Azithromycin for Sinusitis User Reviews
Brand names: Zithromax, Azithromycin Dose Pack, Z-Pak
Azithromycin has an average rating of 6.7 out of 10 from a total of 138 reviews for the treatment of Sinusitis. 56% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 25% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Azithromycin
- Lol...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 8, 2020
"Absolutely horrible side effects. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and volatile heartbeat from the 2nd day of therapy onward (it was a five-day course). Ended up in the ER, but EKG seemed normal. I am now in the third day after taking the last pill. Cleared up my sinusitis, but side effects are still lingering. Feeling hot on the inside, but no fever. Feelings of hopelessness, severe depression. Heart rate up to 130 only to drop to 50. Chest pain. Fear of a heart attack. No appetite whatsoever. Surviving on soup. One moment I feel like my old self, the next I feel like I'm losing my mind."
- Pau...
- December 7, 2015
Zithromax (azithromycin) "It's a life saver for me. Chronic sinus problem that occurs twice a year. Slight stomach issues after initial dose. Knocks out brain fog. Had the best night sleep in months. Always take with food, and you will have no issues. Made me feel 90% better 24 hours after initial dosage. Use with Flonase to open passages to help get it all. Only thing that works for my sinus problems."
Frequently asked questions
- What are the best antibiotics for a tooth infection?
- What antibiotics kill Covid-19 (coronavirus)?
- What is the best antibiotic to treat strep throat?
- How long does azithromycin stay in your system?
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 13, 2012
Zithromax (azithromycin) "After suffering from a cold for 8 days, I woke up with extreme pressure in my sinuses and couldn't hear due to my ears being clogged. I was prescribed the 3-day Zithromax and after one day felt so much better. The pressure went away and I had a slightly runny nose. On the second day, I could breathe without using decongestants. I haven't had any side effects, but maybe a slight pang in my stomach when taking (I usually eat something right after taking). I'm usually resistant to going to the doctor, but very glad I did this time."
- Ste...
- August 6, 2014
Zithromax (azithromycin) "Took away my ear infection but gave me nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heart palpitations, anxiety, shortness of breath, diarrhea, dizziness, etc. So not worth it. I was less sick before starting this medicine."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- no...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 17, 2014
"I had a tickle in my throat and very tired on day one. Then on day 3, a dry hacking cough, and then a runny nose and congestion. On day 5, I woke up to a bad sinus headache and pressure, but it was not getting better and the cough was worse. By day 7, I felt like death warmed over and couldn't take it anymore. I went to the doctor and got a 5-day Zpak and inhaler. I took the dose on day 1 and the next morning felt much better, a lot of the sinus pressure and headache were gone. By day 4, I felt much, much better and only had a small cough now."
- Chr...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 11, 2014
Zithromax (azithromycin) "I have had chronic sinusitis for the better part of 10 years now off and on. It really gets bad as spring changes over to summer as well as summer over to fall. I have taken several different antibiotics over the years and the sinusitis keeps coming back stronger the next year. So I just started the 7-day Z-Pak yesterday for the first time and just took the second day's dosage. Much like most of the other reviews on this site, I am experiencing some minor diarrhea as well as flatulence. Which, in my opinion, can be a deadly combination for a new pair of white boxer briefs! I have not noticed any other side effects as of yet, but again I am only on the second day. I will tell you that I am feeling much livelier right now and gained motivation."
More FAQ
- Does azithromycin cure chlamydia: How much / how long?
- What are the best antibiotics for pneumonia?
- What antibiotics are used to treat chlamydia and gonorrhea?
- Can you drink alcohol with Z-Pak (Azithromycin)?
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 13, 2014
"I had chronic sinusitis and had balloon sinuplasty surgery to correct the problem. I had post-nasal drip which led to bronchitis, which triggered asthma attacks. I could hardly breathe until I took the azithromycin. Within a couple of hours, my airways were opening up, and I was able to breathe again. On my second day now, and things just keep getting better. This medicine is taking out whatever bacteria is in my lungs. It was a real lifesaver for me."
- Bec...
- May 26, 2014
"This is my first time taking a 6-pill pack. I have used regular azithromycin for sinus infections before with great results. This infection knocked me out. After being sick for a week, I needed help. I started hallucinating because I couldn't breathe or sleep. So I gave in and went to the ER. I cleared up right after the first dose. By dose 3, I was breathing without wheezing. I'm going on day 4 and I can finally sleep. Ahhh, sleep is great. I did get dizzy, and there was a nasty taste in my mouth, and I did have a few loose stools, but all in all, I would rather put up with those small side effects and be able to sleep."
- Spi...
- April 7, 2010
Zithromax (azithromycin) "I've used Zithromax 6-Packs for years to treat chronic sinus infections. They always work and have virtually no side effects for me. I have noticed that I need to take the treatment twice for a persistent sinus infection. Usually, one treatment does it. Azithromycin is the ONLY antibiotic that does NOT give me terrible side effects such as stomach aches, cramps, headaches, dizziness, 'brain fog'."
- Luc...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 31, 2016
Zithromax (azithromycin) "Was told by a doctor who specialized in respiratory infections, because his main patients were miners, that I would suffer with chronic sinus infections the rest of my life and that a Z-Pak would work, but to really wipe it out, I should use Ceftin. So if Z-Pak does not work for anyone, try the Ceftin. I get Z-Pak normally because I can tolerate the azithromycin. A little stomach upset on the day after all meds are taken (6th day), but other than that, good results... usually takes 48 hours for me to feel better since I am older and have a weakened immune system, but on that third day, much, much better."
- NMo...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 6, 2013
"I have had a severe sinus infection, ear infection, and tooth infection for a little over a month. I've been to the doctor quite a few times and was prescribed penicillin the first time and amoxicillin-clavulanate the second. I thought it was clearing up, but within a week it was back. So, back over to the doctor and was prescribed a Z-pack. After the first dose, I felt so much better! I'm hoping this will clear all of the infection."
- Anonymous
- November 19, 2009
Zithromax (azithromycin) "I personally believe the Z-Pak should be the #1 drug prescribed on the market if you need to maintain your health fast & be yourself again. I seem to be prone to strep throat, severe sinusitis & respiratory infections in the fall & winter. A couple of years ago I was 'due to have surgery in 6 days' and was told 'if I was sick I would have to postpone it'. Well after waiting a month for this surgery, planning a home & dog sitter & time off from work 'working it in with everyone else's schedules, to me it was imperative I be well enough 4 all to go as planned'. '5-day Z-Pak was prescribed'. It is a no-nonsense drug and I cannot think of a single side effect. I was well enough for surgery to go on as planned."
- ane...
- January 12, 2010
Azithromycin Dose Pack (azithromycin) "Had a terrible sinus infection. Got on a Z-pack. It takes until day 3 before you really start feeling like it's working. The pack continues to work 10 days after you finish it. I had no tummy problems like I have read on other postings, but I do make sure to eat yogurt every day when I am on any type of antibiotic. The probiotics in yogurt can keep you from getting loose stools. The one thing that I did notice this time was some dizziness. Never before had that with taking a Z-pack. It was not severe dizziness, but enough to make me wonder."
- old...
- March 21, 2015
Azithromycin Dose Pack (azithromycin) "Sinusitis was so bad that my teeth even hurt. Now on day 2 of azithromycin, pain about 80% resolved. Absolutely no side effects. Have taken azithromycin in the past for sinusitis and consistently note resolution prior to completion of 5-day pack."
- RoM...
- January 25, 2014
"After 5 days of terrible dry, hacking cough, causing chest muscles to be sore and being unable to function, I went to the Dr., and he prescribed the Z Pak. On day 2, I see results. It is loosening up all the congestion. I am finally a little better. I have a ways to go, but I do see good results. When I talked to the pharmacist, he suggested eating something light before taking, even though you can take it on an empty stomach. He said some get upset stomach after taking, so I took his advice and am having no problems. I tried Mucinex before seeing the Dr., but got no results this time. Glad I went in for a checkup."
- Mar...
- December 29, 2016
"Horrible medication!!!! After taking a third pill, I started to have an excruciating pain in my ear, and within several hours, I lost partially my hearing in both ears. I have looked up the side effects in the enclosed flyer and also online, and there is an FDA warning that this antibiotic is linked to hearing loss! I almost had a heart attack reading it. I have informed my doctor, but they say they never heard of anything like that (of course). I didn't finish taking the prescribed dose. My hearing has improved a little bit, but it has been more than 2 weeks, and I still can't hear well. My ears are ringing and clicking, and I am so scared that this might be permanent. Has this happened to anybody else?"
- gri...
- April 10, 2008
Zithromax (azithromycin) "I have just started taking the Z-Pak a few days ago and am already starting to feel a lot better! I have sinusitis, an earache that was caused by a middle ear infection, and so far, the pains are a lot more tolerable! Thank you, Z-Pak!"
- All...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 21, 2015
"My symptoms of sinusitis grew rapidly over 24 hours before taking this antibiotic. I started out with allergy symptoms, only on my left side. Eight hours into it, I had a pounding headache, and my face and nose hurt really bad. I suffer from anxiety and had a bad experience last year while taking over-the-counter cold/allergy meds, so this year I was definitely not going to medicate myself up and decided to go to the doctor. My doctor's visit was on the second day of being sick, and I was full-blown with what I thought had turned into the flu. Coughing was mild and mostly because I was dizzy, so I felt nauseous and would cough. Chills, sweats, shakes, worst headache ever, nose and face hurt so bad. Took 2 pills, felt better in 5 hours."
- She...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- May 11, 2019
Azithromycin Dose Pack (azithromycin) "This azithromycin antibiotic is the best! I’m a first-grade teacher and seem to get sick easily, even with homeopathic medicines and extreme hygienic practices. It starts with a sore throat, then congestion in the nose and throat. Excessive phlegm development and coughing. I try OTC first-NyQuil, Mucinex, and Vick’s rub-but the 5-day azithromycin Z pack always gets rid of it! I worry about being on it now 2x a year, but I heard it is less harmful or strong than others, so it’s safe."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 21, 2015
"Have had a sinus infection for 11 months... tried all types of antibiotics and they would help a little but right back to the same stuff. Major congestion, hard phlegm, trouble breathing, etc. Took azithromycin, day 1, was able to breathe through my nose again. Loosened up all mucus. Day 2 felt like a new person."
- Jmn...
- January 20, 2017
Zithromax (azithromycin) "I was prescribed a five-day round with the Z-Pak after developing a severe flu-like upper respiratory infection with stuffed and painful sinuses plus aches, sore throat, diarrhea, muscle pain, nausea, and more. I had a Rituxan infusion, and all of this started the next day (common side effects or adverse events). I have rheumatoid arthritis, and my immune system is screwed to begin with, and the Rituxan infusions temporarily make it worse. So I picked up a bug; bam! Long story, short ending. The Z-Pak began working almost immediately, and two hours after my second pill of 250 mg (first was 500), I don't feel sick. My sinuses are still a bit clogged, but that's livable. I'm impressed."
- Jak...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- January 9, 2019
"Had sinus infections most of my life. Prescribed for the first sinus infection 20 years ago and just ended a 6-week infection with 5 days of 500 mg. They've tried about every other antibiotic alternative for fear long-term exposure to azithro could decrease effectiveness. Other antibiotics, air purifiers, nasal wash systems, sprays, antihistamines... nothing else works for my sinuses. The only side effect I get is increased appetite. Still, azithro is the only thing that works for me 20 years!"
- Ber...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 8, 2015
"I got a sinus infection for the first time in my life, and when it didn't go away, I was given Augmentin - it barely helped. Went back to the ENT, and he gave me cephalexin. Not much improvement. Then he gave me Cipro. I gave up. My quality of life was so much lower. I couldn't smell. I had to sleep elevated. I never imagined how bad a sinus infection was, especially chronic. Then a dentist gave me a Z pack on the recommendation of a friend. Within days, I was a new woman. I could smell! I could breathe. I was so grateful."
- Kum...
- January 23, 2014
"Had a very sore throat, sinus and ears completely congested, lungs and back extremely sore with a gurgling sound in every breath and continuous coughing. Overall, I felt very miserable. I'm very reluctant to go to a doctor but finally did. I was given the 5-day Z-pack. I noticed feeling a lot better even after the first dose. I wasn't expecting something to work so quickly. Now on the 3rd day and sort of leveled out. Not feeling better, but I'm not miserable. Still congested in my lungs, but I can breathe freely. I hope this knocks it out by the 5th day."
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Zithromax (azithromycin) "I am prone to sinus infections and usually get them with seasonal changes. Sometimes they come with ear stuffiness and usually with a fever, sore throat, and migraines. The exhaustion is the worst! With two small children, this time around, I had to get back on my feet quickly as there are no sick days. Well, Z-Pak works within hours, even on the pain of the sinus pressure! This has gotten me back to normal more times in my 34 years than I can count. I am extremely thankful for it because I have very few alternatives, being severely allergic to penicillin."