Azithromycin and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Aan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "I was SO scared reading these reviews, but surprisingly I had little to no side effects. I made sure to eat a carb-filled meal about 30 min before taking the 1000mg dose. No stomach ache really, no fever either. Did have mild diarrhea about 5 hours later. Don’t stress too hard about it! Stress makes everything worse! Just take it and lie down, you’ll be okay! If I can do it so can you!"

• Tin...
• November 3, 2013

For Bronchitis "I wanted to give a complete day-to-day experience taking Z-Pak. Summary: I started to get sore throat, earache, fatigue, body chills, vomiting, and a slight fever. I would cough up white/slightly yellow mucus. Day 1: Fatigue was reduced by 80%, less coughing, didn't cough up as much mucus but dry hacking cough was still there. Day 2: Coughing was still there, ear infection reduced, little to no mucus. Couldn't lay down or would still get coughing fits, would have to sporadically sit up so I wouldn't cough throughout the night, had liquid stools. Day 3: Felt 70% better, coughing turned into an annoying honking cough with no mucus, slight blurry vision, some sweating, dryness, continued watery stools. Day 4: Feeling 75-80% better."

• Tin...
• November 3, 2013

For Bronchitis "I wanted to give a complete day-to-day experience taking Z-Pak. Summary: I started to get sore throat, earache, fatigue, body chills, vomiting, and a slight fever. I would cough up white/slightly yellow mucus. Day 1: Fatigue was reduced by 80%, less coughing, didn't cough up as much mucus but dry hacking cough was still there. Day 2: Coughing was still there, ear infection reduced, little to no mucus. Couldn't lay down or would still get coughing fits, would have to sporadically sit up so I wouldn't cough throughout the night, had liquid stools. Day 3: Felt 70% better, coughing turned into an annoying honking cough with no mucus, slight blurry vision, some sweating, dryness, continued watery stools. Day 4: Feeling 75-80% better."

• ake...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2020

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "These bad reviews terrified me. I took this for strep throat, and within the second day, I was feeling better. I have one more day left and will be done with it. I’ve had no bad issues. The first day with the two pills made my stomach hurt a little and I got mild diarrhea, but after that, I had no more issues. Make sure to eat a full meal when taking it. And stop overthinking! Anxiety causes stomach pain and bathroom issues as well. If you’re freaking out due to the reviews, I would not be shocked if you end up in the bathroom. Please don’t let the reviews deter you. Everyone’s body is different."

• Cov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2020

Azithromycin for Pneumonia "Went to the hospital because of fever over a week and pain above my navel. They x-rayed my chest and told me I have double pneumonia and most likely COVID-19. I have finished the entire Z-pack (azithromycin) now and feel worse every day. Doctors ignore my complaints. Diarrhea, fever, dizziness, chills, and the worst pain in my chest I have ever had even when not breathing deeply. However, they still won’t test me for the virus. I don’t have any more meds and my doctor said not to come in for a follow-up because I could get others sick. I am in mandatory quarantine with my family. I hope I don't die."

• Eli...
• November 6, 2016

For Pneumonia "I had been fighting a horrible respiratory infection and couldn't go to work or college. After about two weeks, I had to go to the doctor, where they told me I had pneumonia. Having had it before, I expected some antibiotics that you take for over a week and was very skeptical when I got these, considering there wasn't even a week. On day one of taking it, I had some diarrhea and a headache, but when I woke up the next morning, I didn't have those symptoms again. Also, that morning my symptoms from pneumonia had improved dramatically. By day four, the infection was almost all the way gone, besides an occasional cough. I am very glad I tried this drug, it helped me a lot!"

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2014

Azithromycin for Sinusitis "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."

• Bec...
• May 26, 2014

For Sinusitis "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."

• Ste...
• August 6, 2014

Azithromycin for Sinusitis "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."

• 321...
• August 13, 2013

Azithromycin for Bronchitis "I had been having a mild sporadic cough for a week and a half before I started having the 'under the weather' cold feeling. It started in my chest and was accompanied by body aches, a sore throat, and a headache from a dry cough. After two days of dry cough and developing laryngitis from coughing so much, it moved up into my nasal area, where I started finally experiencing mucus. By the third day, I was feeling like crap and had no real appetite. So, I went to the local clinic. I was diagnosed with a cold, bronchitis, and laryngitis. I was prescribed a 5-day antibiotic treatment of 250 mg. The first day, I had nausea, diarrhea, and a racing heartbeat for a couple of hours. I started feeling better after 2 days, kept taking the antibiotic, the side effects went away, and so did the cold. Fast."

• Ema...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2019

For Pneumonia "People, azithromycin not only kills the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria in your gut and intestinal tract, which immediately causes flaming diarrhea! You must get a potent probiotic to take along with the med. The one that works great for me has acidophilus in it. Relieves the problem almost immediately. I don’t know why the HECK doctors don’t mention this!"

• Liz...
• February 5, 2013

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I've used this medication in the past and now recently for a bad throat infection. I was given the 5-day pack. After the first day (2 tablets), I started to feel better, and slowly it's been improving every day. I did experience bad stomach side effects, diarrhea mainly, but I expected that since I wasn't eating well because of the throat infection. I took my last tablet today, and I hope that it's gone, but the symptoms have definitely improved. If you do get an upset stomach, try to take it with food. Good medication all in all, though."

• Anonymous
• December 12, 2011

For Bronchitis "I, too, get bronchitis every year when the weather changes, and I swear by Z-packs. It is also wonderful for strep throat. Yes, diarrhea is a side effect of nearly all antibiotics, but I tell you, I'd rather perch on the toilet than cough until I bust blood vessels in my eyes."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2021

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "Severe anxiety and nervousness, horrible diarrhea, awful stomach ache, intense nausea, freaky nightmare, horrific headache. I only took 2 pills, they were 250 mg apiece. Don't recommend whatsoever. Now I'm feeling like death, wondering when the effects will wear off."

• Jee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2016

For Pneumonia "I had to write this review because everyone else's reviews freaked me out so much before taking this antibiotic. I have a very sensitive stomach, and if there is a side effect to a medication, I usually get it. I took this with food, and I had no problems at all. No nausea, no stomach pains, no diarrhea, no hives, nothing. The only reason I didn't give this antibiotic ten stars is that I was hoping to feel better at this point. I just took my last dose, and I definitely feel better, but I still have a ways to go. All in all, I would recommend this antibiotic and do not be so afraid of the other reviews. Take with food, and you will be fine."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2017

For Pneumonia "So, I had walking pneumonia for a little while and didn't know. No symptoms. Then I got chest pain, went to the ER, they sent me to the asthma room, and the albuterol treatments (all 3) only made my chest feel tighter. So, they put me on the oxygen and I instantly felt better. They decided to try albuterol again, and I stopped breathing. I was immediately intubated and ended up with a collapsed lung. Found out I had an asthma attack while having pneumonia. I was in the ICU, most of my meds were given intravenously, so I wasn't aware much of what I was given until I was released. The zithromax is great, I feel better already. But even eating, I have burning diarrhea. I'm fine with it. I'd rather survive than complain about poop."

• Joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2016

For Middle Ear Infections "I am allergic to penicillin, so Zithromax is the alternative before getting into the heavy stuff like Cipro and Levaquin. I have been taking Zithromax for years and always get relief around day 3. The loose stools are normal, it means Zithromax is working and the bacteria is being flushed out of your system."

• 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."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2015

Azithromycin for Bronchitis "I was prescribed and took the Azithromycin pack (Z Pack) when I came down with an acute case of bronchitis. It was the traditional 2 pills at the first dose, and then 1 pill each following day. I started to feel a noticeable improvement by day 3, and was nearly completely better 7-8 days later. The medicine definitely worked for me, however, the side effects were strongly unpleasant. I had severe stomach pains, along with diarrhea, even when I did take the pills with food. Since the pills work for 10 days, I had the side effects for that long too. Overall though, I'm happy I took the Z Pack and it helped cure me quickly."

• Jmn...
• January 20, 2017

Azithromycin for Sinusitis "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."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "Took two azithromycin 500 mg pills after a bigger meal, so I was full - as my pharmacist instructed, and I was fine. Only thing is, I did have some pretty bad diarrhea, but only made 2 trips to the bathroom."

• KT7...
• March 1, 2014

For Chlamydia Infection "I was prescribed 1g of azithromycin in 2 500mg pills. My doctor allowed me to take them an hour apart to try to avoid some stomach upset. I took them at 8 pm with dinner, and was fine till about midnight. I got pretty bad stomach cramps and diarrhea consistently throughout the night. By the next morning, though, everything had subsided, and I was fine. Ate normally, felt no side effects. I began feeling better after a day and was negative upon re-test. Medicines work well, you just have to put up with a few unpleasant side effects sometimes."

• Anonymous
• August 5, 2012

Azithromycin for Bronchitis "I came down with bronchitis and was prescribed Zithromax. I was prone to ear infections when I was younger and was always prescribed this because I was allergic to penicillin. I had no side effects then, but now I have bad stomach cramps and diarrhea."

• har...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2020

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "This is my second round of 5 azithromycin tabs, not working for tonsillitis. I have had diarrhea, burning throat, and sore stomach. This all worries me because of the COVID-19. No major fever yet! I wouldn't recommend this med, to hit or miss!"

• Aim...
• December 18, 2014

For Chlamydia Infection "I took this last night right before bed, slept fine, and woke up this morning with my stomach rumbling, aching, and mild diarrhea. Nothing too horrible, though. I gave it a 9 because I don't know how effective the treatment was yet. I took four 250 mg pills."