Azithromycin and Stomach Pain: What Users Say

• Wil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2012

Azithromycin for Pneumonia "I developed pneumonia after being treated in the hospital for an anaphylactic allergic response. Within a few days, my oxygen was down to 92%. I was almost hospitalized, but begged the doc to let me stay out as it was 5 days until Christmas. I was prescribed a 5-day Z-Pak (Azithromycin). Today is day 3, I'm finally starting to feel better. The only side effects so far have been slightly loose stools and a rapid pulse. (I'm 35 and otherwise healthy.) I find I got stomach pains within an hour of taking it, so today I ate before I took it and that helped."

• 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."

• CSi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2016

For Bronchitis "I have used this numerous times for both bronchitis and sinusitis, and it has always worked great for me. The 5-day Z-pack is great. I don't have to take a pill for 14 days, and that is awesome. Every time I have taken it, I have experienced stomach pain on the first day, but each day following it, no problems. This medicine is awesome, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants fast and effective relief!!"

• 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."

• Hap...
• July 8, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Took two 500 mg (1,000 total) in one dose. A little stomach pain but was able to sleep it off. No other side effects. The key to taking this antibiotic is to eat, eat, eat. Eat something before and eat something after. And drink an entire bottle of water and then some. You'll be fine! Most people only share negative reviews, but my experience with the antibiotic was just fine. And I have the worst anxiety. Just eat and drink water, and you'll be fine."

• Win...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2015

For Pneumonia "Woke on a Monday, with a cough and shortness of breath. Got worse through the week. Went to an urgent care, and after being tested for the flu, they agreed with me that I had pneumonia. Third time I have had it in 15 years (I'm lucky like that). They gave me a shot and put me on 250 mg for 5 days. On day 4, still out of work, with coughing and shortness of breath. Meds tore up my stomach and caused pain towards the right side. Eat some yogurt before taking, helps some. Either I'm worse than I thought, or it's taken this med longer than I expected to get me back on my feet. Also caused some headaches. Good luck to others taking it, and hope it helps you to feel better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2013

For Chlamydia Infection "I took 2 tablets by mouth as prescribed, after eating dinner. After about 10 minutes, I started to have very bad stomach pains and felt like I had to vomit. I also felt extremely hot. The effects lasted for a little over 1 hour. Although the side effects were bad, I really feel like the meds did the job. It's only been one day, and I've not had any vaginal discharge, and the odor has gone away. To me, it was worth the discomfort. Hope this helps."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Kyl...
• August 12, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "Today I received results from an STD test that was given to me by my OBGYN, unfortunately, the results came back positive for chlamydia. I've only had sex with one person, so I was pretty devastated, but luckily, I was prescribed 2 azithromycin 500 mg tablets. The side effects are pretty strange considering that you may get dizzy, become weak, it may interfere with your vision, and it may or may not cause mild stomach pain. My best advice to you is to drink tons of water and do not take the medication on an empty stomach, and it may be best to take the medicine when you're someplace comfortable. Personally, all of the side effects are worth it because, in the end, you'll be free of an STD. Good luck! (No more unprotected sex for me!)"

• 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."

• 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 :)"

• 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)."

• Ano...
• December 14, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Very effective for sure! Only symptom of the infection was vaginal discharge with a weird smell. Took 2 500 mg tablets with a bag of chips and a full glass of water. Felt fine until about 3 hours later. Now I feel terrible! Nauseous and stomach pain. A little gas also. But despite the side effects, it beats having an STD."

• 001...
• March 21, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "I took this medicine about an hour ago, and I'm having TERRIBLE stomach pain! And I feel very nauseated and like I'm fixing to vomit. Please someone help me? This is my first time being affected with this disease, and I don't know what to do. I'm really scared and in so much pain! I took 1 500 mg."

• Bre...
• March 24, 2019

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "Worst med ever... literally coming out both ends at the same time! Sitting in hot bath, only thing that helps the severe stomach pain! OMG, I prefer cramps, at least those get knocked out with pills... this medicine is awful."

• Anonymous
• October 4, 2012

For Bronchitis "This is my 3rd day out of 5 days on Z-Pak. The first 2 doses were hard with the stomach pain. But if you eat a pretty good meal, like 20 min before you take it, then it helps a lot. The stomach pain is only there when the pill dissolves. So eating with it helps it dissolve a lot easier. My coughing really hasn't gone down much. The urgent care I went to gave me an inhaler too, so that has been helping with my coughing and chest cold pain. But I can only take it every 4 hours. But I do feel better enough to work now."

• sar...
• December 30, 2014

For Chlamydia Infection "I took it this morning before going to work. I felt so blindsided. Had the worst stomach pains, super nauseous, and dizziness. I was also beyond tired, like weak. I wished I would have taken it after work or after dinner. Lesson learned: don't believe anyone when they say you're the only one. Hoping and praying it all comes out good when I get rechecked."

• Fir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "After having unprotected sex with two different men in one night (I do NOT recommend), I figured something bad would happen. After finally going to the doctor because my vag felt inflamed and swollen, I was diagnosed with chlamydia and given azithromycin. After taking it on an empty stomach (again, would not recommend), about an hour later, my stomach was hurting so bad. I also got hot flashes and my pulse elevated, but I was graced with no diarrhea, unlike others on here. I decided I was not going to deal with it anymore and forced myself to sleep and woke up feeling so much better in the morning. Hopefully this did the trick and I'm cleared of the infection. NEVER having sex again."

• 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."

• lee...
• June 27, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "First time taking the medicine. Two pills, 500 mg. I took the pills while cooking and ate immediately after. I laid down for a nap and fell asleep. I woke up with a strong sensation to throw up. I had to fight it for a while because I was afraid if I threw up, the medicine wouldn't work. Severe stomach pain as well. No other symptoms from my experience."

• Ano...
• January 4, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "Good thing I read the reviews after I took it because I would've been scared, lol. But definitely on the toilet right now, and my stomach was in a lot of pain. Thought it was barfing pain, but it wasn't. Your stomach will hurt after dosage."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2018

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "I love the Z-Pak! I am allergic to most every antibiotic out there, and so this is my go-to. I have three infections right now: double ear, sinus, and lung. I felt terrible two days ago, and now I am awesome. I am having the poops, and when I take it on an empty stomach, it hurts, but a bit of food and I am fine as wine. I have two days left of a five-day course, and I feel awesome. I love this antibiotic. Plus for me, as soon as I am done with it, I poop normally again."

• Tal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "I took 4-250 mg during 1 meal. My doctor said that this dose was enough for me to clear the infection. I am 5'3", 170 lbs. To avoid stomach pain, vomiting, or nausea, she suggested that I take 2 bites of my meal, take a pill... 2 more bites, take a pill, and so forth. It worked well!"