Clarithromycin for Strep Throat User Reviews

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

"Good lord, awful, the worst experience I've ever had with a drug. 2 things. 1, 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 night time, 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 though to the end of the script, but I've done 2 grisly nights on this s***, and there's no way I'm making it though 5 more. Back to the doc."

• NiNaft
• February 14, 2013

Biaxin (clarithromycin) "I have had this medication prescribed to me twice now. Both times within less than 24 hours of taking it I experienced the 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 to 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."

• Cheryl
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 4, 2020

Biaxin (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 its gone. Less side effects than pennicillin or cephlosporins. I have zero side effects with this medication. My ENT dr. uses it for my strept on my tonsils."

• Chloe...
• April 2, 2020

"Where do I start? I had strep throat before and this time was worse, I was given these clarithromycin antibiotics as as 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 beat 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 18mo 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 affects."

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

Biaxin (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 down side is the horrible bitter taste. My best advice besides chewing gum / mints in between is eat dark chocolate before & 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 days, but let your body adjust and you should be fine. Its definitely tolerable, compared to other meds."

• Gebe
• January 12, 2009

Biaxin (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 experiance "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
• April 7, 2012

"The tablets did help considerably with the throat and ear infection within 24hours. I was incredibly grateful as I was in a lot of pain. BUT, horrendous taste in mouth constantly (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!"

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2012

Biaxin (clarithromycin) "Yesterday I woke up feeling very sick, I had a horrible sore throat, 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 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 lots, but it doesn't seem to have made anything better. I will give it a few more days."

• Sophies...
• 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 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."

• Neil
• October 15, 2016

"Weirdest thing 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 metelllic taste too. MUCH worst 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 use 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"

• Anonymous
• January 24, 2011

Biaxin (clarithromycin) "Allergic reaction after taking 2 x 500mg 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."

• Melic...
• 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 mgs 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 near took a heart attack coz 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 its not. Again it should be getting replaced when this is prescribed coz if you take it a few times your potassium will be gone from body."

• Katef...
• 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 tonsilitis"

• Chels
• 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 (3kg). 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!"

• Gabby
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2013

Biaxin (clarithromycin) "I love this. I had a really bad strep throat and I tried everything I can so one day after I came back from a Cody Simpson signing (I couldn't miss that!) me and my mom walked to a doctor and he suggested Biaxin and after 1 dose I was feeling so much better it's been 4 days and I'm all better and I haven't had any side effects! The only sad thing that happens while I was taking this was a day after I got it I had to miss a Justin Bieber concert with my friend (she went) because my parents didn't know if the side effects would affect me."

• Rosebud
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2020

"The nausea I nave 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."

• Matty...
• 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 prescribe 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."

• Very...
• 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 2am and I am wide awake, all week have been having crazy vivid dreams, disgusting unbearable taste in 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."

• FromNY
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2013

"Took this for strep throat. First day was okay (besides the fact that these pills are rather large and hard to swallow). Second day was horrible. Diarrhea twice, then my heart started racing. Called the doctor who said go the emergency room right away this medicine can cause heart palpitations. Heart rate was around 130 bpm for over 4 hours with no sign of slowing down. Finally the doctor in the ER decided to administer an anti-arrhythmic medicine to decrease the heart rate. The clarithromycin did seem to start working almost right away, after my second dose I felt much better, then the horrific side effects kicked in. "

• Mary...
• December 17, 2015

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

• Anonymous
• January 21, 2017

Biaxin (clarithromycin) "Whenever I got sick from season flu or cold, I always had sore throat and cough, my Doctor will usually gave me this medicine (Biaxin) and I was told this a good medicine. It worked fast to clear your strep throat (Sore throat). A few hours after taking this medicine it made me feel better. I love Biaxin instead Amoxin or other medicines."

• Lala
• 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."

• CBAW
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2020

"The only thing I have to say about clarithromycin is awful. I have been on 500mg 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."

• Yuk66...
• August 23, 2016

"It's 4.20am. Despite feeling exhausted, I have been awake since 12.30am. I have the metallic taste, diarrhoea, nausea, indigestion and a headache after 2 days on it. Hopefully the doc will change it tomorrow"

• strep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2019

Biaxin (clarithromycin) "I took 500mg (5 doses) of amoxicilin and it did nothing literally and I was shivering with cold fever, felt like I would never heal. But then after taking first dose of Biaxin I felt it working as my pain reduced and feeling less dizzy . I would suggest Biaxin over amoxil"