Clarithromycin and Bad Taste: What Users Say

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2017

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "If you're reading this post then odds are you've been scouring the internet freaking out and learning about H. pylori, and coming across so many negative reviews about the medication. Look guys, you've got a bad infection that basically has two layers of protection. You have to attack this bad bug hard and heavy to bust through and kill it. I'm on day 7! And yes, the first day I was scared because of the new feelings in my body... weakness, somewhat bad taste in mouth, a little brain fog... but it is NOT THAT BAD! By day 3, I felt like I'm cured! After the first day, it gets easier and easier, just take with food, and when the side effects show up, be calm and cool, and relax, if you just relax, it's simple."

• yva...
• October 5, 2014

For Sinusitis "I too woke up in the middle of my sleep because of the bad taste in my mouth. I thought I needed to eat, but whatever I eat, it doesn't go. So I googled about it and found this site. I ate a salty meal, candies, chocolate, carrot, and nothing works. I've only had two tablets so far."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Very strong medicine. Before I was diagnosed with H. pylori, my symptoms were bloating, belching, and acid reflux at night. I took this because of slight H. pylori with slight erosion on my stomach found while having an endoscopy. 500 mg clarithromycin (Klaz) tablet, 500 mg amoxicillin (Himox) capsule, and 20 mg omeprazole (Omepron) capsule. Taken before meals, 1-0-1 omeprazole, 2-0-2 clarithromycin, and 1-0-1 amoxicillin for 14 days. From the 1st day, with the 1st dose, effects not that much, just a metallic taste, stomach cramps, feeling slightly bloated when I took it. From that night, the metallic taste turned bitter. On the second day of medication, I got anxiety in the early morning, bitter taste, still bloated and belching. On the 3rd day, my stomach kept growling, bitter taste, and I developed insomnia and minor brain fog, still bloated. I'm on my 4th day now, insomnia is hitting hard, bitter taste, slight bloating, and keeps belching. All I can say is every day you will experience different symptoms. I will update soon about my condition."

• Bex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2013

For Sinusitis "Wrote on here yesterday. Just updating. Doc advised me to stop taking clarithromycin after I took only one 500mg last night. My experience- awful taste in mouth, vomiting, lower back pain, aching all over, severe stomach pain, couldn't sleep, dizziness, severe anxiety, dull heavy headache (similar to a hangover) and very dry mouth. All this after only ONE tablet. This medication is EVIL! Take with extreme caution people. Good luck x"

• Bom...
• July 29, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "About 2 months ago, I got a nasty bug, so I went to the doctor, where I was tested for Helicobacter pylori. Then, they gave me the Prevpac of 500 mg amoxicillin, clarithromycin 500 mg, and omeprazole twice a day. I was told to take it all in one go before food. You must eat, then wait 30-45 minutes after for the PPI to work as it starts when your body is digesting. The first 3 days, nothing. I was great apart from a funny taste, no appetite, and slight runs. The third day, I didn’t eat much, and by 11 at night, I had a rapid pulse rate and felt unwell. Every day, different symptoms. On day 4, I had awful pain in my side and felt tired and unwell, as I was also experiencing insomnia. Today, on my sixth day, I woke up with a headache, and it’s lasted all day, plus I feel dizzy and sick. Insomnia, dizziness, nausea, dysentery, pain in my side, rapid heart rate once, elevated pulse rate, horrid taste, sweating, memory loss, some acid reflux, and generally feeling ill. I can’t wait for the last day, it is the only thing keeping me going as I do not want to quit."

• Bom...
• July 29, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "About 2 months ago, I got a nasty bug, so I went to the doctor, where I was tested for Helicobacter pylori. Then, they gave me the Prevpac of 500 mg amoxicillin, clarithromycin 500 mg, and omeprazole twice a day. I was told to take it all in one go before food. You must eat, then wait 30-45 minutes after for the PPI to work as it starts when your body is digesting. The first 3 days, nothing. I was great apart from a funny taste, no appetite, and slight runs. The third day, I didn’t eat much, and by 11 at night, I had a rapid pulse rate and felt unwell. Every day, different symptoms. On day 4, I had awful pain in my side and felt tired and unwell, as I was also experiencing insomnia. Today, on my sixth day, I woke up with a headache, and it’s lasted all day, plus I feel dizzy and sick. Insomnia, dizziness, nausea, dysentery, pain in my side, rapid heart rate once, elevated pulse rate, horrid taste, sweating, memory loss, some acid reflux, and generally feeling ill. I can’t wait for the last day, it is the only thing keeping me going as I do not want to quit."

• rev...
• October 11, 2013

For Bronchitis "I have bronchitis, and they prescribed clarithromycin. I have been taking it for 4 days now (I need to take it for 10 days). I often feel dizzy, have headaches, and feel very nauseous. My mouth always tastes gross, like a metallic taste. I often have to rinse my mouth with water because of the bad taste (even at night, I have to get up and rinse my mouth because the taste makes me nauseous). I just wanted to share."

• Jan...
• February 7, 2014

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed clarithromycin for a sinus infection. I have been battling this for four weeks and two prescriptions before this. I am on day three and feel only a little better. I have read it takes 4-5 days to feel better, especially if you have had it a while. The sinuses are hard to penetrate. I have had no stomach problems, I recommend probiotics. A nasty taste in my mouth... Gatorade helps a bit. I have also had fatigue and headache, but I am unsure if this is due to the antibiotics or that my body has had it with medication. Hope this helps someone."

• DrS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2014

For Sinusitis "Third day on clarithromycin, it has worked so far, clearing up my chronic sinusitis. My voice is back and my sense of smell is back. The only bad thing about it is the bitter taste in my mouth and lips. I don't know what to eat to change it. I make sure that I take my 2 500 mg tablets right after supper. I haven't had trouble with my stomach."

• Ord...
• December 1, 2015

For Sinusitis "This medicine is awful. First night, awful taste in mouth, couldn't get to sleep and woke up with a racing heart. Day 4, woke up at 1 in the morning, extreme anxiety, pounding heart, sweats, shaking, couldn't think straight. GP has told me to stop taking it, and it should be out of my system in 27 hours."

• Sas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2019

For Pneumonia "I read the reviews on this site and was absolutely terrified of taking this drug. I had pneumonia, and amoxicillin had no effect, so I was prescribed clarithromycin. However, thank goodness, as it was amazing. Within less than 12 hours, my fever (of 39.5) had completely gone, and from then on, no fever and almost back to normal! The only side effect was a bitter taste, which was strong and woke me up at night. However, I found that mixing rice milk and honey literally took the taste away! So I kept a cup of it next to my bed, and if I woke up with the taste, I just drank it! It was amazing. I wouldn't advise having cow's milk in this case because it creates mucus, but any milk alternative and honey should work! Just wanted to let you know in case it is helpful! Wishing you better."

• Whe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2017

For Bronchitis "Was prescribed this after a 5-day, then a 7-day course of a different antibiotic each time led to bronchial symptoms (with increased body temperatures) never fully going away and strongly reasserting themselves in a few days. The 500 mg tablets are a pain to swallow (you need lots of water to flush them all the way down) and, as most respondents report, cause a permanent nasty bitter taste in the mouth. However, by Day 3, I was feeling much better, and now mid-way through Day 4, coughing nearly gone and phlegm much reduced. Temperature also back to normal. In short, feel practically ready to resume working."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2014

For Bronchitis "My ailment wasn't actually bronchitis, but tracheal irritation - it wasn't in my lungs. I started taking it after being exhausted from coughing. I had diarrhea after the first day because I took the first dose too late after breakfast. Since then, I took it in the middle of breakfast and haven't had any GI symptoms since. My cough and chest showed an almost immediate improvement! What a difference! I have also been limiting my sugar intake (to prevent a yeast infection), eating yogurt every day and taking acidophilus to prevent further bowel irritation. So far, so good. I have 4 days left. I noticed a bitter taste in my mouth about 2 days ago. I felt reassured after reading some of the comments here that it is a side effect."

• Rit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2023

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "After years of symptoms, I had an endoscopy, and I was diagnosed with H. pylori. My gastroenterologist put me on the treatment called Hp 7, a combination of Nexium, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. I had so many symptoms with this treatment that I contacted my doctor and said that I just can’t do it. At that stage, I was on day 6 of 14 days. The nausea, diarrhea, aches, dizziness, and awful taste in my mouth were unbearable. Anyway, she said that she really wanted me to do the 14 days, but if I couldn’t, I had to do at least 7 days, and that every day extra was extremely beneficial. So I just stuck to it. By day 10, the antibiotics gave me terrible oral thrush, which I needed Nilstat drops for, just adding to the nausea. I am currently on day 14 and feeling proud of myself for sticking to it. I have worked while on the medication as a nurse and have only had to have one day off because of the side effects. Retest in 30 days. Hope it worked."

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

Clarithromycin 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm on day 4 of a combo of clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole. I stumbled across this forum and lots of scary side effects. As a few have said, I've only had the awful taste in my mouth, nothing else. After 2 days, I feel great!! Like my old self. Everyone has different side effects, but the people that have bad ones are more likely to comment. Stay positive. These tabs will work."

• Fli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm on 1 Clar (500 mg) - 2 Amox (500 mg) - 1 Omeprazole (40 mg) for 14 days and 2x per day. Before, I had stomach cramps, acid reflux, chest pains, and shortness of breath for 4 mos. So, my GI doctor examined me with a UB Test (urea), and it was confirmed I had an H. Pylori infection. The first 3 days of the treatment were horrible, having a bitter taste, bloating, belching, and some slight diarrhea, tinnitus in my ears, sore throat, loss of appetite, and the chest pain and shortness of breath are still there. The 4th to 11th day side effects are now different as I am having nausea, headaches, bitter taste, palpitations, increased heart rate, stomach cramps, insomnia, and hallucinations. Still, the chest pain and shortness of breath are still there. I'm on my 12th day taking the meds, and side effects are not the same as before, but still some sore throat, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Hopefully, the infection (H. pylori) would go away, worried about my kidneys. Hoping for a positive outcome with the triple therapy."

• jwa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on day 12 of antibiotics for H. pylori. I had a lot of anxiety about taking so many antibiotics. I take 4 amoxicillin and 2 clarithromycin daily, plus omeprazole twice a day. I thankfully have not had any terrible side effects, only the bad taste in my mouth. I have taken 2 probiotic gummies with each dose, plus drank an Activia yogurt with each one. And I've drank some kombucha, but not every day. I think replacing some good gut health has helped. I've read that blackberries and green tea are good for H. pylori also. I tried to educate myself through Google."

• Mys...
• July 18, 2019

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I went back to the doctor, and she prescribed me 'Clacee' 500 mg, which is clarithromycin, for 5 days, taking two tablets daily, and prednisone 40 mg per day for 5 days, because I had a secondary infection that was caused by the flu. I am now on day 3 of the antibiotics, with 5 tablets left to go. I can honestly say I got side effects of the antibiotics, such as the bitter taste (which is not that bad, only stays for a few hours), nausea (only in the morning and not as bad), and a loose stool once a day. For me, honestly, the side effects aren't that bad, and my chest feels better already on the third day. I would rather live with the side effects (which is really not that bad) than get even more sick and end up in the hospital. I would also recommend you take probiotics while on the antibiotics a few hours after you have taken the antibiotics and eat yogurt during the day, as well, as they help restore the 'healthy' bacteria in your gut, as well. Hope I could help someone out."

• Fel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2016

For Sinusitis "Prescribed for recurrent sinus infection potentially caused by GERD. By day four, a bitter taste in my mouth was round the clock. Yuck. Upsets stomach and wakes up in the middle of the night wide awake. Also, a little slow with thinking. Not a fan."

• Ell...
• February 5, 2017

Clarithromycin 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."

• 10m...
• February 10, 2016

For Pneumonia "Was really ill, started off with a temp of 39.5, all body aches and pains. Took paracetamol, and nothing happened. Went to A & E the next day, whom did a chest X-ray and took blood, said I got a slight infection but couldn't hear anything on my lungs, so they gave me IV paracetamol and fluids and sent me home with amoxicillin, to be taken 3 times a day. After two days, I was still the same: temp, aches and pains, etc. Went to see my own GP, whom heard crackling in my lungs straight away and said he suspects pneumonia and couldn't understand why the hospital didn't. He gave me clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day. After taking the first one, within one hour, the temp had gone and I was feeling a lot better. Had a bitter taste in my mouth, but it didn't last long. These are the best antibiotics."

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

Clarithromycin 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."

• Fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I’m 37 and recently diagnosed with H. pylori. Prescribed treatment plan of omeprazole, Amox, and clarithromycin. The strange taste in my mouth is awful. When I lick my lips, it tastes like pennies/chemicals. Very run down and lethargic with some memory loss and foggy brain. Eyes are dry/burning and feel like an effort to get out of bed and walk to the bathroom. Light headache and stiff neck. Runny nose. Lower back pain and gas with burping and hiccups. Strange craving for bananas. Bananas and foods with strong flavor help with taste and bloating. Gum and fruity hard candy help with taste too. Bowel movements smell strong, fruity, and weird in the grossest way. So tired. Need to take naps throughout the day."

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

Clarithromycin 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."