Biaxin and Bad Taste: What Users Say

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2018

For Bronchitis "After suffering what seemed like a never-ending flu, I was put on Biaxin. I have always been sensitive to medications and suffered severe allergic reactions that put me in the ER. So I have never been a fan of antibiotics and avoid them unless on the verge of death...which I definitely was this time around. Biaxin gave me a horrible, bitter taste that was constant and could not be eliminated or masked by any food. I did religiously eat yogurt while taking it so I did not have any stomach upset. I noticed a steady improvement within 48 hours. The horrible, bitter taste lasted the entire 10 days, but nothing I couldn't put up with knowing I was improving and death was no longer imminent. My specialist said I had a bacteria related to Legionnaires, so I pretty much owe my life to this antibiotic. It is now my 'go-to' antibiotic if it is determined I need treatment for any bacterial infection. Biaxin pulled me through and I am so thankful they made this medicine!"

• Ell...
• February 5, 2017

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."

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

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."

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

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."

• Anonymous
• December 24, 2010

For Bronchitis "I have been on Biaxin for 3 days now. I have very loose bowel movements, a horrible taste in my mouth, and I can't sleep. I have been eating Tootsie Roll Pops to combat the bad taste in my mouth. I am going to stop Biaxin immediately and call my doctor first thing in the morning. Up at 2:00 a.m. now, wide awake with diarrhea and a Tootsie Roll Pop!"

• Anonymous
• July 13, 2010

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Worked great for infection, but side effects were becoming disturbing after three days - bad taste always, couldn't sleep, too much energy - couldn't sit still, strange mental clarity and deliberate movements, frequent urination. After 3 days, I didn't feel sick anymore, but the side effects were too much."

• cel...
• December 5, 2011

For Dental Abscess "I started taking Biaxin two days ago for both a dental abscess and chronic bronchitis. So far, I haven't noticed a difference, but it may take a while. Horrible taste in my mouth and very sleepy. All in all, it's not a bad medication so far."

• Dai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2019

For Sinusitis "I started coming down with a chest cold that I knew would turn into bronchitis. I called my doctor, and he prescribed Biaxin 500 mg twice daily, as I ended up having sinusitis as well. After the 3rd day of taking this med, I was feeling better and not coughing quite as much. I had no side effects and rated this a 9 because of the aftertaste it leaves in your mouth. I always ate something before taking it and had no stomach issues. Overall, this really helped me get through my sickness."

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2010

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed this for a sinus infection twice. First time was last year. It worked, and I felt better in about five days. However, I had nausea and a nasty taste in my mouth every time I took it. This year, it was prescribed for the same thing. I still have the sinus infection, and the side effects were worse. My doctor chose this drug because I am allergic to sulfa drugs."

• Ama...
• April 6, 2016

For Bronchitis "I was prescribed Biaxin for bronchitis. I've taken three pills. I have a horrible taste in my mouth all the time along with severe dry mouth. My stomach is tossing and turning, making the loudest noises I've ever heard a stomach make! I haven't had problems with nausea/vomiting, but the diarrhea from this is horrendous! On the second day of taking this, I got this huge burst of energy and wanted to clean every inch of my house and rearrange each room! (sort of strange as I'm still coughing constantly and having a very hard time breathing) I'm also having trouble sleeping. I'm not sure that I will be taking any more of these."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2016

For Strep Throat "Obviously, no antibiotic is going to be easy, but this is tolerable. I am allergic to penicillin, so I always get prescribed Biaxin. It always clears up my infections, the only downside is the horrible bitter taste. My best advice, besides chewing gum/mints in between, is to eat dark chocolate before and after- it actually does help subside the bitter taste! Also, take the probiotic pearls with each dosage, it should help your stomach and prevent diarrhea. Eat as much yogurt as possible or drink kefir milk- kefir milk is the best probiotic you can take. It works wonders! You may get some minor headaches/stomach discomfort the first couple of days, but let your body adjust and you should be fine. It's definitely tolerable compared to other meds."

• Geo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2019

For Sinusitis "I battled a sinus infection for almost 3 months. I had pain above my eye and maxillary sinuses. I had green/yellow thick discharge coming out of my nose from the front and back. At the beginning of the infection, at about 2 weeks in, I took Augmentin with no luck. I suffered for almost 2 more months until going on the Biaxin. After 1 week of the medication, all of my symptoms were gone. I was worried I would need surgery if this didn't work. As for side effects, the only one I noticed was the taste in my mouth, but it was subtle and not that bad. My stomach was fine as I took a probiotic yogurt every day. This drug was amazing."

• Anonymous
• May 26, 2016

For Bronchitis "I have been taking Biaxin for 3 days now, and I don't know if my bronchitis is just completely horrible and it's taking longer to work, or if this just isn't for me? The taste it leaves in your mouth after taking it is horrendous for about 12 hours. My stomach has been doing somersaults the entire 3 days so far, and I think I'm going back to the doctor in the morning for another alternative. I can't sleep at all. Hate this stuff."

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2012

For Strep Throat "Yesterday I woke up feeling very sick. I had a horrible sore throat, a bad migraine, and I felt like I was going to vomit. I went to the doctor, and he prescribed Biaxin. Ever since I started taking Biaxin, I have been very sleepy during the day and have had restless sleep during the night. It has also left a really bitter taste in my mouth. I have been drinking so much water and going to the bathroom a lot, but it doesn't seem to have made anything better. I will give it a few more days."

• dma...
• February 5, 2010

For Middle Ear Infections "I was put on Biaxin 3 days ago for a sinus infection, bronchitis, ear infection, and upper respiratory tract infection, and have the most horrible taste in my mouth. The 1st night, I got up several times just to brush my teeth to get rid of the taste. I called the doctor today, and he is calling in something else."

• Anonymous
• November 20, 2009

For Bronchitis "Left a very unpleasant taste in my mouth the entire time."

• Anonymous
• August 25, 2011

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Caused my saliva to taste bitter (not fun) and caused stomach cramps and diarrhea. But I can breathe now."