Biaxin and Metallic Taste: What Users Say

• Ano...
• February 25, 2013

For Sinusitis "I have had MANY sinus infections over the years, and Biaxin is the only thing that really gets rid of them. Yes, you have a horrible (metallic) taste in your mouth, are a bit loopy, and tummy isn't the best, but those side effects are nothing compared to serious sinus pain. I'd rather be thirsty than feel like my head is in a vice all day!"

• 25s...
• August 14, 2013

For Sinusitis "I too have had multiple sinus infections and surgery twice. In addition, I am immunosuppressed because of a medication for rheumatoid arthritis. Biaxin has always worked for me. I really have no side effects other than the metallic taste, which is tolerable. I make sure I take it after food, otherwise, it is really hard on the stomach. I take Biaxin XL 500mg, 2 tablets once a day for 14 days."

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

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."

• gol...
• July 30, 2016

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."

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

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."

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

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.)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2012

For Bronchitis "Been on Biaxin earlier in the year for a sinus infection, worked like a charm then, and the side effects were slight. (Just the metallic taste.) Got prescribed it for bronchitis a couple of days ago, and I've got the worst nausea, can't even look at or smell food."

• NiN...
• February 14, 2013

For Strep Throat "I have had this medication prescribed to me twice now. Both times, within less than 24 hours of taking it, I experienced a metallic taste in my mouth, nausea/vomiting, headache, and the worst of all side effects, uncontrollable diarrhea. When I say this, it's not the 'let me run to the bathroom quick' kind of diarrhea, it's the kind that, if you're not within 5 feet of a washroom, then you're basically out of luck. The medicine itself works really fast (my throat started feeling better after one dose), but there's no way that I can be on this medication and go to work for a full day... unless I take a few extra changes of clothes with me. I, unfortunately, seem to be experiencing the worst of the watery diarrhea symptoms associated with it."

• Geb...
• January 12, 2009

For Strep Throat "I've been prescribed this medication a few times now for my strep throat. I am allergic to penicillin, and the little blue pills you take 4 times a day did not clear up my infection after the first time I used them. When I go into the doctor, I now request Biaxin, even though it is a bit more expensive. The positives: has always completely cleared up my infection. Easy to take. The negatives: the metallic taste. I also experience 'vaginal discomfort' when I am on this medication. It feels very similar to a yeast infection and usually starts 2-3 days after I begin taking the medication. A little topical cream works fine to keep this under control, I use Canesten. Overall, I would suggest this medication if others have not worked for you."

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2011

For Strep Throat "Allergic reaction after taking 2 x 500 mg tablets. Symptoms: fast heart rate, headache, metallic taste, shaky on the inside, involuntary spasms, dizziness. I believe that the medicine would have worked if I did not experience the severe side effects."

• Mik...
• April 8, 2011

For Bronchitis "Biaxin was prescribed for bronchitis, 500 mg, 2x daily. I have experienced a metallic taste since the first pill. I am tired and have experienced soreness on my right side. I have experienced soreness on my right side from other antibiotics as well (not all antibiotics), so perhaps this is a rare sensitivity on my part."

• Sue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2022

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "When I got the script for this antibiotic, the pharmacist warned me about the bitter/metallic taste that was one of the side effects. I did not experience this at all (perhaps because of the fact that I had lost my sense of smell?). Within the first two days, I started to feel better (sinuses and coughing were abated to a significant degree, my raspy voice started to become normal again, etc., etc.). I had few to no side effects. For one, it is indicated to take with food. In the morning, I ate a packet of instant oatmeal before taking this medication. I am not a breakfast eater, but I forced breakfast upon myself. I also ate LOTS of plain yogurt: 750g tub for lunch every day. Indeed, I had very little appetite, so eating soft foods helped. I am two pills away from finishing my 7-day (500mg twice daily) course of this medicine, and I can say that I am happy with the results. By the way, I rarely take antibiotics, so I doubt this is why I had few to no side effects."

• H13...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2020

For Middle Ear Infections "Side effects: metallic taste in mouth, nightmares, insomnia, constipation, stomach pain, gas, fatigue. Stay the course despite all the difficult side effects, this medication has cleared up my ear infection. I’m currently on day 9 of a 10-day treatment."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2019

For Bronchitis "The last time I was prescribed Biaxin was for a case of bronchitis (possibly pneumonia, but it was hard to tell without a chest x-ray). I was given 500 mg twice a day. I was on it for 2 days when I was woken up late at night with the worst heartburn I ever had. It was so severe, it felt like I was having a heart attack. The next day, I went back to the doctor and begged them to give me something else (I was then given Levaquin and had no problems with it). I'm about to see the doctor for a sinus infection and will tell them not to give me Biaxin. The horrible metallic taste I always got from this medication was bad enough, the severe heartburn has put it onto my 'no-go' list of antibiotics."

• Anonymous
• February 2, 2012

For Bronchitis "Eat a little yogurt before taking the pill and a little after. It takes that awful metal taste away."