Azithromycin and Upset Stomach: What Users Say (Page 3)

• The...
• November 12, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "I'm 21 years of age, dated a guy who begged to be in a relationship with me, and I eventually fell in love. I thought he was perfect and would never cheat on me. I found out he had a fiancé, and I was heartbroken. I got an STD testing and found out I had my first STD. I was given 2 500 mg of azithromycin. I was advised to take it on a full stomach. I was fine until an hour later, my stomach hurt tremendously, and I started shaking for about 45 minutes, then it subsided after I said a prayer to God to please help me! Please, if you're dating someone, make sure you both get tested. Do not go by their words, or even if you trust them, because they might not know they are infected. Practice safe sex!"

• sca...
• June 27, 2009

Azithromycin for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I was prescribed a 5-day Z-Pak to treat a streptococcal pharyngitis infection. After the second day, the medication reduced the swelling and throat pain, but began to cause stomach cramping and pain. By the end of the third day, the stomach pain was severe, and the doctor recommended discontinuing use. This is the only antibiotic I have used that has caused an allergic reaction."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2019

For Sinusitis "Every fall going into winter, I get a bad sinus infection and it starts in my chest. Zithromax is the only thing that works. It started working after the first dose of 2 pills on the first day. Mild diarrhea on the first day. Augmentin has worse side effects for me and does not work as well, causing nausea and stomach cramps. I can handle the mild side effect of Zithromax because the end result is feeling better and fast."

• Sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "I was prescribed 2 azithromycin pills to cure my chlamydia. I took the two pills together, followed by water, and at least 15 mins later, I started to feel nauseous. So I laid down, however, I felt like that was only making it worse. So I sat up, the nausea went away, but then I started to get stomach cramps through the lower part of my stomach. I’m now having diarrhea and a slight headache. I’m going to continue staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, hopefully, it’ll help. I’m just glad I was able to get the pills to get this over with. Considering everything, I don’t mind the side effects as long as I’m cured."

• Pre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "So I found out I had this (like everyone else on here). I had eaten pretty well through the day (fried food though). I got a shot on the right side of my buttocks and felt nothing. I went to CVS pharmacy to get the two pills, 500 mg (must take both at the same time equaling 1000 mg!). I didn’t feel much until (even managed to cook some spaghetti). HOWEVER, about 2 hours later, I felt funny, got hot as anything, had nausea, laid down, mouth formed with saliva, then it hit me like a rocket. I was like, 'OMG, you gotta run to the bathroom!' Thankfully, no one was in there as I sure did poop a lot - like never before, and then it was coming out like pee. I got scared in fear I might get dehydrated. After all the pooping, I felt a little stronger, so I took a shower and washed my hair. Now I’m lying in bed scared to eat the spaghetti I cooked due to the extreme diarrhea. Scary, lmao. Definitely wrapping it up from now on!!! Not worth the stomach cramps, pains, and diarrhea."

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

For Chlamydia Infection "Second time having chlamydia and absolutely the last! First time round I suffered from terrible diarrhea, to the point where I actually couldn't hold it in (how embarrassing). Now it has been around 3 hours, and I have a mild stomach ache, and I feel sleepy. The drug is effective, as I already know, but the side effects are a pain. Couldn't stress enough to just have protected sex, none of this is worth it, and boys can and will lie! Stay safe."

• Sha...
• June 13, 2017

For Sinusitis "I am on day 2 of this antibiotic for a severe sinus infection. On my first dose of the 2 pills, my stomach started becoming upset, it was bloating and an overall bad feeling in my gut. Day 2 (which is where I am now), and I do feel much better concerning my sinus issues, but my stomach still hurts and I am bloated. I have been taking this antibiotic for years and have not experienced this before with my stomach. I had something to eat right after taking both doses. But I will say that the sinus pain and pressure in my face and eyes is gone!! Which is a big deal to me. I'll just have to deal with the stomach pains... they aren't severe. I am wondering if somehow they have changed the makeup of this antibiotic since I haven't had these issues."

• Sha...
• June 13, 2017

For Sinusitis "I am on day 2 of this antibiotic for a severe sinus infection. On my first dose of the 2 pills, my stomach started becoming upset, it was bloating and an overall bad feeling in my gut. Day 2 (which is where I am now), and I do feel much better concerning my sinus issues, but my stomach still hurts and I am bloated. I have been taking this antibiotic for years and have not experienced this before with my stomach. I had something to eat right after taking both doses. But I will say that the sinus pain and pressure in my face and eyes is gone!! Which is a big deal to me. I'll just have to deal with the stomach pains... they aren't severe. I am wondering if somehow they have changed the makeup of this antibiotic since I haven't had these issues."

• Bes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2023

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "I’m allergic to many antibiotics, and the ones I’m not allergic to make me physically ill with nausea and terrible stomach upset. This is the only antibiotic I can take without worrying about horrible side effects. I highly recommend it. It’s also easier to take than many other antibiotics that you have to take multiple times a day. Don’t let any bad reviews scare you, this is a great antibiotic! I’m currently on it for a root canal. But I’ve had it a couple of times in the past for other issues."

• Tre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "Today I was diagnosed with Chlamydia, I've had it over 9 months. The clinic gave me two 500 mg tablets. 20 minutes after consumption, my stomach began to ache and I was nauseous. It may be because I didn't eat anything before. I drank some water and ate a bag of chips. An hour passed and my stomach was still upset, so I ate a Reese's Cup milkshake and chicken nuggets from McDonald's. (Obviously not the best.) The pain and nausea subsided a bit afterwards. After that, I took a short 35-minute nap, when I got up, I felt dizzy and my stomach started to bubble, lol. Now I'm at work, and it's 90 degrees here in Las Vegas. It's best to take it at night when you can lay down and be close to a toilet."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2019

For Bronchitis "I have had bronchitis for 3 weeks, I’m completely finished taking the 5-day Z-Pack (azithromycin). Although most of my other symptoms have subsided, I’m still very sick with a deep, painful cough, dry, itchy, and raw throat. The side effects for me were awful. I had severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sweating profusely. Now I’m probably going to have to go back in and see what I have to do. This antibiotic was definitely not helpful for me. Perhaps if it was taken with another medication or steroid, it would have helped."

• BLL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "Got a positive test result text, went to get treatment that same afternoon with my partner. Both given 4 azithromycin tablets (1000 mg) to take at once. Since taking them, both of us have had nausea, stomach cramps, stomachs making funny gurgling noises, and diarrhea. This started roughly 2 hours after taking. Hoping they will pass soon. Feeling sick is the worst :("

• An...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "After reading the side effects on this, I absolutely freaked out. Like a lot of people on here, I have a severe, severe phobia of vomiting. I am below the average weight and height for my age (21) and was leery to take 1g of this medication, so I took 875mg the first time, and the rest later in the evening. I ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some ginger snacks and a handful of Fruit Loops before taking the first dose, and the only reaction I had was very, very mild stomach gurgling and some very mild stomach tightness, which easily could have been from the anxiety of taking the meds. I ate some peppermint candies and continued through my day with absolutely no problems whatsoever. It is now 11:30 pm, and I'm still fine!"

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "I took azithromycin for a UTI. Never again. I took it with food. Two hours later, I had the worst stomach cramps, gas, and diarrhea, feeling hot and shaking, and experiencing really bad anxiety along with it. I'm never taking this antibiotic again."

• PTS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2024

"I just had a root canal yesterday because my crown prep last week caused irreversible pulpitis. I was in excruciating pain after the numbness wore off, like 10/10 ER level, losing my mind pain for 9 hours. I took the azithromycin (Zpak) prescribed to me. Within an hour of taking the first two pills, I was completely, and I mean COMPLETELY pain-free! I actually slept a few hours! I’m on Day 2 post-root canal, and I am still pretty pain-free, just a little sore jaw that I can tolerate and take Tylenol for and apply moist heat. So apparently, azithromycin is also an anti-inflammatory and a VERY good one-who knew?! Look it up! I can’t take NSAIDs, steroids, or narcotics, so basically, I can only take Tylenol for pain. So if you’re reading this in horrible pain and your doctor will prescribe it, ask for azithromycin (Zpak). I take it with food (like oatmeal), Pepcid AC max strength, and Zofran to prevent stomach upset. This medicine saved me last night and today, and I am so grateful for it!"

• 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."

• Nev...
• July 20, 2017

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "Took first dose of two tablets for bronchitis and lost all ability to taste food in a few hours, also had to leave work as I felt very tired. No change to bronchitis symptoms. Day two, continues to have no ability to taste food and headache (5/10) began after the second dose. Bronchitis symptoms mildly improving. Following the third dose, severe headache and earache, took tramadol, which made it manageable. Not taking the fourth dose, currently experiencing horrific stomach cramps and diarrhea. Still can't taste anything and have a significant headache. Felt much better with bronchitis symptoms, feel like death. Never again."

• Bub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "I was prescribed the 4x500 mg pills, and I took them in the pharmacy parking lot immediately after getting them. I had no knowledge of the side effects, so I didn't mind the giant meal I had eaten about 20 minutes prior. I took a nap when I got home because I was feeling a bit drowsy and was awakened by horrible stomach cramps. I sprinted to the bathroom, and I'm currently on the toilet evacuating my lower intestine. Lots of diarrhea. It's been about 30-45 minutes, and it's starting to wind down, but you can bet I'm wrapping up from now on. My advice: have a light meal and stay hydrated before you take the medication, and do it at a time when you don't have any obligations for the rest of your day. 2000 mg of antibiotics at one time is a lot, so prepare."

• Bil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2015

For Sinusitis "After the third dose, I feel worse than before. Headache, diarrhea, bad taste in mouth, upset stomach, and weakness. Two doses left of a five-day pack, and I can breathe a bit, but the other side effects are awful. I feel as if I were unmedicated, I felt better."

• Uh ...
• June 2, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "found out I was positive. Less than 24 hours later, I took the 'one time' dose of azithromycin. The 2 500 mg tablets went down easily, but about 15 minutes afterwards, I started feeling a bit hot/sweaty and started getting stomach cramps. Luckily, I got home just in time for the toilet, diarrhea once about an hour after I took it. Although, after the diarrhea, the cramps stopped, which was good. I had a Greek yogurt, which seemed to settle my stomach a bit. Got a slight headache, but nothing unbearable. These are common side effects, so a little diarrhea to clear up my infection is a good enough trade for me. Lesson learned."

• Bub...
• March 14, 2021

For Chlamydia Infection "I have emetophobia, so it was super hard for me to take this medicine as I read horrible reviews about it. But! I decided to get rid of this ASAP because I don’t want to be stuck with this. I actually was told I had chlamydia on Feb. 20 and waited till March 13 to take medication (I know, dumb). Side effects: bad stomach cramps 30 mins after taking it, feeling super tired after taking, it’s 4 am, and I’m experiencing stomach rumbling. Annoying but tolerable? * It’s only been 12 hours since medication. * WILL UPDATE EVERY DAY. Tips: - I took a nausea pill 30 mins before taking this medication. - I prepared my stomach 2 days before by taking probiotics and eating healthy! - Eat small meals! Don’t get too full, it can trigger the nausea. - If you get a headache, take a small shower and a nap. - Think positive! Distract yourself! If you have emetophobia: I believe in you! We got this! HOPE THIS HELPS! I’ll be back to update daily! x"

• MDa...
• September 6, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "The first time I took this for chlamydia was in 2014. A few hours after taking it, I had terrible stomach cramps, had to run to the bathroom to vomit and use the toilet at the same time. Nothing was coming out, so I just sat on the toilet trying to figure out what was going on. The next day, I had hives that went away within an hour. I wasn’t informed of any side effects. The pills treated the infection. Fast forward to now. I took two 500 mg pills a couple of days ago for a chlamydia reinfection, and immediately after taking it, I had super intense stomach pain. I couldn’t even take the bus from the clinic that was only a few blocks from my house, where they administered the pills. I had to call an Uber. I did have the pills crushed up by my physician because I have problems with swallowing pills, especially ones as large as these. And I took the pills on an empty stomach. I just hope that these pills treat me because the side effects are terrible."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2021

For Chlamydia Infection "Honestly... I wish someone would have told me what I was getting myself into with taking this. And also I do understand everyone’s reaction is different, but I just wish I could’ve prepared myself. I had the WORST stomach cramps and stomach pain I’ve ever had in my life! Similar to a previous food poisoning experience... I took Gravol before since my doctor said it could cause some nausea, but this was beyond anything I’d ever imagined. Shortly after the cramping started, I had UNCONTROLLABLE diarrhea! I feel so lucky I wasn’t driving or working. It lasted several hours, and I even woke up in the middle of the night to more cramps and..... you know what... It’s the next day, and I’m still having cramps and stomach gurgles. Ugh. I have no idea of the effectiveness at this time, but definitely the worst side effects I’ve ever had from medication."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "Had this infection twice, smh. Took two 500 mg of azithromycin, which is 1 gram, 30 minutes after eating a big meal (as directed by the doctor). The first time, I had minor side effects. Just a bit of gagging, but nothing came out. This time, I felt horrible. Stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and I felt very weak. Took the pills around 8:15 pm. It's now 10:23 pm, and I'm feeling a little better. Ran to the toilet once because of the diarrhea. Hopefully, this medicine works a second time."

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "I took this azithromycin medicine like 10 days ago for chlamydia. I had some headache and stomachache, but it didn’t last longer. I read it takes 7 days to clear symptoms, it’s day 10 and I still have symptoms, not as strong as before, but I will wait until day 14 and go see the doctor again for another dose if I still have the symptoms."