Azithromycin and Cramps: What Users Say

• Spi...
• April 7, 2010

Azithromycin for Sinusitis "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'."

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "Worst experience ever. Do not take it before bed if you want to sleep. Took 2x500 mg azithromycin pills at 9 pm. At 11 pm had worst cramps, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, and diarrhea 3 times. Managed to fall asleep at 1 am. Suffering was horrible. Please use condoms and don't trust any guy that says he was tested. What everyone says is true and worse."

• Bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2015

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I have just taken Day 5 dose for a worse than usual respiratory infection. Being asthmatic, I need to get a jump on these things, and Z-Pack works well, and the one pill a day makes it convenient. Abdominal cramps and diarrhea are a side effect I get with all antibiotics, and I have found eating yogurt helps. The antibiotic will kill the good bacteria in your colon as well as the bad infection, and it has to be replaced."

• Pum...
• February 21, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "Omg! So today I took these pills on an empty stomach, and I kid you not, about 20-30 minutes after taking them, my stomach is at a 10. I'm currently on the toilet now, too scared to get up. Cramps, gurgling, nausea, you name it! I'm trying to take deep breaths to ease the pain, but it's not working at all!"

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2021

For Chlamydia Infection "OK, so I have horrible anxiety, and after reading these reviews, I WAS TERRIFIED. I waited 3 days to take my azithromycin pills, then, last night, I finally took them while shaking. I was given four 250 mg tablets, so I took 2 with some water and took the other 2 an hour later (I didn't feel comfortable taking all 4 at once). The first 2 gave me mild cramps and stomach bubbles. Then, when I took the last 2, I was going to sleep (because I was still terrified). I also took an 800 mg ibuprofen after reading about the stomach pains, so that maybe helped. But for the most part, I only experienced mild cramps, gassy, and I did have sweats for a good 5 mins. I woke up, and I just felt like my stomach was empty. So again, don't let these reviews scare you. Take it before bed, and it'll be much better. Stay safe."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "Worst medicine you could ever take! I took 2 azithromycin in 1 single dose when I first woke up because I had just found out about it, and I went straight to the pharmacy that morning because I wanted it out of my system ASAP! 15 mins later, in the shower, I’m moaning in the worst pain I’ve ever been in. That pain topped period cramps, they were awful! I screamed for 45 mins in pain. But it works. Never again, though."

• Bry...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2022

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "I had to take a Z-Pak for 5 days, starting a week and a half ago. The first two days were fine, it started to clear up my infection incredibly fast, but starting on the 3rd day, I began to get stomach pain. Now, it’s been almost a week since my last dose, and I’ve been in bed writhing in pain every day, the cramps and gas pains are out of this world. It also gave me extreme heart palpitations, and I passed out a few nights ago! I’ve taken Z-Paks in the past with no issues, not sure what’s happening this time. I’m typing this from the bathroom as I sit trying so hard to go, but nothing comes, just severe pain."

• Gio...
• August 6, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "This is the second time I've had to take a single dose of 1000 mg of azithromycin. The first time was Zithromax, and today I took the generic version. Both times I had pretty much the same experience: I had some pretty painful cramping and bloating within 1 hour of taking it, and 2 hours later I had to rush to the toilet. After the first time on the toilet, I felt a lot better, I literally felt like my entire digestive system had been cleaned out. After another 2 hours, I was on the toilet again, not as bad as the first time. All in all, I'm giving it a rating of 10/10 because let's face it, a bit of diarrhea for getting rid of chlamydia is a small price to pay. If anything, I'll be making sure I never have to be in this situation again."

• was...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "Took the one dose of azithromycin, the two 500mg tablets, and it caused me to have a bowel movement almost constantly for over a week, reminded me of having period cramps. Also, it had made me start my period early and have an extra heavy flow that lasted 4 days longer than my 3-day average. Also, it had made me break out on my face, chest, and shoulders so bad. I’m 23 and I haven’t broken out that bad since I’d been in middle school. The antibiotics, however, did the job despite the side effects."

• Opt...
• June 22, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Took the 2 pink tablets, 500 mg each, as one dose, and everything was fine. I took a nap, and a few hours later, woke up sweating and really nauseous. I then began getting really bad cramping... Haven't gone to the bathroom yet, but I did yack because the nausea was that bad. I really hope the medicine is still effective even after puking a few hours after taking it. Definitely learned my lesson about unprotected sex!!"

• Rjf...
• November 16, 2015

For Sinusitis "I have taken this medicine many, many times before, and it has always worked with no problems. I have had serious stomach issues this time around... slightly since day one. Tonight is day 4, and I just experienced severe abdominal cramping and pain... loose stools (TMI)... so severe I thought I would have to go to the ER. It started about 10 minutes after taking the pill, not on an empty stomach, I ate about 1 hour prior. Maybe just a freak thing, but very scary. A few hours went by, and I'm starting to feel better... not sure if I will take the last pill tomorrow."

• oka...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "I felt cramps an hour into taking two azithromycin 500 mg pills to treat a chlamydia infection. The cramps were uncomfortable, but still only a 6-7 on the pain scale. I am used to period cramps, and it was slightly different, but the pain went away after an hour. I was nervous to take this pill, but everyone has a different body. I just hope it cures my chlamydia."

• Anonymous
• January 30, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "I was scared as anything to take it because of the reviews, but I went head-on and took it at 8:00 pm after eating. I waited about 10 mins and dozed off, then woke up, went to work at 10 pm - still didn’t feel anything, no cramps, no diarrhea or nothing .... I just woke up at 1:00 am and I still feel nothing. I felt like I took ibuprofen ... TAKE IT AFTER EATING CLOSE TO BEDTIME, YOU'LL SLEEP RIGHT THROUGH IT ..."

• rbh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2016

For Sinusitis "Had to stop taking because of severe stomach pain and cramping. I would double over in pain and couldn't find relief doing anything, just had to suffer through it. Took me about 3 to 4 weeks to get back to normal. Do not recommend :("

• Ehh...
• February 2, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "I went to the doctor's because of abnormal bleeding and got a urine test for chlamydia. He called me about a week later, saying that I tested positive and needed to pick up a prescription for one dosage of two 500 mg tablets. It was about an hour and a half later when I started feeling nauseous and had cramping. I went to the toilet and felt like I pooped all the liquids out of me (it was not pleasant). Now it's been about 5 hours since then, and I'm still feeling a little off and have cramping, but it's bearable. Hope everyone is alright and chlamydia-free!"

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Found out I have chlamydia this morning, doctor prescribed 2 pills, 500 MG. I ate chicken soup, and now, two hours later, I'm sitting on the toilet with the worst abdominal cramps ever and diarrhea. I hope it works!!"

• Stu...
• August 16, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "I took this medication a little over 3 hours ago, and all of a sudden started feeling nauseous and started cramping. I got in the shower, ate some bread, and drank a bottle of water, and I seem to be doing okay now. If this medication does what it's supposed to do, then it's worth it. Small price to pay for being stupid and having unprotected sex."

• Hdy...
• July 27, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "So I came positive for chlamydia, and I was very nervous. I got prescribed 500 mg of azithromycin. It says take 2 tablets by mouth, so I took it thinking everything was going to be fine. I took them early in the AM, and truly, falling asleep about an hour later, my stomach was making the weirdest cramps ever. Not sharp pains, just felt my stomach was turning. I was VERY nauseous. I stood over my toilet for about an hour, throwing up saliva, nothing else but thin clear saliva. Now I'm starting to feel much better. I think azithromycin will affect everyone in a different way because it is taking away an STD, which is a big deal. Luckily, I didn't have any diarrhea, and hopefully, I start feeling better."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 20, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "I was infected with chlamydia by my then-husband. I was 7 months pregnant at the time. I took the single dose of two 500 mg pills. I took the meds around 4 in the afternoon and didn’t feel anything. Around 1 a.m., I felt some stomach pain and ended up throwing up. By 3 a.m., I had such severe cramps that I was screaming and crying on the floor from the pain. Finally then, my ex decided to take me to the ER. I was crying and in so much pain. The doctor said that I was having a severe reaction (I don’t remember the name of the condition). They gave me a sedative and pain meds to help, as well as Zofran to help with the vomiting. I went home by 8 a.m. I was in the clear after 10 days, but the medication itself was a nightmare."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "Took 4 of the 250 mg. I'm 32 weeks pregnant. First time ever with an STD. I felt horrible, nauseated, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheaded, weak, cramps, and sleepy all at once. It's the next day now, I'm still having diarrhea, but I'm eating. Hopefully, it's all out of my system. I don't ever want to go through this again, this sucks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed 1 dose of four 250 mg tablets to be taken at one time. The doctor did tell me to eat something with this. Thankfully, I ate an actual meal with it and not just a snack because I could only imagine how much worse I would have been if I didn’t eat a full meal. I took this around 7 pm, and by 10 pm, I was getting the stomach gurgles and cramps. It was bearable, and I fell asleep. Let me tell you, I woke up at 3 am with the worst diarrhea of my entire life and almost passed out in the bathroom from the pain. I went ghost white pale and started to sweat from the pain. I spent a good 30 minutes almost dying in the bathroom and slept on a couch in the living room in case I needed to crawl back in the bathroom and die again. This medication has the worst side effects."

• Bro...
• September 29, 2015

For Bronchitis "Ugh, it seems to be working on the 2nd day, but about an hour after each dose, my stomach is completely torn up and in a million cramps. It's so painful! I can't wait until this 5-day treatment is over so I don't have to go through this anymore!!"

• Bor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "It has been a year since I broke up with my ex, and of course, I slept with him without protection because I decided to be stupid! Little did I know he had the clap and spread it to me. I got tested, and days later I got a call saying I had an STD, and it really does suck knowing you would be the one to get it! Very embarrassing news and something you NEVER want to hear. I went into my doctor's office and took 4 pills and left. About an hour later, I had the WORST cramps and stomach pains. I sat on the toilet with diarrhea for about 15 minutes, and I felt better. It's been 2 hours, and I feel better after the bathroom. Not horrible, but it isn't a fun experience. I LEARNED MY LESSON. NO UNPROTECTED SEX."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "I'm here for the same issues as others: cheating partner and an unfortunate experience as a result. Already horrified, I read these reviews and wanted to cry even more. Eating a starchy meal was very good advice. I ate a small bowl of potato salad, drank 16 ounces of water, and took the medication. It did make me tired, so I napped periodically throughout the day. I ate a small bowl of pasta in the early evening and drank a little more water. Other than mild fatigue and mild cramping at night, I did not have any of the horrible symptoms that were shared here. Hopefully, others have a like experience, but if I had a severe reaction, I would call my doctor right away."

• Cri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "First time getting an STI or anything of that nature after just starting to be sexually active. I had no symptoms. I'm in my early 20s. I was initially concerned because it was all very new to me. I went to get treatment, took one dose of four pills, my doctor advised me about the side effects and sent me along my way. Worst thing I did was internet on the way home. Reading about the side effects with horrible cramping and diarrhea really scared me. Final verdict: It's been almost six hours after taking the antibiotics, and I've experienced no discomfort whatsoever. I feel perfectly fine. There was lots of white, odorless discharge in my underwear, but that, in my opinion, is a small price to pay. Using condoms forever now."