Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole and Bloating: What Users Say

• coc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on day 7 of a 7-day course. I felt a little lightheaded on day 1 and have experienced the metallic taste that everyone is talking about, but increased appetite when most people report the opposite. I've been very bloated too, but I can't distinguish if it's just the illness or these meds. I have not experienced any other side effects. I have eaten plain yogurt on most days and taken a good quality probiotic. I am worried if the treatment is even working because I don't feel any different or better, and I only have just 1 evening dose to go. Does it take a while to see improvements? I have not had the best diet in the last 7 days either, probably because I felt a little depressed and ate my feelings. Could a poor diet prevent the treatment from being as effective?"

• IHa...
• July 1, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Today is day #13 of the treatment. If I had three words to describe the treatment, it would be nasty, bitter, garbage. Things that I suffered in the last 13 days: - Nausea - Headaches - Bloating (especially the first 6-7 days) - Belly pains - Insomnia - Everyone's favorite: Awful metallic taste in the mouth - Heart racing and BP up/down. After the treatment is done, I am planning on being on Nexium (20 mg) for the next two weeks and then will stop and go for a retest. Am I feeling better after the treatment is almost finished? I have no clue. With the awful side effects of the treatment, I have no idea what's happening. I hope I will start feeling a change soon. BUT to all who are suffering, hang in there, guys. This is not the best thing, but we have no choice. PS. I am planning on going to the shooting range after the treatment so I could do some target practice on the empty treatment bottles. :D"

• Shi...
• August 24, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Diagnosed with H. pylori and am put on medication, 2 antibiotics and 2 nausea acid reflux medicines. Day 1 of taking the medicine, I felt so nauseous and weak. Day 2 was headaches, feeling not myself. Then it started going downhill with side effects, the metallic taste in my mouth, nausea all the time, literally from day 1 have been feeling nauseous. The headaches slowed down by the 10th day. On Day 5, I felt like I couldn't do it anymore, I was crying because I was feeling miserable. I tried to negotiate if I could stop my medicine, but my H. pylori pain motivated me to keep pushing through. I had a constant unpleasant taste in my mouth and acid reflux, weakness, could not keep much in my stomach, and I did not dare lay on my stomach or I would throw up. Also, I noticed my stomach bloating and sometimes it spasmed, if that makes sense. Anyway, I'm on day 13, and I can't wait to be done with my medications. I thought I was the only one going through it, but I feel okay knowing my symptoms were not crazy."

• pac...
• May 18, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I began my treatment of H. pylori 3 days ago. I was prescribed amoxicillin 2,000 mg per day, clarithromycin 1,000 mg per day, and pantoprazole 80 mg per day. Like everyone else, I find the metallic taste the worst. It keeps me up at night, so I am lacking sleep. I have the bloating, and the diarrhea started today, although it's not too bad. I am concerned that my doctor didn't prescribe lansoprazole but gave me the pantoprazole instead, it seems my other medication dosages are quite high. I take 10 pills a day. I do better with less food in my stomach. I am using an excellent protein supplement drink with added yogurt and fruit. I replace one meal a day with that. I sip on almond milk throughout the day. I am edgy and emotional and have retreated to my room to avoid annoyances beyond my door. I am trying to stay positive, knowing that I will probably feel so much better when this is all over. While I take to my bed, I visualize the antibiotics killing off these nasty little beasts. That helps too. Good luck, everyone."

• TCa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on day 10 of medication, and I can identify my symptoms to most of you, but I can say that they were worse in the first 6-8 days. Metallic taste in my mouth, nausea, diarrhea (almost black stool), bloating, and lots of burping and reflux. It's interesting how doctors noticed I had H. pylori. I started with a weird shortness of breath (which is still there), but I have done so many tests, and they all came back normal: ECG, stress test, chest X-ray, heart and lungs ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, barium meal (upper GI series), and several blood tests. They were all normal. The only problem found was H. pylori. I hope I can finish the treatment and start feeling better ASAP."

• Ban...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm now on day 3 of my triple antibiotic treatment, amoxicillin/clarithromycin/lansoprazole, for H. pylori. I was first diagnosed with H. pylori infection 6 months ago, but I refused treatment because I was asymptomatic. Once the symptoms kicked in, I decided to be brave and take the treatment. I've had the nasty taste in my mouth and a short bout of diarrhea. The worst part for me is the fatigue. I can barely keep my eyes open! I also have very little appetite. I try to take tons of probiotics (kefir, yogurt, and kimchi) all day in between my pills, and they are helping a lot. I'm bloated and exhausted, but I feel positive that I'll make it through the regimen. Good luck, everyone!"

• Peb...
• September 4, 2013

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm on my fourth day of using the Prevpac for H. pylori infection, which was discovered during a medical procedure (colonoscopy and endoscopy). I was experiencing stomach discomfort (throbbing alternating aches from left to right), which prompted me to have these procedures. Day one: I felt tired and experienced severe stomach pain, including bloating, but it (stomach pain) eventually subsided. Day two: minor stomach pain and little bloating. Day three: I did not experience any pain, but I had the metallic taste and felt fatigued. I have noticed that my bowels are larger (sorry for the extra information) than normal. Details to take into consideration: female and a minority."

• pur...
• June 20, 2019

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I've completed my 7-day Prevpac treatment. I did have side effects after the first day of starting the course of medicines. I experienced a racing heartbeat, slight breathlessness, and diarrhea, only for a few hours, though. But I was absolutely unable to sleep the first night of taking the pills because of the bitter taste in my mouth when I lay down. The bitterness was the one thing that bothered me all the 7 days. Thank goodness that the course is over now. However, the major symptom that I had was severe bloating (firm near the upper abdomen), and it is still there with no visible changes. My GP says it will take time to see results, say at least 2 months. Waiting for the 2 months to fly ASAP, fingers crossed!"

• SA ...
• May 15, 2017

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I had bad reflux, night nausea, and heartburn for nearly 7 months before being diagnosed with an endoscopy. Only on Day 3 of therapy (Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, and Omeprazole). Side effects: mild nausea, no strange taste, but I do get thirsty and I have had quite bad stomach pain (bloating, gas, etc.) and back pain. I was also very scared to take these meds after reading all the comments, but so far so good. The most annoying thing is having to take so many meds at one time! Hoping I have no new side effects. I do take a probiotic and anti-nausea pills twice per day with the antibiotics, and I do take the antibiotics with food. I really hope that after the 14 days I am cured, as I don't want to have to do this again!"

• Kin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "My experience is weird, I ate something spicy over two months ago and had a burning sensation all night and aches. Went to docs, had ECG and bloods, ECG and bloods were perfect. But I had this pylori thing. He prescribed antibiotics, amoxicillin and Nexium, and also another one that has a strange taste. Anyway, can’t remember it, but I remember taking 4 tablets twice a day. Then he said to continue with the Nexium for 2 weeks after. That was my first treatment, but after 7 days of taking tablets, I still felt bloated, cramps, burping, throat burning, reflux style, and my stomach feels sore to touch, like inflammation beneath the skin. To cut a long story short, I went for the breath test, positive still, so a new doctor changed the amoxicillin to Flagyl and said if this didn’t get rid of it, I would have to have a round of very strong antibiotics. I just can’t stand the pains when on meds and the not knowing, 2 months of feeling rotten, is it just me? Anyone experience all this as well?"

• KKa...
• March 1, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am taking 1000 mg of amoxicillin 2x a day, and 500 mg of clarithromycin 2x a day, and Pepto-Bismol 3x a day. I have had the really yucky taste in my mouth, but can deal with that. I do feel tired a bit more than usual. Do have some bloating off and on. Sometimes I have heartburn, but the symptoms of the H. pylori seem better. My appetite seems better. I am on my 10th day, and now have very severe diarrhea. I didn't think I was ever going to stop going. I'm hoping I don't start having this for the next 4 days as I tend to dehydrate easily. Drinking lots of water as it's suggested not to drink things like Gatorade. This is the second time I am on meds for the H. pylori as the first time I had a severe reaction to the other meds I was given and had to have blood work to be sure my kidneys and liver were not damaged. If I can just get through the next few days, I will be happy and pray this time these meds rid me of the H. pylori."

• KMa...
• May 28, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Be your own advocate. I have had anemia, which leaves me fatigued for a very long time. I have suffered from severe bloating, pain, belching, and flatulence. I made an appointment a few weeks ago because I was having difficulty breathing and had severe bloating. I thought it was the arthritis. The blood work showed that my iron levels were 6 micrograms per deciliter. Normal levels for women range from 26 to 170. She has been prescribing me iron supplements for three years. On this particular visit, she sent me for some blood work, and it came back positive for Helicobacter. I was so glad to have a name that had caused me so much pain over the years. Since starting the medication, I have had pretty much all the side effects, including metallic taste in my mouth, severe bloating and pain, vivid dreams, insomnia, diarrhea, and most recently, itching. I am on day 12 of 14 and am looking forward to getting this nasty bacteria out of my system. Chewing gum has helped with the metallic taste."

• Ace...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Day 2 of H. pylori kit. At first, I thought something must be wrong with the drugs because they made my symptoms worse. I felt really terrible after day 1. But after reading reviews, I feel I'm not alone and will get through the treatment. My symptoms are bloating, passing gas, nausea, metallic aftertaste, fatigue, cramps, and excruciating pain in my tummy."

• you...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Soooo... after reading all the negative comments on amoxicillin/clarithromycin/lansoprazole, I can't say I disagree, however, it is definitely doable. I had to miss work due to bad abdominal cramping on day 3, and waking up with that nasty taste is whack. My appetite is fine, frankly, my cravings are always through the roof, and sadly my number one problem has only gotten worse... BLOATING. YETTTT... I am very positive, and it wasn't hard to get through, just an annoying inconvenience. Like an annoying toddler tugging at your trousers, who you need to remember to wake up every morning and put to bed every night. My course was 7 days, didn't take them at the same time every day, and for the clarithromycin, it was recommended to be taken every 12 hours, but my timing was not good. I also didn't follow the low FODMAP diet. Hopefully, an update will be pending and good results... even though I clearly wasn't perfect."

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "My H. pylori treatment differs from most since I am allergic to amoxicillin. I take 6 pills a day: 3 in the morning, 3 at night for 2 weeks, which are lansoprazole, Flagyl, and clarithromycin. The first day I had bloating and that horrible taste in my mouth, it didn’t taste metallic, but very sour. On the 2nd day I felt dizzy and nauseous and had a racing heartbeat when I tried to go to bed. I’m halfway through, and I still have bloating, a little appetite, nausea, and the aftertaste, no racing heart since the 2nd day, though. Yogurt and milk are helpful to settle your tummy. I’m hoping after the pills are all done, I will feel much better! Since I used to get on and off nausea and heartburn before I started treatment. Just keep taking the meds and suffer through the side effects. Also, the 3 meds I was prescribed cost me $122, I do not have insurance."

• jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm on day 7 and have 7 days to go. From what I understand, after an infection like this, it's best to take it easy on your stomach and eat things that are easy to process. To the poster who said they have painful gas and bloating, I would consider drinking broth for a couple of days instead of solid foods and give your bowels and stomach a chance to really rest. Some foods can be intolerable to a body after this infection and can be too hard to deal with. Give it a few days or a week of soups and stewed fruits, and that should help. The diarrhea is likely going to continue while on these meds because they are really powerful, and all of them list that as a common side effect. Hang in there. I am halfway through and already feel fantastic if I don't count the heinous taste in my mouth, night and day. If your mouth tastes like someone dumped a load of bitter garbage into it, try some gum, don't eat sweets. Sweets are just what H. pylori like and are hard to digest. Good luck!"

• Anonymous
• July 8, 2010

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm on my 1st day of treatment, and I have gas and my stomach is bloated. I also have a bad headache, and I feel nauseous. In my stomach, I feel movements and little pain. I'm hoping this treatment works."

• Raj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Got diagnosed with H. pylori, then had an H. pylori kit with amoxicillin (total 4 medicines, 2 times a day, so total 8 medicines/day). It's a heavy dose, mouth taste is the worst, and yes, a headache! Headache! Headache! Sometimes right side, sometimes left, and sometimes full head, felt migraine pain during the course. Rest was okay, little bloating, nausea sometimes... Now today is my 4th day and hoping to get rid of this bloody H. pylori infection."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was struggling with acid reflux for 2 months, so I finally got the endoscopy and biopsy done. It was H. Pylori, unfortunately. I am on day 2 of my 14 days of medication, and these medicines have given me diarrhea, bloating, gas (slight irritating pain in chest), headache, weakness, bitter taste, etc. It's really annoying to eat so many medicines, I really hope I get better after this. Does anyone have any idea for how to reduce bloating and gas when on this medication?"

• Flo...
• December 6, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was tested for H. pylori bacteria, and it came out positive. I took the 14 days' drugs. I had all the side effects, my condition was worse during the medication period. It has been a week now since I finished the dose, but I am still having stomach discomfort, cramping, and sometimes bloating. I pass bloody stool too. I am wondering whether it is ulcers, as I didn't have blood in stool before medication."

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2015

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Day 1.5 because I started the pack last night, no longer wanting to deal with the gas, bloating, stomach pain, weight gain, etc. Had it for years, I'm sure. Today I had blurred vision for about 20 minutes and then a lingering headache all day. Here's hoping it works!"

• Mea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I have been on this regimen for 2 days, stomach ache, bitter taste, and headache. I hope it works. Have had stomach aches that wake me up at night and bloating for over 2 months, and after an endoscopic biopsy, diagnosed with H. Pylori. I really hope this works."

• AOa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "When I started my 14-day triple therapy treatment (only first 7 days with amoxicillin), the symptoms (bloating, hard stomach, burping, loose stool feeling, chest pain) calmed down significantly through the first 4 days. I had hope that this H. pylori thing would actually go away. However, when it got to the night of day 5 and onwards, my stomach or upper abdomen randomly felt super tight when breathing in, and I nearly had an anxiety attack 'cause I automatically predicted worst-case scenario thinking these symptoms will never disappear for good. Then my loose stool and burping feeling came back the day after with a constant tight feeling in my abdomen, which annoyed me so much that I couldn't concentrate properly. I'm on day 7 when writing this. Can anyone tell me if this is just a side effect of antibiotics or that this treatment clearly isn't working? Because I'm confused how the symptoms managed to improve initially, then just worsen out of nowhere on day 5?"

• Liv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2022

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "This is not an easy treatment. I’m on day 14 of 14 days treatment. Days 1-5 were the worst. I had all symptoms mentioned before: chest pain, abdominal pain, insomnia, bloating, super gassy, depression, and tiredness/weakness. I thought I was going to die since neither my doctor nor the pharmacist told me about these symptoms. I went to the ER twice, but everything seemed okay, and they sent me home. After these days, I started on a diet - lots of probiotics, no fat or candies, no oil, and little salt on my food. Then things started getting better. My symptoms were basically light abdominal pain and being super gassy. The past 2/3 nights I’ve been having some trouble going back to sleep at night. It’s definitely not an easy treatment. I thought about stopping a few times - especially on the first few days, but we need to keep going. Otherwise, we will have to do it all again. For you, who are struggling with your treatment, you can get this!"

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "One of the worst medical combinations ever. I hope pharmaceuticals can come up with something better. For now, I quit. Extreme fatigue, bitter taste, I have a fever, chills, dizziness, bloating, cannot even sleep. In day to, but I can’t continue anymore."