Augmentin and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• Pfr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 30, 2019

For Sinusitis "I tend to get sinus and ear infections and upper respiratory infections. Augmentin is the only thing that really clears it all up. It typically takes 2 to 3 doses before I start feeling like I am heading in the right direction. So within 24 to 48 hours I tend to be feeling better. Not like death, which if you haven't experienced a truly painful ear infection as an adult, well, you're lucky. It is awful. Augmentin does have some side effects, typically some stomach upset. Be sure to take it with food and drink plenty of water. However, I will deal with it as it is a heck of a lot better than dealing with the pain of double ear infections, sinus, and upper respiratory issues. I have taken this antibiotic on and off for the last 5 years."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I took Augmentin for sinusitis and ear infection. Gave me a little gas. The first dose caused upset stomach, but I didn't take it with food then. I took it with food after that and felt fine. To combat the loss of good bacteria, I took a probiotic pill 2 hours after taking it and have not had issues. Drink lots of water, take with food, and finish the prescription. It's no better or worse than any other antibiotic I have taken before."

• tna...
• February 2, 2014

For Sinusitis "I took this medicine for a sinus infection. Worked great for that but the side effects for me were unbearable. On day 7 of the medicine, I had the worst stomach cramps that I have ever had and diarrhea. Sleepiness was a constant, I slept all day and night. I had no desire to eat at all. I experienced chills, cough, fever, severe headaches, irritability, heartburn, and greatly decreased frequency of urination."

• Gia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2018

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I feel like the people that come on here to read reviews are people like me who have anxieties about taking medications. I needed this medication for a skin infection after my C-section. I was nervous about the symptoms after reading the comments on here, but I had ZERO problems with this medication. I was prescribed 875 mg 2x daily. I made sure I ate a probiotic yogurt before starting this med and had one every day for 7 days until I was finished. I had no upset stomach or diarrhea."

• sin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2014

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed 500 mg twice a day Augmentin for a sinus infection. After the second dose, I developed BAD stomach cramps, nausea, and loose stools. I continued the Augmentin for three more days, but finally had to stop taking it due to the fact that it was completely destroying my stomach. It was working wonders on my sinus infection, but the side effects were too much to bear. Worst of all, I'm still having cramps and loose stools even though I stopped taking the Augmentin two days ago. I hope the issues resolve themselves soon and won't require a trip to my gastroenterologist. Augmentin may be fine for some people, but it's definitely NOT for me!"

• ma2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2013

For Sinusitis "Have acute sinusitis, with severe migraine, dizziness, facial pain, TMJ, eye swelling. Was prescribed Augmentin, seems to be working just after 1 day's use! I already had severe stomach ache, doc said that's normal for acute sinusitis because all the dripping from the sinuses down our throats ends up stewing in our poor bellies! So I really notice no difference with tummy ache yet."

• Sam...
• August 26, 2013

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was put on Augmentin for my upper respiratory infection and sinus infection that I had at the same time as each other. After taking it for 2 days, I was feeling 80% better. People told me to watch out for side effects such as upset stomach and loose stool. I made sure to have a yogurt before each pill I took and never had an issue."

• Pat...
• August 27, 2016

For Sinusitis "I took Augmentin starting last week for a sinus infection. The first few days were fine, and I felt relief from the pressure of the infection. However, by day 5, my stomach hurt so badly, and around my body to the back. I could not eat. My stomach was rock hard, and I felt so bloated. I could only suffer through day 8. I had to stop. I cannot tolerate this medication and will never take it again."

• Res...
• October 7, 2015

For Sinusitis "This is my second time using Augmentin. Before this, it was used for an ear infection, and now for sinusitis. Symptoms cleared up almost exactly when my doctor said they would-about 2 days in each time. Symptoms have been minimal, with only minor stomach upset. Taken with probiotics several hours apart from it regularly, I managed to avoid a yeast infection."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2020

For Sinusitis "I was recently prescribed Augmentin 875 mg two times a day for 10 days for a very severe upper respiratory/sinus infection. On day one, I had pain in my head, some sweating/chills, lethargy, and stomach upset. Day two, I had bad diarrhea, anxiety, nervousness/agitation, sweating/chills, and some tiredness. Day three, I had all of the above, as well as developing one hive on my right arm after my evening dose. The medication helps my sinus infection, but the side effects are troubling. I do not feel good for at least two or three hours after taking this medication."

• AEJ...
• April 10, 2016

For Strep Throat "On Tamiflu for the flu, Z-pack for strep throat, and Motrin for pain and fever. Day 2: me begging, please give me penicillin, please. My throat began to swell and was covered with infection. I went to urgent care and was given a prednisone shot along with a Rocephin shot, followed by a prescription for prednisone, Augmentin, and Diflucan. Immediately, the Augmentin kicked the hell out of the strep throat. I began spitting out the infection, the flu symptoms subsided, and all is right in the world. I had the runs, upset stomach, and a yeast infection, all of those pale in comparison to strep throat and the flu."

• Und...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2020

For Sinusitis "Ok, so I started with pneumonia, and then it kinda came back as a sinus infection/bronchitis (I have no idea). So they gave me this antibiotic for resistance issues. The first dose had my tummy rumbling, but I ate and took a probiotic! I had loose stools (and still have them), but I am slightly afraid of antibiotics just because they upset my stomach (previously the doxy for my lungs). But the probiotic helps SO MUCH! As long as you eat with it and take a probiotic if you want to, then you should be fine. I really like the way it’s working! I’m almost clear even though I’m on it for a week, and I’m only two days in. Be safe!"

• Und...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2020

For Sinusitis "Ok, so I started with pneumonia, and then it kinda came back as a sinus infection/bronchitis (I have no idea). So they gave me this antibiotic for resistance issues. The first dose had my tummy rumbling, but I ate and took a probiotic! I had loose stools (and still have them), but I am slightly afraid of antibiotics just because they upset my stomach (previously the doxy for my lungs). But the probiotic helps SO MUCH! As long as you eat with it and take a probiotic if you want to, then you should be fine. I really like the way it’s working! I’m almost clear even though I’m on it for a week, and I’m only two days in. Be safe!"

• Anonymous
• August 31, 2015

For Sinusitis "Augmentin: The first time I took it was about 8 years ago. It did the job quickly, but I had diarrhea for about a year. {Not kidding! I also developed plantar fasciitis for a brief period, possibly due to a lack of certain nutrients caused by the extended bout of diarrhea.} I did not know what probiotics were at the time!? :( I blamed myself and that other guy, my doctor, for not mentioning the benefits of probiotics. Probiotics maintain a healthy level of good bacteria that most antibiotics will destroy. This prevents or minimizes greatly any diarrhea. Augmentin also contains clavulanic acid, which causes the upset stomach. Ranitidine, which is an acid reducer, can help soften the sour stomach often associated with Augmentin. Augmentin does work!!!"

• Jel...
• June 5, 2018

For Sinusitis "Was prescribed Augmentin 875/125 tab twice daily for 10 days for bacterial sinusitis. I am currently on day 8 now. I was a little iffy about this medication the first two days, as it did upset my stomach and cause many trips to the restroom, even using with food as directed. Day three, I had a nasty headache and insomnia. But honestly, by day 4, I felt pretty good. Actually awoke without any congestion. Energy started returning. Day 5-6, I started having some nausea and congestion again upon waking, but trips to the restroom stopped. Day 8, mild congestion, but feel normal for once. Doc did advise if the post-nasal drip, etc., didn't cease, I may need to see an ENT. So I'd say that this med is doing its job handling the bacterial infection at least. Feel 90% better. Symptoms were uncomfortable when they hit, not unbearable."

• Leo...
• December 27, 2015

For Sinusitis "After a couple of hours after taking an 875 mg tab, my stomach became rock hard. I had the most debilitating stomach cramps known to man. I've never vomited as much and as hard as I did that day. The diarrhea was like I was urinating out of my anus. After drinking a bottle of kefir, I was good again."

• Ugh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2016

For Sinusitis "I am currently staying in the hospital overnight with an infected colon (thought it was appendicitis, it was so close), crazy watery diarrhea, vomiting, severe stomach cramps, and therefore dehydration. I have never had digestive problems like this, and I've never been in a hospital overnight. This is seriously because of Augmentin. Do not take this drug!"

• JIS...
• April 29, 2017

For Sinusitis "I had a sinus infection and was put on Augmentin for a week. I suffered from horrific headaches. I wanted someone to just knock me out because I couldn't handle the horrible headaches all day and night. My taste was affected as well. Even water didn't taste good. My stomach also affected me, and I did take a probiotic. I wouldn't take this medication ever again."

• joh...
• July 22, 2013

For Sinusitis "Acted quickly. Had strep throat, and Dr. prescribed Bactrim, which didn't help. I went back, and Dr. gave Augmentin, and within a few hours, I was feeling much better. Some stomach issues when taking the medicine."

• Mim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2017

For Sinusitis "Right after the first dose, I experienced the worst stomach cramps, gas, bloating... all the way into my chest. It seemed to help my sinus infection, but nothing is worth that type of pain. I couldn't keep food down, I don't have issues with acid reflux until I started taking Augmentin. I tried one more dose before I quit, and I went to my regular doctor, and he agreed that this stuff is harsh on your stomach and changed to a different antibiotic. I tried drinking a lot of water, yogurt, and I increased my intake of probiotics, but so far nothing is helping. I am hoping this horrid feeling will go away eventually."

• Sto...
• April 21, 2017

For Sinusitis "Prescribed an 8-day prescription of Augmentin, and I would not recommend this poison to anyone else, EVER. I wake up every day with a headache like my head is in a vice and stomach cramps that rival the pain of the sinus infection I went in for in the first place. And yes, I eat yogurt and take extra probiotics. My heart beats like a horse's hooves on a racetrack and keeps me up far past any respectable time to go to sleep. I don't feel like myself at all, I'm telling you so you can run far away from this treacherous toxic substance."

• Dan...
• November 26, 2020

For Strep Throat "Augmentin worked fast within 3 days for my strep throat, but the diarrhea and stomach aches I had taking this were awful. Even for a few days after I had finished the 10 days of antibiotics. The first few days, I experienced some trouble sleeping, night sweats, and the headache here and there. Generally worked well, but side effects were not fun."

• Hal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2014

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was prescribed this to treat my sinus infection. It's been almost two days now, and while I feel slightly better, the nausea and upset stomach are too much for me. I have eaten both yogurt and rice before taking it, and I still get very sick. It is also making everything I eat seem extremely salty. Even when I breathe, I taste salt. I've called my doctor, and they're changing my antibiotic to something else. Apparently, this one is making my potassium levels rise too high."

• noo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I started Augmentin 1 gm twice/day 5 days ago (Wed. Sep. 9th) to treat inflammation in the tooth root. The stomach problems started by day 4. Today (day 5) was really bad: headache, stomach pain, pain in my joints, and my whole body. I also had a loose stool from day 1. I called my doctor, explained the situation, and he said I can stop taking it, a minimum of 4 days should suffice. So I took 9 out of a course of 14 tablets. I hope I'll get rid of my whole-body pain and stomach problems soon. So overall experience with Augmentin: bad."

• Tee...
• January 7, 2017

For Sinusitis "This drug was the worst. I'm still recovering. Started taking this on 12/28 for SI. I take daily probiotics and increased them since I expected some stomach upset. At first, not so bad but by Friday 12/30, the yeast infection from hell reared its ugly head. I had Diflucan on standby just in case and took it 12/31 and stopped Augmentin altogether. Nothing, and normally it's hours when I feel relief. I had to get Monistat 1 on New Year's to help fight it. Just got relief as of 1/4. Digestive still not normal. Never again. Unless my life depends on it."