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Clarithromycin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Brand names: Biaxin XL

Clarithromycin has an average rating of 5.4 out of 10 from a total of 851 reviews on Drugs.com. 37% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 35% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Clarithromycin

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Fli...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 17, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm on 1 Clar (500 mg) - 2 Amox (500 mg) - 1 Omeprazole (40 mg) for 14 days and 2x per day. Before, I had stomach cramps, acid reflux, chest pains, and shortness of breath for 4 mos. So, my GI doctor examined me with a UB Test (urea), and it was confirmed I had an H. Pylori infection. The first 3 days of the treatment were horrible, having a bitter taste, bloating, belching, and some slight diarrhea, tinnitus in my ears, sore throat, loss of appetite, and the chest pain and shortness of breath are still there. The 4th to 11th day side effects are now different as I am having nausea, headaches, bitter taste, palpitations, increased heart rate, stomach cramps, insomnia, and hallucinations. Still, the chest pain and shortness of breath are still there. I'm on my 12th day taking the meds, and side effects are not the same as before, but still some sore throat, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Hopefully, the infection (H. pylori) would go away, worried about my kidneys. Hoping for a positive outcome with the triple therapy."

8 / 10
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  • Nim...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 17, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on day two, and my mouth tastes like I am sucking on quinine, especially at night. I am definitely going to try chewing gum. Haven't had any other side effects, and I am praying it stays that way."

8 / 10
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  • Rit...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 2, 2023

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "After years of symptoms, I had an endoscopy, and I was diagnosed with H. pylori. My gastroenterologist put me on the treatment called Hp 7, a combination of Nexium, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. I had so many symptoms with this treatment that I contacted my doctor and said that I just can’t do it. At that stage, I was on day 6 of 14 days. The nausea, diarrhea, aches, dizziness, and awful taste in my mouth were unbearable. Anyway, she said that she really wanted me to do the 14 days, but if I couldn’t, I had to do at least 7 days, and that every day extra was extremely beneficial. So I just stuck to it. By day 10, the antibiotics gave me terrible oral thrush, which I needed Nilstat drops for, just adding to the nausea. I am currently on day 14 and feeling proud of myself for sticking to it. I have worked while on the medication as a nurse and have only had to have one day off because of the side effects. Retest in 30 days. Hope it worked."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Tal...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 8, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was diagnosed with Pylori through a stool test and put on Triple Therapy. I tried this for 4 days, had terrible side effects: insomnia, feeling awful, disorientation, high anxiety, and feeling terrible. I gave up, then tried again for 3 days, then had the same side effects. I then tried again, not wanting to give up, but on the third night, had horrific side effects: insomnia, frequent urination, high anxiety, pains in the stomach, and rapid heartbeat, and thought I was going completely mad. The next day was so bad, I had to go to the hospital ER, was checked over, was declared okay, but concerned that this medication therapy has done some damage to my kidneys. I guess some people are just sensitive to Triple Therapy, as it's very overpowering. Well done to anybody who gets through this treatment and is H Pylori negative."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 23, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm on day 4 of a combo of clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole. I stumbled across this forum and lots of scary side effects. As a few have said, I've only had the awful taste in my mouth, nothing else. After 2 days, I feel great!! Like my old self. Everyone has different side effects, but the people that have bad ones are more likely to comment. Stay positive. These tabs will work."

8 / 10
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  • jwa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 21, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on day 12 of antibiotics for H. pylori. I had a lot of anxiety about taking so many antibiotics. I take 4 amoxicillin and 2 clarithromycin daily, plus omeprazole twice a day. I thankfully have not had any terrible side effects, only the bad taste in my mouth. I have taken 2 probiotic gummies with each dose, plus drank an Activia yogurt with each one. And I've drank some kombucha, but not every day. I think replacing some good gut health has helped. I've read that blackberries and green tea are good for H. pylori also. I tried to educate myself through Google."

6 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 26, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I have been taking this medicine for 5 days now. I am left with 5 more days, and I feel like I have to wait for a year to finish this med. I have never in my life experienced this kind of illness due to the medicine. I have symptoms like nausea, a metallic taste that doesn't go away, abdominal pain at night only, shortness of breath, and also not being able to sleep at night. I hope I will finish it. The only thing that is keeping me from stopping this medicine is not wanting to quit, as the doctors told me next time the bacteria will not go away and will get adapted to the medicine. But it is the worst medicine ever, I do not ever want to experience this again in my life. I would recommend taking the medicine, but you need to take a break from every social life, work that you're doing, and take the medication at home while resting only."

10 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Mys...
  • July 18, 2019

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I went back to the doctor, and she prescribed me 'Clacee' 500 mg, which is clarithromycin, for 5 days, taking two tablets daily, and prednisone 40 mg per day for 5 days, because I had a secondary infection that was caused by the flu. I am now on day 3 of the antibiotics, with 5 tablets left to go. I can honestly say I got side effects of the antibiotics, such as the bitter taste (which is not that bad, only stays for a few hours), nausea (only in the morning and not as bad), and a loose stool once a day. For me, honestly, the side effects aren't that bad, and my chest feels better already on the third day. I would rather live with the side effects (which is really not that bad) than get even more sick and end up in the hospital. I would also recommend you take probiotics while on the antibiotics a few hours after you have taken the antibiotics and eat yogurt during the day, as well, as they help restore the 'healthy' bacteria in your gut, as well. Hope I could help someone out."

8 / 10
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  • Jor...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 4, 2013

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "I was on this for the first time last fall when I had H. pylori. It knocked it out but threw me into my first vaginal yeast infection. The metallic taste in the mouth is horrible, and my husband could even taste it when he kissed me. Currently, I am on it for sinusitis, which I have seasonally."

7 / 10
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  • kha...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 9, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am three-quarters of the way through a two-week course of clarithromycin for H. pylori gastritis, along with amoxicillin and an H2 blocker (because I am allergic to PPIs). The first three days were rough as I felt lightheaded and an increase in heart rate (resting heart rate between 95-105). I was also very itchy, so I used Benadryl to mitigate that. But immediately, I felt the dizziness go away, and the indigestion got better on the third day. On day five, I got the horrible metallic taste in my mouth, so I took a teaspoon of manuka honey after the doses. I also take fiber, probiotics, and ginger tea. That will help a lot. Overall, a really great medicine, and I am so happy at getting one step closer to eradicating this horrible H. pylori infection."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 16, 2013

For Sinusitis "I'm on 500 mg for 7 days, I'm on day six, and for the past two days, I have been feeling a bit nauseous. It took almost three days to kick in to full effect. Symptoms started to improve on day two. I find the lingering taste bitter instead of metallic. I do have trouble sleeping, but it has cleared up the infection quite quickly. Make sure you eat an adequate amount of food with it. I've had no toilet issues."

8 / 10
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  • Ell...
  • February 5, 2017

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "After being sick for a month and a half, after a useless round of Amoxclav, my doctor finally prescribed Biaxin and Prednidone for my sinus infection. Within a day I was able to breathe through my nose. My only complaint is the absolutely disgusting aftertaste... and the occasional upset stomach. I think the side effects are worth it as I finally feel good for the first time in weeks."

10 / 10
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  • Fel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 25, 2016

For Sinusitis "Prescribed for recurrent sinus infection potentially caused by GERD. By day four, a bitter taste in my mouth was round the clock. Yuck. Upsets stomach and wakes up in the middle of the night wide awake. Also, a little slow with thinking. Not a fan."

4 / 10
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  • Jen...
  • July 31, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Not nearly as bad as I expected. The first day I had a very intense reaction, but found it was just because I was allergic to omeprazole. When I didn't take it, the only side effects I had were moderate dizziness and an occasional metallic taste. It didn't hinder the taste of food. I am quite sensitive to medications, and clarithromycin hardly bothered me at all. The dizziness even faded after three days, and I was able to function normally, even exercise. Also, some other advice, as I am a pharmacist. One person mentioned to take this with soda. I advise against that because soft drinks contain phosphoric acid and will likely exacerbate symptoms. Another notable interaction is milk products like ice cream. It helps for a short time, but then the rebound acid makes it worse. Probiotics are not clinically proven to help eradicate the bacteria, but I do recall reading a study that showed they can reduce the gastric inflammation. Good luck, whoever reads this, and I wish you a happy cure."

7 / 10
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  • 10m...
  • February 10, 2016

For Pneumonia "Was really ill, started off with a temp of 39.5, all body aches and pains. Took paracetamol, and nothing happened. Went to A & E the next day, whom did a chest X-ray and took blood, said I got a slight infection but couldn't hear anything on my lungs, so they gave me IV paracetamol and fluids and sent me home with amoxicillin, to be taken 3 times a day. After two days, I was still the same: temp, aches and pains, etc. Went to see my own GP, whom heard crackling in my lungs straight away and said he suspects pneumonia and couldn't understand why the hospital didn't. He gave me clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day. After taking the first one, within one hour, the temp had gone and I was feeling a lot better. Had a bitter taste in my mouth, but it didn't last long. These are the best antibiotics."

10 / 10
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  • Kil...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 6, 2013

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "Doc told me I had bronchitis. First time on Biaxin. After two days, still have the bitter taste in the mouth, sleeping like crazy, increased heart rate. But overall, the medicine seems to be working great after two days. Good alternative to amoxicillin."

7 / 10
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  • Fee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 17, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I’m 37 and recently diagnosed with H. pylori. Prescribed treatment plan of omeprazole, Amox, and clarithromycin. The strange taste in my mouth is awful. When I lick my lips, it tastes like pennies/chemicals. Very run down and lethargic with some memory loss and foggy brain. Eyes are dry/burning and feel like an effort to get out of bed and walk to the bathroom. Light headache and stiff neck. Runny nose. Lower back pain and gas with burping and hiccups. Strange craving for bananas. Bananas and foods with strong flavor help with taste and bloating. Gum and fruity hard candy help with taste too. Bowel movements smell strong, fruity, and weird in the grossest way. So tired. Need to take naps throughout the day."

9 / 10
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  • Ken...
  • June 10, 2019

For Sinusitis "My health care provider prescribed clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day. I am 75 yr. old and suffering from sinus and congestion for two weeks. After taking this for 4 days, I am so weak and unsteady I can't take care of my farm animals. I don't think I have ever felt so bad. The prescription info says I must take for 10 days and must take all. I will never take this stuff again."

3 / 10
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  • EAL...
  • December 26, 2015

For Bronchitis "After an 8-week cold, 3 weeks of a bad cough, and generally feeling under the weather and out of breath even on the gentlest of slopes, I went to the doctor, who diagnosed bronchitis. I was put on a 5-day course of Clarithromycin 500 mg pills and a 10-day burst of Prednisolone starting at 30 mg. Even after one antibiotic, I felt relief. I had no side effects whatsoever. I maybe should mention I have an autoimmune disease, PMR, and take a very low dose of steroids and also Omeprazole (a gastric resistant capsule prescribed for people taking steroids). I live in Scotland where all prescriptions are free."

10 / 10
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  • Jad...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 14, 2023

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I haven't reviewed any medications, despite being on a minimum of 2 pharmaceuticals at a time for the past 2 years (sometimes 4 at a time spread throughout the day). I love Clarithromycin!!! It targets rare bacteria that others do not, and it's even more effective than Azithromycin for me (we cycle both, and I take them long term). It's the only thing that made my health start progressing to WELL, instead of being bedridden. Honestly, a bad taste in your mouth vs. severe disease and decline in living and health is well worth it in my eyes! I don't get the heart palpitations on Clarith like I do on Azith either. Definitely a game changer for me and one of the two medications of many that is literally saving my life. I think not enough people comment on the good stuff as they are off and being well after using a medication. So, definitely give it a try for yourself."

10 / 10
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  • bun...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 15, 2012

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "Stomach pains and bad taste. Drink plenty of water, it helps the taste and stomach. I've had different reactions with Biaxin. Don't drink caffeine and take it. It will keep you awake, and don't lay down in bed for 1 hour after taking. This all seems to help keep stimulation down so you can sleep."

6 / 10
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  • Tas...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 24, 2020

For Middle Ear Infections "So I got put on clarithromycin for a week, twice a day, 500 mg tablets for an ear infection. First tablet, I was fine, then the 2nd, I was so ill! Being sick, feeling weak, just awful. The Dr. refused to change them and give me anti-sickness tabs to help. I’m on my last 2 tablets, and I can’t believe I made it this far, as right now they have made me so weak I feel like I can’t do anything. Drinking with a glass of milk does help. Anyone being put on these, it’s a hard slog getting through it. I’m at the Dr.'s in a few days, if my ear infection hasn’t cleared up, I will be refusing these as I’ll NEVER take them again. I've actually cried, and I feel that rubbish on them."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • November 18, 2014

For Bronchitis "I recently started on Biaxin. My doctor prescribed it for my bronchitis and sinus infection. The antibiotic works great, after about a day of taking it, I felt a million times better. It's a really strong antibiotic, though, which has caused some awful side effects, including a bad taste in my mouth, nervousness, and upset stomach/nausea. If you have to take this, I suggest eating before taking it and carrying around mints for the taste in my mouth. Good luck!"

8 / 10
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  • mal...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 8, 2014

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was having a sore throat, swollen tonsils, dry cough, and mucus. After 3 days with 500 mg every 12 hours of Clarithromycin, my throat got better, productive cough, and feeling better in general with more energy. Side effects: bad mouth taste (bitter), especially at night in bed."

8 / 10
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  • Jen...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 11, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Horrible drug, I was prescribed Clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day with Flagyl 400 mg twice a day and rabeprazole (Aciphex) 20 mg twice a day every twelve hours. My 1st dosage, I started having a racing heart rate. I checked my heart rate, it was 118 bpm per minute. I went to bed and calmed down, and that started reducing. Every day, different side effects, this medicine is too strong. I only managed to take it for four days as I couldn’t bear to tough it out anymore. Feels like my body has left me, lost a few kg in just four days... dizziness, heart palpitations, muscle weakness, feeling like I am going to collapse every second is too hard to handle, plus feeling like my heart is going to stop. Never again will I try this. God bless peeps."

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.