Clarithromycin for Strep Throat User Reviews

• NiN...
• February 14, 2013

Clarithromycin "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."

• Che...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 4, 2020

Clarithromycin "Biaxin is a drug that has saved my life several times over. I can't understand the bad reviews. It works very fast. I have no metallic taste. If there is a bit of an aftertaste, I sip on some Coke (soda), and it's gone. Less side effects than penicillin or cephalosporins. I have zero side effects with this medication. My ENT doctor uses it for my strep on my tonsils."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2016

"Good lord, awful, the worst experience I've ever had with a drug. Two things. One, my mouth tastes like I've just eaten a meal of tin cans and aluminum foil. A truly vile taste that cannot be fully appreciated until experienced. Two, and this is a minor point - I feel like I'm going INSANE. This from someone with no mental health issues. Beware nighttime, it is a chamber of horrors. Hallucinations, bizarre dreams, inability to think rationally, the gnawing feeling that your brain is being invaded by little green ewoks with sharp teeth. If it was just the bad taste, I'd probably power through to the end of the script, but I've done two grisly nights on this s***, and there's no way I'm making it through five more. Back to the doc."

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

Clarithromycin "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."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2012

"The tablets did help considerably with the throat and ear infection within 24 hours. I was incredibly grateful as I was in a lot of pain. But, horrendous taste in mouth constantly (a bit like crushed paracetamol mixed with metal!) Vile. It doesn't go no matter what I do. I can't sleep but am terribly tired and exhausted. Also very nauseous, especially after eating. Good at clearing up infections but pretty yucky side effects. Weigh up which is worse. For me, I was glad to get rid of the pain, so went with the side effects. Can't tolerate penicillin or erythromycin, so don't have much choice!"

• Geb...
• January 12, 2009

Clarithromycin "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."

• Sop...
• December 25, 2016

"I'm on my second round of antibiotics for recurring strep, which morphed into ear and gland issues. The doctor also put me on a muscle relaxant to help reduce the throat swelling. The first night, I dreamed I was water skiing in a mall in Detroit! Bizarre nightmares and a very listless sleep, which I see now that I may have incorrectly attributed to the muscle relaxant. Now I think it's the clarithromycin. I don't know about metal, but it is a horrible taste. I am tired, have sore muscles, ringing ears, and no appetite, and I love food! I've only been on clarithromycin for three days. My Rx is 500 mg twice a day for 10 days. I can't wait to get off this stuff. I've never had such a bad experience with an antibiotic."

• Nei...
• October 15, 2016

"Weirdest thing about this drug! Plus points - it did the job and started to control and relieve pain after 24 hours. BUT..... I had insomnia for three days and the metallic taste too. MUCH worse was the weird thoughts and depression I got (which I have no history of family or otherwise). So, the upshot is to be guarded against using this drug. If you are armed with this information, you can influence your choice. I would strongly suggest using something else. If you have issues with the medication and you arrived at this site the same way I did... at least you now know. And that might put you at ease in some small way."

• Mel...
• February 4, 2017

"Worked great for a severe bronchitis infection that I thought would kill me. Only downside is this medication leaches potassium from your stores like 90,000 mg each time you take, so that's a lot. If you start experiencing leg cramps or heart palpitations, this is why. Doctors should be giving you a course of potassium supplements each time along with these, but surprisingly never do. I nearly took a heart attack because I was so low on potassium. This medication blocks off the potassium ion channel to the heart in the process of killing your infection, so grand if your potassium is good, but very dangerous if it's not. Again, it should be getting replaced when this is prescribed, because if you take it a few times, your potassium will be gone from your body."

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2011

Clarithromycin "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."

• Kat...
• October 23, 2015

"I'm used to taking antibiotics (for mild acne), so I had ZERO side effects. I took this out of sheer desperation for a SEVERE sore throat that was so painful that even breathing was painful (and sleeping was out of the question). I kid you not, within hours of taking it -- I could swallow and speak without wincing in pain. Great fix for a severe sore throat/possible tonsillitis."

• Chl...
• April 2, 2020

"Where do I start? I had strep throat before, and this time was worse. I was given these clarithromycin antibiotics as a stronger alternative to penicillin, which had also made me vomit. I was in a bad way. A day or so after taking these, my mental health declined (I have an anxiety disorder, OCD, and depression). Nothing could have prepared me for the terror that my mind went through on these. Shaking, voices and sounds in my ears, intrusive and terrifying thoughts, anxiety, and heart beating like I was going to have an attack, crying uncontrollably. I had to come stay with my parents for 5 days to get well, as I was unable to care for my 18-month-old daughter as the side effects were so bad and also included headaches, nausea, and the shakes. I thought I had truly lost my mind. It has been a rollercoaster and not a good ride at all. I would ask anyone (especially if they have MH problems) to avoid these. I am glad I read other reviews, and I am now reassured that it's not just me who encountered these ill effects."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2020

"Honestly, I read these reviews and thought, what a load of garbage!! I’m on day 5, and I feel dreadful! 1-3 days I was fine, but completely lost my appetite, lost weight (3 kg). Day 4, horrible metallic taste in my mouth and feeling sick, stomach really hurting! Day 5, I feel shattered!! I’m having breathing difficulties, dizziness, and back/stomach pain. Felt like ringing 111 numerous times today, but decided I’m done with this medication!! I can’t cope anymore. It’s awful!"

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2012

Clarithromycin "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."

• Ros...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2020

"The nausea I have experienced from clarithromycin is beyond words, it has lasted for days. The taste in my mouth is beyond gross, my stomach has never hurt so much. I also have found out I am allergic to it because I got a rash all over my neck and was itchy. I have stopped taking it. I don’t recommend this medication to anyone."

• Lal...
• March 3, 2015

"I took this for my severe strep throat. I was initially given amoxicillin, which didn't work at all, the doctor switched me to this. After 1 day, I already improved, and my fevers and chills subsided, and I was able to swallow without extreme pain. The downside: the stomach pain and nausea, and the metallic taste in my mouth."

• Ver...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2018

"Worst experience. I was prescribed this antibiotic for strep throat because I am allergic to penicillin. I am currently on day 5 of a 10-day course. I will no longer be taking this drug. It is 2 am and I am wide awake, all week I have been having crazy, vivid dreams, a disgusting, unbearable taste in my mouth at all times that just keeps getting worse, heart palpitations, anxiety-the list goes on. If you have a different option, please consider that. I wish someone had warned me about the awful side effects."

• Mar...
• December 17, 2015

Clarithromycin "After taking one 500 mg clarithromycin, in about three hours I became dizzy, uncomfortable in the head, and short of breath. I am afraid to take another, although it was prescribed one every 12 hours. I have spent most of the day with my head reclined and eyes closed. I had the same reaction to 500 mg of Azithromycin, but I could take 250 mg with no problem. Shall I ask the doctor to prescribe a smaller dose? I am very fearful of another like this."

• Yuk...
• August 23, 2016

"It's 4:20 am. Despite feeling exhausted, I have been awake since 12:30 am. I have the metallic taste, diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, and a headache after 2 days on it. Hopefully, the doc will change it tomorrow."

• Mat...
• June 17, 2016

"Positively, would never use this again. The first night on it, the metal/acid taste appeared and stayed all night into the morning. Really disgusting. The second night, I was up with severe nausea in addition to the taste. Stopped after two days, as it was making me feel sicker than the reason I was prescribed the drug (strep). Also, throat did not improve much. Got an alternative antibiotic. Everyone may not have the same experience, but mine was very negative."

• CBA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2020

"The only thing I have to say about clarithromycin is awful. I have been on 500 mg twice daily for the past 5 days, and I need to stop. First couple of days I was absolutely fine with no side effects, and then by day 3, I started getting chills, shaking, headaches, stomach cramps, low-grade fever, and tightness in my throat with wheezing. I continued onto day 5, not noticing that the tightness in my throat and wheezing was due to an allergic reaction from this drug! (I have asthma, so put it down to having a bad episode.) Before you take this drug, ask for a skin test to see if you are allergic! I didn't even think I was, as I have been on it before. Avoid it as much as possible. Yes, it is good at clearing infections, but do your research and always ask for a better alternative."

• Eri...
• February 18, 2016

"Vile. Got the worst headache, terrible taste in mouth, dizziness, and generally feel terrible. Taking it because I have the strep bacteria in my lungs, which is uncommon. This is now my second dose, as it didn't go the first time, but I'm not convinced it's working."

• Eja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2023

"Started taking these 3 days ago after being struck with strep throat. I suffered side effects from the first dose. Probably an hour after. The nausea was horrific. I had to drive to get my daughter from nursery with a sick bowl on my lap (nausea lasted 2 days and came in strong waves. Not had it today). The bitter taste is just as bad. It's constant. I cannot drink coffee because it tastes vile. The taste is worse at night. I also have had is insomnia. Just cannot sleep. Constantly waking. And last one, which is really odd, is a dry cough? However, I felt much better 24 hours after taking and it's pretty much all cleared up, only have a minor sore throat today. No headache or fever. So I'm pleased. All in all, side effects are grim however it was fast-acting. Only 2 days left and I cannot wait to lose this bitter taste."

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2017

"I am allergic to penicillin and a few other antibiotics, so this was the best choice to clear my strep. Outside of the terrible metallic taste that I experienced within 6 hours of taking the clarithromycin, the medication works very well. After 24 hours of being on this medication, my throat feels so much better, my dizziness has subsided, and I no longer feel extremely weak and fatigued. My stomach is a little upset, but it is not unbearable. I would rather take a minor upset stomach and metallic taste in my mouth over the extreme throat pain and fatigue the strep caused. As far as insomnia, I'm more of a night owl, so I couldn't say if the medication has contributed to my restlessness. I think this medication is a great therapy for strep."

• Anonymous
• January 21, 2017

Clarithromycin "Whenever I got sick from seasonal flu or cold, I always had a sore throat and cough. My doctor would usually give me this medicine (Biaxin), and I was told this was a good medicine. It worked fast to clear my strep throat (sore throat). A few hours after taking this medicine, it made me feel better. I love Biaxin instead of Amoxin or other medicines."