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Clarithromycin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

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
  • Bil...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 6, 2020

For Middle Ear Infections "I might as well have been prescribed POISON!☠️ than clarithromycin. On day two, my earache got worse, and by day three, I couldn’t sleep a wink. Moreover, I experienced stomach cramps, anxiety, panic attacks, groin pain, nausea, a metallic zinc taste in the mouth, nightmares, and finally, suicidal ideation. My doctor then prescribed me flucloxacillin, and only after one day, it kicked in and my earache started to ease off. After reading the other reviews on clarithromycin, I realize I am not alone in my experience. I think this ‘medication’ should have its license withdrawn and be banned in the UK."

1 / 10
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  • Que...
  • December 1, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on amoxicillin, clarithromycin twice a day, and a PPI, omeprazole. After reading the stories on this site, I delayed my Helicobacter pylori infection treatment by 3 days as I was terrified. I did start it, and I am currently on day 4, and the side effects are bad, but I believe everyone has a different experience with this. Unfortunately, I'm one of the people who suffered badly. I am only on treatment for 7 days, so I have 3 more days left, and I do not want to repeat this ever again in my life. My symptoms before this included vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, weakness, and depression. Since taking the medication, the first two days were okay. This 4th day is a nightmare, I am having extreme suicidal thoughts, unable to eat at all, weight loss, vomiting bile, and sometimes burning sensations in my arms or chest - and I am trying my best to get through the next 3 days. I pray that when this is all over, I will never have to repeat this. If you're worried you may have bad side effects, please just try it out first."

5 / 10
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  • i...
  • April 19, 2016

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "I have gotten bronchitis a few times. I have tried many other antibiotics, and none worked. Biaxin is the only antibiotic I can take that actually works. Personally, the only side effects I ever experienced are a mild metallic taste in my mouth, but it is not much of a big deal."

10 / 10
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30 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Wor...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 15, 2016

For Sinusitis "Honestly, it gave the worst side effects I've ever experienced. I have Crohn's disease and have been on a bunch of different types of medications, so that's saying something. The first dose wasn't too bad, horrible metallic taste in my mouth, but that was about it. I noticed my sinuses to be less congested, and I could finally sleep at night without my nose getting completely clogged. But after the second dose, I had horrible stomach cramps (even though I took it with food), the nausea was very uncomfortable, and the taste in my mouth was so strong I could barely swallow my own saliva without wanting to hurl. NOTHING would get rid of the taste either. I've stopped taking it, never again! NEVER AGAIN!"

1 / 10
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  • Rue...
  • July 10, 2016

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I'm either allergic or suffer severe side effects to all antibiotics I've tried, with the exception of clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin. I've been taking clarithromycin as my preferred antibiotic for over 20 years. I'm sorry to see so many people have issues with it. Maybe people like me who have always had very positive results just don't post. I do not have any side effects and have used it for everything from pneumonia to upper and lower respiratory infections. I have severe asthma, so it is extremely important to stop any respiratory infection ASAP. Everyone is different, please don't dismiss this antibiotic without discussing it with your doctor and their other patients' opinions. Personally, it is my antibiotic of choice."

10 / 10
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  • Edm...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 15, 2016

For Sinusitis "First of all, to the people saying Biaxin should be off the market, you do realize that there are different kinds of antibiotics and what works for you won't work for me, and vice versa. For example, I am allergic to penicillin, and any antibiotic related to it makes me feel awful and worse. But it works for many other people. That being said, Biaxin works for me. In fact, it instantly worked by the next day when I woke up, my nose didn't have green chunks in it anymore. Yes, it gives a metallic taste. Yes, day 3, I have a headache behind my eyes (maybe the medication working on the more deeper infected area). If you get a dull headache, take an Advil, don't stop taking the medication... A migraine I would stop, but a mild headache I think is manageable."

9 / 10
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  • Lon...
  • February 16, 2015

For Bronchitis "This seems to be dealing with the bronchitis after 2 days, so I feel better with only a residual phlegmy cough. The side effects have been constipation at first, then very loose, mucus-laden stools. Much stomach gurgling and vicious wind. Bitter, metallic taste in my mouth, especially in the mornings. Dreadful nightmares since taking this medication."

7 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Lei...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 26, 2017

For Bronchitis "I have always been vulnerable to bronchitis and pneumonia. This antibiotic is the only thing that works. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth, yes, but I know that after 10 days I will be done and better. Before I was prescribed this, I would often have to take more than 10 days of antibiotics in order to get better."

10 / 10
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  • Emm...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 28, 2016

For Sinusitis "I googled metallic taste from clarithromycin as it's revolting and wanted to know if anyone else experienced it too. I am on a 14-day course because of a sinus infection, which has made a world of difference. I just have an annoying cough, and I have 3 days left of the course. What I have found fascinating is other people mentioning crazy vivid dreams and blurry eyes. I never would have associated it with the drug had I not read these comments. I'll stick out the course as I don't want the sinus infection to come back, but boy, it's a weird antibiotic!!"

8 / 10
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  • Spi...
  • April 14, 2009

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "Might work for others, but I came down with most of the adverse side effects within hours of taking one 500 mg tab. Ended up in emergency 12 hours later with difficulty breathing from swollen airways. Hives. Scary part was how it can affect the mind. I had residual effects for a number of days."

1 / 10
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  • Jod...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 21, 2020

For Sinusitis "I got this antibiotic what would have been 3 days ago today. The first day, I had a complete breakdown and cried my eyes out. I was extremely emotional and depressed, feeling hopeless and felt like I was losing my mind. I couldn’t stop crying. I have a metallic taste in my mouth and have had headaches every day. Last night, I was all of a sudden having excruciating stomach cramps, I couldn’t stand or sit or lay down, the pain was unbearable. I considered calling 911 because the pain was so bad but settled for 811 health link instead. I thought I was dying. It took hot pads and painkillers to even be able to lay down. Today, I am stuck on the couch (husband's orders), and after last night, my stomach is still very tender and cramping, but nothing compared to how it was. I would suggest never taking this medication. It was an absolute nightmare, and I will NEVER take this again, it shouldn’t even be prescribed to people. It is absolute poison."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 28, 2014

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I'm not allergic to penicillin, but was given clarithromycin due to a very severe antibiotic-resistant bout of tonsillitis. I'd been suffering for weeks taking antibiotics that didn't work, but literally after the first tablet, I noticed a difference. Works very well. However, these are not particularly good tablets to take when you have swollen tonsils because they are huge tablets - I had to cut mine up and swallow them in four pieces. Also, I've noticed some side effects: I have diarrhea (not too badly, but it makes life a bit more difficult), wind, and the taste in my mouth is constantly bitter. But overall, a very good medicine!"

9 / 10
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  • And...
  • June 27, 2008

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "I was put on Biaxin for a major sinus infection, 500 mg twice daily for one month. The pharmacist told me that sinus infections can take a very long time to go away. I definitely feel better but am still having the runny nose, congestion, and a little cough still, but much less than before. It's been 3 weeks now since I was put on this. Hope it kicks it out of my system."

4 / 10
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  • gol...
  • July 30, 2016

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "I always get sinusitis on a yearly basis. On my worst occasion, I tried 'em all from Zythromax to Amoxicillin, etc. None worked for me. ONLY Biaxin works!! MD says it's not the most recommended antibiotic for sinusitis, but does work and is the only one that works for me. Yes ~ it does leave a metallic taste in my mouth, but I like knowing it's in my system and attacking my problem, so I don't mind the taste at all... I was also told it is a very old antibiotic, but it's an 'Oldie but Goodie'!! Some insurance will cover it while others will not."

10 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • April 14, 2013

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "Took it as soon as I got home from the doctor, 2 pills a day for 10 days, but missed 2 doses when I thought I was better. A couple of days later, I was sneezing like crazy and had a bad cough. Don't miss doses! Even when you think you're cured."

7 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 21, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Took one dose of this clarithromycin medicine with amoxicillin to start triple therapy for H. pylori. The taste is like you just ate a metal sandwich, and it doesn’t go away. Other side effects I have are itching, extreme paranoia, and insomnia at night. I was convinced someone was breaking into my house. Contacted my GI and let her know that this medication isn’t going to work for me. I am very sensitive to antibiotics and have anxiety, so hopefully others don’t experience the same thing."

1 / 10
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  • erk...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 6, 2016

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "I read a bunch of reviews from people who have mentioned having upset stomachs and yeast infections. I used to have those issues on antibiotics, but then I learned that taking a very strong probiotic (I take the refrigerated ones from Jarro) and a feminine probiotic with Lactobacillus eliminates or at least greatly reduces those issues. I strongly recommend taking both whenever you take antibiotics. For this one, I agree that you definitely need to take it with a reasonable amount of food. The metallic taste comes and goes but is generally tolerable. I do feel loopy, but I am guessing that has more to do with how sick I am than anything else. Hope this helps."

6 / 10
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  • Jay...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 1, 2019

For Sinusitis "I have been fighting a sinus infection for almost a month now. I am on my third day of taking 1000 mg of this antibiotic daily, and around 3 hours after taking the pills, I get an awful taste in my mouth, along with an upset stomach, a heavy feeling in my stomach, and a headache. Awful :("

4 / 10
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  • blj...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 11, 2015

For Sinusitis "I have been on this med for 5 days for a sinus infection. I am so close to calling it quits. I have been having bad anxiety, heart palpitations, clammy sweats, and feel shaky and weak on it. It makes food taste like crap and leaves a nasty battery acid taste in your mouth. I start to feel better in the couple of hours coming up to my next dose (every 12 hours), and then BAM within an hour after taking the dose, it all hits. It is definitely helping my sinus infection, but this drug is hell. A pharmacist told me that this is in the top two antibiotics that are reported to have the worst side effects. Boooo. I also took a Zopiclone so I could sleep and woke up with a nasty reaction! Felt so high and dizzy, drugged out of my mind...terrifying."

1 / 10
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  • JMA...
  • March 7, 2013

For Sinusitis "I'm on day 3 of Biaxin XL, and I haven't experienced even one side effect, hoping it stays this way. Everyone is different, and you can't judge it by others, I was scared to death after reading things on here. I started feeling better the next day also. So far, so good."

10 / 10
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  • Jb-...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • March 25, 2015

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "Have used Biaxin (actually now always the generic version) for many years. Works great for me, always makes me feel much better within 12-18 hours of taking the first pill. Never had any side effects, except metallic taste - which has never bothered me (never been very strong). Great drug, wonderful for my chronic sinusitis. (Hint: I eat lots of miso when taking antibiotics; does wonders for my GI when taking antibiotics. Miso soup, miso on top of rice, miso in various dishes; just make sure you get the longest fermented one you can find - I buy 2-yr miso.)"

10 / 10
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  • Myf...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 30, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Bad breath or bad taste was one of my primary symptoms prior to getting on this medication. By day 1, it disappeared, well, started disappearing. However, it was replaced with a new terrible taste that doesn’t go away. I am only aware of the taste at night. I wake up like, what is this? lol.... I may feel a little weaker, but I just took an energy drink and energy increased. Now to find a way to eliminate this strange taste that lives in my throat now. It’s better than having bad breath for sure, super glad I’m taking it."

7 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • May 7, 2015

For Sinusitis "Very effective medication, but the taste in the mouth is absolutely brutal, and I find once the infection is gone and you still need to continue, your stomach starts getting upset. The only thing that helped me not throw up from the taste is cinnamon gum! Hope it helps :)"

7 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 25, 2019

For Sinusitis "I had a pretty serious sinus infection. I was having minor fevers every few hours and was as congested as I've ever been. To its credit, it has all but killed the sinus infection in 3.5 days. HOWEVER, I've been nauseous for 3 straight days. It feels like I have rocks in my stomach and a lump in my esophagus. This metallic taste never leaves my mouth. Diarrhea 3x a day. Occasional headaches. And I still have 6.5 days left on this questionable medication. I would rather have the fevers and congestion back. I am never getting this medication again if I can help it."

2 / 10
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  • kar...
  • August 11, 2008

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "My doctor gave this to me for my bronchitis, it seems to be working fairly well. The only thing is it seems to be making me really sleepy. I have done extensive research on this drug and can't find this as a possible side effect."

8 / 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.