Azithromycin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Has...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2018

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Woke up with chills and my throat on fire and went to urgent care the next day. I was prescribed a Z-pack because I’m allergic to penicillin. The first day I got diarrhea, the second day I got diarrhea, the third day same thing, and my symptoms worsened and seemed to spread to my left ear. I can’t sleep a full night and can barely eat. I cringe every time I swallow. I’m disgusted with the health industry and poor antibiotics."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2019

Azithromycin for Chlamydia Infection "The nurse gave me two Zithromax pills to take for chlamydia. An hour later, my stomach was killing me, and I had diarrhea! I can’t even finish my meals, halfway through my meals, I feel nauseous. I am also very bloated, and I get headaches, dizziness, discharge, and itchiness! Use a condom! You don’t want to go through this."

• App...
• September 24, 2014

For Chlamydia Infection "I was diagnosed after my ex called me and said he was infected (lesson learned: condoms are necessary). I took 2 pills at 1000 mg after I ate lunch (make sure to eat before you take them) and had diarrhea for a little while. Make sure you take them and don't have plans for the day, I ended up feeling nauseous, taking a nap definitely helped. But I feel the medicine definitely did its job and now I just have to wait and see if I'm all cleared up."

• Poo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2019

For Pneumonia "Had pneumonia in February and suffered through it because I knew the doctor would not listen, as usual. Survived but retained a cough for 6 months. Finally broke down and saw the doctor, who tried to pawn off the cough on acid reflux. Went to the emergency room a week later and x-rays showed pneumonia never fully left. Was prescribed azithromycin. Like 99% of patients on this, I had diarrhea immediately following. (Don't assume you're just passing gas!) Loose stools the next couple of days and fuzzy head off and on. Cough decreased in frequency if not intensity. Today's the last day. Diarrhea aside, I did feel better while taking it but whether it got rid of pneumonia is another question."

• Poo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2019

For Pneumonia "Had pneumonia in February and suffered through it because I knew the doctor would not listen, as usual. Survived but retained a cough for 6 months. Finally broke down and saw the doctor, who tried to pawn off the cough on acid reflux. Went to the emergency room a week later and x-rays showed pneumonia never fully left. Was prescribed azithromycin. Like 99% of patients on this, I had diarrhea immediately following. (Don't assume you're just passing gas!) Loose stools the next couple of days and fuzzy head off and on. Cough decreased in frequency if not intensity. Today's the last day. Diarrhea aside, I did feel better while taking it but whether it got rid of pneumonia is another question."

• 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."

• Wel...
• March 24, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "Took this medication around 8:30 pm on an empty stomach, as I was not advised otherwise. Big mistake. Had the worst stomach pains followed by extreme diarrhea that lasted until approx. 12:30 am. Managed to fall asleep and am feeling much better! Just gotta tough it out!"

• don...
• January 10, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "This antibiotic is making me pay the price for not using condoms. I took it about 2 hours ago, and I’m having really bad nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. I’m eating small bits of crackers, and the nausea is slowly fading, but so far it’s not fun."

• Anonymous
• January 26, 2012

For Pneumonia "I developed pneumonia (two areas on each lung) after a very long cold and flu of 7 weeks (no insurance and prefer not to take drugs). Finally went to County Urgent Care, and 8.5 hrs later, had a diagnosis and prescriptions. Feeling a bit better lung- and coughing-wise, but today, all day, I have had diarrhea and the resultant pain and burning. Since I have one more day of the Z-pack, I will soldier on, and if it continues, then back to urgent care. To those who have experienced stomach discomfort, the instructions say 'take with food.' Hope this helps."

• Sau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2019

Azithromycin for Chlamydia Infection "I've seen a lot of reviews, and they kind of freaked me out about the side effects. I fixed myself a nice brunch, ate, then took the pills, and about an hour after taking the (4) 250 mg Zithromax pills, my stomach started churning and rumbling. I used the bathroom once, and that was pretty much it. No vomiting, no bad diarrhea, or sweating, etc. I took the pills Wednesday, so I'm 2 days in."

• bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "Just took the two pills today. I got the infection from a cheating ex. But 10 mins after taking the pills, I was blindsided by the side effects. Stomach pain was the worst I've ever felt, hot flashes, the feeling of having to throw up, and nausea. I was able to get to sleep, but as soon as I got up, I had a stool of watery diarrhea. The medication seems to have helped. No burning during urination now. Hopefully, everything is good and cleared."

• Cit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2012

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "A visit to the doctor resulted in a chest X-ray and blood test, which confirmed inflammation of the lungs and a bacterial infection. I was given a 3-day dosage of azithromycin for the inflammation and warned it can cause diarrhea. I was also prescribed an inhaler, as a lung test showed 25% restriction. First day, no side effects except for heavy drowsiness. Second day, could already feel the symptoms reducing. Second day, 20 minutes after taking the meds, I got strong stomach pains (felt in the colon area, not stomach), followed by heavy drowsiness. Third day, I made sure to eat before the pill, which minimized the stomach pain, but I got one bout of diarrhea in the evening. Day 5, symptoms have improved, although I still have a runny nose and cough."

• Anonymous
• August 27, 2009

Azithromycin for Sinusitis "I was prescribed Zithromax for an upper respiratory infection, and I did not have such a good experience. The first day I had really bad diarrhea. I couldn't even leave the house. The second day I was overwhelmed with nausea. I took the pill with food and still felt sick to my stomach the entire day and night. Today I have decided the terrible side effects are not worth it, and I'm not going to take the rest of my prescription."

• Hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "So long story short, contracted the clap from a boyfriend who had sex with a girl who waited months to tell him that she had it. Yay me. Took four pills with little in my stomach, ate a couple of hours before. Let's just say I'd hate me if I were my toilet. I'm currently on it with diarrhea, pooping (have been for 30 mins), my life away while my stomach makes these weird sounds. I feel nauseous, but I don't think I'm going to throw up. Sucks to suck. I would say have safe sex, but it's already too late if you're up here, so that's pointless. But I will say I'm sorry and prepare for your colon cleanse. I feel pounds lighter!"

• Pan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "I got prescribed 500 mg, 2 pills to be taken at once. I am awful at taking pills, so I tried to crush it into applesauce. DO NOT DO THAT. Made the whole thing taste awful and had to get another prescription for it. Took it today all together, and within an hour, I was on the toilet with the worst diarrhea I’ve had in over 10 years. It hit so quick. Hopefully, it knocks the infection out for good, but definitely stay near a bathroom for at least the first 2 hours."

• Nas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2013

Azithromycin for Chlamydia Infection "It doesn't taste like anything when I took it. But I eat a meal with it and drink a glass of water/milk like it suggests. I've taken this medication three times. Each time it makes my stomach hurt, and I feel very nauseous. I also get sweaty and have bad diarrhea within an hour or two. It clears the infection up well, though."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2023

Azithromycin "I was prescribed a Z-Pak before a trip out of the country for potential strep throat. A family member had strep, and I was feeling off prior to the trip, so I called a teledoctor, and they prescribed the Z-Pak. I took the first dose. Within 45 minutes, I had diarrhea, and my heart rate shot over 120 bpm. I attributed these symptoms to anxiety prior to the trip. Went to bed and woke up around 2:30 am sweating, my heart racing, and my body shaking/jerking. Needless to say, the trip was canceled. Anxiety, headaches, and diarrhea lasted days after, along with sleeping hours upon end. Literally felt like I was hit by a truck. I will not be taking a Z-Pak again."

• Fir...
• December 23, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Holy moly, I'm sitting on the toilet with violent diarrhea! I had the worst stomach pains! The pain is very close to the same pain as appendicitis. I took the two 500 mg tablets, approximately 1-2 hours later is when the pain started. I hope this pain and diarrhea are a sign of the tablets working. Can't wait until I am chlamydia-free :)"

• Joc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2019

For Pneumonia "I was skeptical taking the Z-Pak to aid with pneumonia, as I have taken it for other ailments, such as strep throat. Day three, I started feeling much better. The side effects are minimal, if at all. I experienced some loose stools and nervousness. Other than that, the medication is easy to take and is only taken for five days."

• Anonymous
• September 9, 2011

Azithromycin for Sinusitis "I have had this sinus infection for 5 days. Went to the doctor's yesterday, the doctor prescribed me Zithromax. The side effects with me are stomach cramps, diarrhea, bloody nose, and dizziness. But it seems to be working so far. Let's hope that by the time the bottle is finished, I feel like myself again."

• Noe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "I want to write this for every anxious person who was, just like me, scared to death of taking this antibiotic. After reading about possible death and whatnot, I was shaking all day prior to taking this medicine. Firstly, NOTHING will happen to you if you take this medicine. You will not get dizzy or feel drugged, or have palpitations or anxiety - I am one of the most anxious people, and this did not happen to me. Why? I ate first. The most important thing before taking this medicine is to eat because it is strong for your stomach. Eat like a pig and then take it with lots of water. You will be fine. The only thing you might get is stomach pain and diarrhea - when you do, eat pieces of bread and it will pass (within half an hour max)."

• Hug...
• November 15, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Dying laughing at some of the reviews on here as I sit on the toilet with diarrhea that's been happening for like 30 mins. Took 2 500 mg pills about an hour ago w/ food. Stomach is making gross noises. Had nausea too, but it's mostly gone. Like some other people on here, I didn't wait long enough to have sex again after getting treated the first time with my partner, so this is round two. Don't be a huge idiot like me and wait, so you don't have to have the worst diarrhea twice. Good luck, people."

• hhl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2020

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "Z-Pak works well for clearing up strep throat, however, it caused *severe* appetite loss. Loose stools 1x a day. I lost 7 lbs in 3 days on this. Obviously, weight can be gained back, and the strep is gone - but ask your doctor for a script of Zofran with this! & Diflucan. Increased my anxiety a ton at night as well. Could not sleep. Pros - works. Cons - you will never want to eat, also a lot of anxiety at night from this."

• som...
• June 20, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "After reviewing all these reviews, I was mega, mega nervous taking this. Caught chlamydia and had to take the single dose of 4 tablets. Was expecting sickness, diarrhea, vomiting, and pretty bad stomach pains. Had some cereal in the morning, then 2 hours later took the tablets with some water and waited for the onset of horridness. I'm writing this because reading these reviews can be misleading, as people are way more likely to want to vent if they have a bad experience, which is what terrified me. Besides a very small amount of diarrhea, which wasn't uncomfortable whatsoever, and a few painless stomach growls, I haven't had any other side effects whatsoever. Take these reviews with a pinch of salt!"

• Anonymous
• August 19, 2012

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "My young son was prescribed this for severe tonsillitis. His fevers were very high. Paracetamol would bring it down, but it would be right back up long before 4 hrs were up. The azithromycin just made him sicker. He had the worst diarrhea and gas and abdominal pain, which was very difficult for an already miserable child. After 3 days, he wasn't improving and was changed to a different medication."