is it seems to be making me really sleeping. I have done extensive research on this drug and can't find this as a possible side effect."

8 / 10
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  • James
  • September 29, 2019

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Sinusitis "One dose of this medicine Biaxin left me with severe heart arythmia and messed with my mind. I felt like I was on LCD. I took it once before a couple decades ago and had similar but lesser side effects. I'm not sure if I was prescribed a larger than normal dose since I was in Germany, but the side effects are very dangerous."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 25, 2019

For Sinusitis "I had a pretty serious sinus infection. I was having minor fevers every few hours and was as congested as I've ever been. To its credit, it has all but killed the sinus infection in 3.5 days. HOWEVER. I've been nauseous for 3 straight days. It feels like I have rocks in my stomach and a lump in my esophagus. This metallic taste never leaves my mouth. Diarrhea 3x a day. Occasional headaches. And I still have 6.5 days left on this questionable medication. I would rather have the fevers and congestion back. I am never getting this medication again if I can help it."

2 / 10
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  • boxer...
  • October 25, 2009

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Bronchitis "Med Fast diagnosed me with just flu symptoms and was send home with just an Albuterol prescription. My Primary Care Doctor called me same day and from hearing my voice and telling him my symptoms, my Doctor immediately prescribed me Biaxin 500MG 1 pill 2 x a day for 7 days. Within hours, fever and aches went away and I remain this way. Obviously, bacterial infection somewhere. Biaxin is a wonderful medicine."

10 / 10
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  • Myfir...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 30, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Bad breath or bad taste was one of my primary symptoms prior to getting on this medication. By day 1 it disappeared well started disappearing. How ever it was replaced with a new terrible taste that doesn’t go away. I am only aware of the taste at night. U wake up like what is this? lol.... I may feel a little weaker but I just took an energy drink and energy increased. Now to find a way to eliminate this strange taste that lives in my throat now. It’s better than having bad breath for sure, super glad I’m taking it"

7 / 10
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  • erky
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 6, 2016

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Sinusitis "I read a bunch of reviews from people who have mentioned having upset stomachs and yeast infections. I used to have those issues on antiobiotics, but then I learned that taking a very strong probiotic (I take the refrigerated ones from Jarro) and a feminine probiotic with lactobaccilus eliminates or at least greatly reduces those issues. I strongly recommend taking both whenever you take antiobiotics. For this one, I agree that you definitely need to take it with a reasonable amount of food. The metallic taste comes and goes but is generally tolerable. I do feel loopy, but I am guessing that has more to do with how sick I am than anything else. Hope this helps."

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  • Andrew...
  • June 27, 2008

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Sinusitis "I was put on Biaxin for a major sinus infection. 500 mg twice daily for one month. Pharmacist told me that sinus infections can take a very long time to go away. I definitely feel better but am still having the runny nose, congestion and a little cough still but much less than before. It's been 3 weeks now since I was put on this. Hope it kicks it out of my system. "

4 / 10
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45 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.