Azithromycin and Upset Stomach: What Users Say (Page 4)

• And...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2018

For Bronchitis "I have had a nagging cough off and on for over 8 weeks. I also have had at times colored sputum. I treated myself the last 7.5 weeks with OTC sinus antihistamines, NSAIDs, etc., which is typically for a virus. Until last Thursday, when against my inner self, I got a flu shot. Sent what I thought was gone symptoms into overdrive. By Saturday, in bed with fever. I thought for sure I had the flu. On the Monday after, 3 days later, diagnosed with acute bronchitis on the edge of pneumonia. Immediately was started on Z-Pak and Hystex. I am on day 4 and yes, I’ve had stomach burning and some upset stomach, but my cough has been reduced by over 50%, and I can sleep. I am on the mend. Let’s let our doctors be our doctors and stop trying to play doctor. I love my Z-Pak and my doctor."

• vic...
• August 25, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Unfortunately, I had to be treated for chlamydia twice with azithromycin due to a bad choice. The first time I took the 2 500 mg tablets, and I didn't have any bad symptoms. The second time, I was prescribed the Greenstone brand packet, and it is horrible. I took it without food at first and went out to eat maybe 20 minutes later. My stomach was very, very upset! It happened maybe 5 minutes after I started eating, my stomach felt like it had cramps way worse than a menstrual. I pooped somewhat, but my stomach was still not in good condition."

• Gin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "I took this for chlamydia, and my course was four horse tablets all at once. By the time I got home from the clinic, I was very, very tired, so I went to bed. Within 30 minutes, I was experiencing the worst stomach cramps in the world, but it did not kill me, and I have endo, so stomach pain is nothing new. It passed within two hours, and I had no more side effects, and the infection was gone. To be honest, I recommend the pills all at once because it is over and done with, and you feel fine before the day is out."

• Anonymous
• August 10, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Took it around 9 pm and started getting terrible stomach cramps about an hour later. Couldn't fall asleep because they were so painful. Then had terrible diarrhea right after the terrible cramps. Started to feel better after the diarrhea. I would not suggest taking this anytime you plan on being out of the house! Plan on staying home and in bed for a few hours after you take it."

• 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."

• Ami...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "I’m sharing my experience here to help everyone. I took this medicine (azithromycin) for chlamydia. One dose of two 500g tablets had normal side effects like headache and some stomachache, but it didn’t work for 10 days. Then I took another dose and waited 10 days again, got retested again, and it didn’t work. The way the body reacts to antibiotics is different from one person to another, also the way your body absorbs it, and how strong your immune system works along with the antibiotic, or sometimes the bacteria is resistant, which is rare in chlamydia. I discussed it with the doctor, and he suggested whether to continue using it with a high dose until it clears symptoms or change to doxycycline 100mg twice a day for 7 days, better on an empty stomach to be absorbed better, with some probiotics to reduce the side effects. I hope it works this time."

• wha...
• June 4, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "I am 17 and pregnant, only have had one sexual partner. Today, I got a phone call that I was positive for this STD. I took the medication (2 of them) and had severe stomach cramps and nausea. It lasted about 2 hours but then went away!"

• Dam...
• February 24, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "Never really was big on condoms, like an idiot. But after 10 years and many different women, it finally caught up with me. Started seeing a new woman about 2 months ago. After about 5 weeks, she pops positive. So not really sure if I've maybe had it for a while and just didn't know it, or if she's had it and didn't know it, either way, she let me know right away. She took the powder treatment that morning, just said it tasted nasty. 8 days later (this morning), I called and found out I too was positive, so I went in and was given four 250 mg. Took all those at once, then went back to bed. Stomach feels a bit uncomfortable, making some interesting noises, and took a rowdy dump earlier, overall not bad, but I do have a cast-iron stomach."

• Anx...
• August 13, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Completely ashamed to have tested positive for an STI. Never thought I would be the one to contract one... But honestly, it's such a common STI you don't even have to be the promiscuous type... Have only slept with three people, I'm 22 years old and I received... So don't beat yourself up. Anyway, after I read the reviews before taking the medicine, I went into the nurse's office extremely nervous, thinking I was doomed. I made sure to eat a lot before going in. I was prescribed 2 (500 mg) doses, took one after another around 11:00 AM. Figured I'd sleep the stomach ache off if I received one, but unfortunately, my luck, I woke up to the sharp pains around 1:30 PM. I had diarrhea for a good 15 minutes and dry heaved a little. After that, I've been fine..."

• Ant...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Tuesday 5 PM - Given two 500 mg pills. Immediately had a snack. Dinner time, not a great appetite. Stomach cramps and resulting stress kept me up all night. No other medication symptoms. Chlamydia symptoms still there. Wednesday - Maybe lack of sleep, but felt fatigued all day, mild stomach cramps, appetite meh, headache, low energy, constipated, flatulent, but slept better. No other medication symptoms. Chlamydia symptoms still there. Thursday - Dizziness at random, fatigued all day, little to no stomach cramps, appetite meh, continuous headache (now most prominent symptom), low energy, constipated (but no bloating), flatulent, slept normal. No other medication symptoms. Chlamydia symptoms still there. Friday - Same as Thursday."

• too...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "I took 2 500 mg pills at one time for a total of 1 gram. I felt the effects of the pills within 10 minutes. I was like, wow, maybe I should eat something. So I ate a sandwich. After 30 minutes of taking the 2 pills, I felt weird. Hot flashes, dry mouth and lips, stomach cramps, and pain in my lower back. Also, a burning sensation in my uterus and stomach area and dizziness. I laid down for almost an hour. I went to the bathroom twice with watery diarrhea that burns. It's now 2 hours later, and I feel okay. Just get the feeling of bathroom urgency of diarrhea. So hopefully it's all worth it and took care of my issue."

• Hir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2020

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Had a persistent cough with no phlegm for at least three weeks after a cold cleared up. This has happened before in the past, but I was either prescribed an over-the-counter cough suppressant or I just left it alone until the problem went away by itself (usually took a couple of months). I went to a different doctor this time, and she prescribed me the 5-day pack (two pills on the first day and one pill per day for the next four days). The double dosage gave me the worst stomach cramps and diarrhea for two to three hours, and the single dosages gave me bad stomach cramps and diarrhea for an hour. My cough is still there, but it has gotten a bit better (although this could also be due to time). However, 13 days after I started taking it, I suddenly have a bad rash on the front of my neck. Not sure if it's related or not, but overall, my experience with Azithromycin wasn't the best nor the most effective."

• a...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "I got tested for STDs just as a routine test, and it came back positive for chlamydia. My boyfriend and I were just shocked, we don't know which one got it before we got together. The doctor was very clear about the possibility of the bacterium being silent for months, but not clear about the side effects of this medication! I took 4 tablets of 250 mg, and after 2 hours, I felt terrible: stomachache like never in my life, and I had to fight against the vomit always around the corner all day. Take a day off or take the pill after work to have plenty of time to deal with it!"

• Gin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "I was prescribed the 4x250 mg of Azithromycin - Unfortunately, I have a severe phobia of vomiting (haven't been sick in 16 years), and so I was extremely nervous to take the medicine after reading reviews and such. I decided to go the extra mile to prevent any chance and so didn't eat any food for 3 hours and just drank water before taking and after. I had extreme stomach cramps for about 3 hours... however, it was most likely from the lack of food! Once I had eaten, I suffered some slight diarrhea, but nothing too bad! This is to help put people's minds at ease that if you follow instructions of a light meal beforehand, you are likely to be fine!"

• don...
• January 1, 2010

For Bronchitis "My wife came down with a bad case of bronchitis New Year's Eve day. I took her to urgent care that evening. She did not drink that night and started taking the azithromycin the following morning. Two hours later, she got bad stomach cramps along with vomiting and diarrhea. We stopped the medication. We think it may have had something to do with her long-time health condition of diverticulitis. This might be something you may want to mention if you have this condition before taking it."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2020

For Sinusitis "I’ve dealt with sinus infections for 24 years now. I usually get them after a cold, and it persists for a month or so and flares up. The Z-Pak has always worked and been my go-to. Two pills the first day knock it out, and then four more days of one pill. Sometimes I’d get a little stomachache or minor diarrhea with the first dose. That’s all for side effects. The medicine still works well, but I have to use the five-day pack twice to knock it out the last few winters, or it comes back. It must be the resistance. I’d use this over others any day."

• Sno...
• September 14, 2017

For Sinusitis "I was put on the Z-Pak, it is the one you take for 5 days for sinuses. I would not recommend it if you are like me and have reflux or stomach issues. I had taken it before, however, this time there were more symptoms and side effects than ever before. I think they changed some things in this pill. I took the first day 1 tablet about 12 hours apart, not the two together. I have a very acidic feeling and bad diverticulosis in my stomach. After the 3 pills, I got hives on my leg after I took the second one. I started to feel nausea so bad and chills, as well as terrible diarrhea, and it cleared up the sinus infection some, but it is tearing my stomach to pieces even after eating before I take it. I reported the hives to the doctor, he said keep taking. I did, and I am itching again."

• Aci...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "I took two of the azithromycin 500 mg pills (for chlamydia) at once around four, and immediately after, I had nausea and a stomachache, and also some back pain. The only good part about it is that I managed to stop myself from throwing up as my mouth filled with saliva."

• dea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Went to the hospital and was given 4 250 mg pills and told to make sure I drink lots of water and don't have sex. When I started getting the worst stomach ache ever, my first thought was it was because I was nervous and upset because of the diagnosis... then I Googled it and found all of these kindred spirits. So glad it's not just me! You'd think they would maybe mention you'd get a bad tummy, i.e., start pooping your brains out???"

• yea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "This medicine does not mess around. I took this Monday and started feeling extremely hot and lightheaded and threw up within 15 minutes of taking it. The next day, I requested a refill, and they gave me anti-nausea pills to take with it. After I took it again after eating, this time I had a terrible stomach ache and diarrhea. But hopefully, everything is okay now."

• Str...
• August 27, 2018

For Chlamydia Infection "Let me preface by saying I am the biggest hypochondriac and usually experience side effects with stronger doses of medicine. After reading these reviews, my heart dropped, and I had full-blown anxiety, so I over-prepped myself and ate a ridiculous amount of carbs and drank a ton of water and ginger tea before and after I took the pills. I felt fine throughout the night, but the next morning, after a few hours of being awake, I felt groggy and started having stomach cramps. I had diarrhea a couple of times but ate toast and drank more ginger tea, had some soup, and felt better by the evening. I’m on night two post-pills and still have random/mild tummy pains and fatigue, but nothing crazy. Grateful for not getting it as bad as some have shared, but still not worth it. I stayed home all weekend because of this. Wrap it up, people... and be safe! Lesson learned - never again."

• Str...
• August 27, 2018

For Chlamydia Infection "Let me preface by saying I am the biggest hypochondriac and usually experience side effects with stronger doses of medicine. After reading these reviews, my heart dropped, and I had full-blown anxiety, so I over-prepped myself and ate a ridiculous amount of carbs and drank a ton of water and ginger tea before and after I took the pills. I felt fine throughout the night, but the next morning, after a few hours of being awake, I felt groggy and started having stomach cramps. I had diarrhea a couple of times but ate toast and drank more ginger tea, had some soup, and felt better by the evening. I’m on night two post-pills and still have random/mild tummy pains and fatigue, but nothing crazy. Grateful for not getting it as bad as some have shared, but still not worth it. I stayed home all weekend because of this. Wrap it up, people... and be safe! Lesson learned - never again."

• Ska...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2015

For Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention "It was horrible! I took the 2 for the first day and one onward for four days. It was so painful! My stomach hurt, and I had some chest pains. It kept me up all night with pain. Please read side effects before taking."

• Kim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2018

For Chlamydia Infection "I can count on one hand how many times I’ve thrown up in my life, and after taking the recommended dosage of this medication to treat an STI, I immediately felt nauseous and have extreme stomach discomfort and pain!"

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2018

For Chlamydia Infection "This was not my first time taking this medication (I was lied to twice), however, it was the first time I've had side effects. I did not eat before or after and still managed to vomit a few times. I've been nauseated since I took the medication and have developed a headache as well as stomach cramps. Now I'm just praying I didn't puke up the meds! PLEASE GO GET CHECKED BEFORE UNPROTECTED SEX! I shouldn't have to go through complete hell because my partner didn't realize there were TWO DIFFERENT TESTS! A blood test does NOT check for gonorrhea or chlamydia!"