Clarithromycin and Bad Taste: What Users Say (Page 5)

• mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2016

For Sinusitis "Only been taking this antibiotic for pleurisy and a sinus infection for 3 days. Day 1, bad bitter taste in mouth and terrible thirst. Day 2, diarrhea. Day 3, the worst headache I have ever had. This drug should come with a GIANT warning on the packet. DON'T take this drug, it has vile side effects. My doctor has told me to stop it immediately. So I have!"

• fou...
• August 23, 2015

For Bronchitis "Bronchitis, possible pneumonia. Note this drug used to be rather inexpensive, and that is not the case anymore. If you're reading this, chances are you are either taking this already or have just been given a script. This drug is in the macrolide family of antibiotics and is usually (usually) not an antibiotic that causes an allergic reaction. I have not had the odd taste in my mouth that others have expressed. This antibiotic made me extremely hyper. Couldn't sleep until exhaustion set in. That is most likely my fault, as I have an abnormal EKG and did not want to mix other drugs with this antibiotic. Check drug interactions if you have heart issues before taking this drug. All in all, so far, so good, and clarithromycin appears to be working."

• Sof...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2020

For Middle Ear Infections "Clarithromycin is honestly the worst drug I have ever taken. Anxiety, restlessness, the worst taste in my mouth, and unquenchable thirst. I am only on my third tablet, I have 10 to take in total (2 x 500 mg per day). I dread having to take it. Last night was the first night, and I must have slept for a max of 2 hours. I kept waking up with this horrible taste and feeling as if I was going to vomit. Taking this feels like I’ve been poisoned and so far has done nothing to alleviate my ear infection or the pain it’s causing me. Never taking this stuff again."

• BDE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2019

For Pertussis "Awful! I was prescribed this antibiotic, clarithromycin, for whooping cough, even though by the time my pertussis was diagnosed, I was past the infectious stage! I have never reacted to any antibiotic before in my life, but this was hideous. And scary. After just 2 doses, I woke in the night with the most vile taste in my mouth - almost like having a mouthful of aspartame. Made me feel as sick as a dog. All the next day, I had terrible stomach cramps and felt very nauseous. The second night, I felt so agitated and like I wasn’t in control of my own thoughts or movements. Went to bed and had the most disturbed night, dreaming some very dark things which were terrifying. I felt very panicky and on edge. By this point, I could not face taking any more, so I gave up. I would never, ever recommend this drug to anyone, let alone take it again. I dread to think what another 5 days would have done to me..."

• Lee...
• July 1, 2019

For Sinusitis "As a regular sufferer of sinusitis (although it's been few and far between as I get older), this has always been my go-to antibiotic. The 'mycin' family antibiotics work really well for me, whereas sulfas I have an allergic response to, and amoxicillin only gives me yeast infections. Usually 500 mg every 12, but I don't need it for long... closer to 5 days than 10. I notice side effects when I don't really need it: bad taste in mouth, stomach upset, the trots, nausea. I find this drug works amazingly well for me. Although I'm usually advised to take the whole amount, my body simply can't handle it, and lets me know when it's time to stop! When it's working, none of those side effects are present-just healing. Different antibiotics work differently for different people's systems, but if erythromycin works for you, this is like its stronger big brother. I recommend."

• Zdl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2018

For Dental Abscess "I've developed a horrendous taste in my mouth, it hasn't gone away. It's currently 3:39 in the morning. I'm awake with insomnia, mostly due to the horrifying taste that seems etched into my taste buds. I've barely slept. I've also had awful headaches. I've been incredibly dizzy and weak and have barely left bed. I've experienced wildly exacerbated anxiety. The first and second night, I was up checking my pulse every five minutes, feeling like I was about to die. As well as this, just a general feeling of being out of it, foggy, and not myself. I've even experienced really dark thoughts, which again is completely out of character, I have never been like this in my life. I rang my GP, and she basically dismissed this even though they're all listed as actual side effects on the packaging. It's also worth mentioning that I take them at the same time like clockwork, with a probiotic and a huge jug of water, which has definitely helped me stave off any severe GI symptoms."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2016

For Bronchitis "I have bronchitis, and the doctor prescribed me clarithromycin. I'm only at the second day of taking it: bad nausea, extreme bad taste in mouth, severe gas, stomach discomfort, and always need to pee. I'm stopping this antibiotic right now, and tomorrow I'm going to ask my doctor to change it. The only thing I did find useful for the bad taste, and it reduced it a bit, is to chew Excel gum, but it doesn't last long. Hope the next one is not going to be that bad."

• Izz...
• February 9, 2017

For Sinusitis "I've suffered chronic sinusitis for years, and after building up a tolerance for most antibiotics, I was put on clarithromycin. After the first day, I was experiencing severe diarrhea and the awful taste in my mouth. It's now day 4, after the constant chemical taste (absolute torture) and waking up two nights in a row from nightmares, I quit. Done taking this and will NEVER take it again. Wasn't helping my sinus infection anyways."

• Izz...
• February 9, 2017

For Sinusitis "I've suffered chronic sinusitis for years, and after building up a tolerance for most antibiotics, I was put on clarithromycin. After the first day, I was experiencing severe diarrhea and the awful taste in my mouth. It's now day 4, after the constant chemical taste (absolute torture) and waking up two nights in a row from nightmares, I quit. Done taking this and will NEVER take it again. Wasn't helping my sinus infection anyways."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2018

For Sinusitis "Worst drug I've ever taken. I took it for four days, 500 mg twice a day. It may have helped with the sinus infection, but it wiped me off my feet. Terrible taste in my mouth, upset stomach, diarrhea, and felt like I was going to faint at times. I'll fight the infection on my own.. :("

• Kat...
• January 5, 2016

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "This drug is very effective, the chest infection appears to have cleared after 2 500mg tablets. However, the side effects are so debilitating, I'd rather be ill! Aside from the bitter taste, I'm suffering extreme vertigo and cannot keep any food down at all. I'm going to half the dosage and phone the doctor tomorrow to change to another antibiotic."

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2019

For Middle Ear Infections "Suddenly had severe otitis media after a course of amoxicillin for sinusitis, which didn’t work. After one tab of clarithromycin 500 mg, my hearing improved, and pain improved after a second tab, but so far, very good response. It’s important to drink plenty of water, which minimizes side effects. I do have a bit of a strange taste."

• qui...
• March 16, 2015

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Had a nasty case of tonsillitis that I was given penicillin for initially. After two days, my symptoms had worsened, and the doctor gave me clarithromycin. After just one tablet, I began to feel better quickly. That evening, I was able to manage a bowl of soup, that morning, I was struggling with sips of water. Horrendous wind two days into the week course, like a chemical smell. Then, on the third and fifth days, quite a bad case of diarrhea with the same chemical odor. No stomach pains, and livable with due to being effective as an antibiotic! Pain completely gone now upon swallowing. Yawning and sneezing still very painful, and I can still feel a lump when swallowing. Ears, glands, and neck still sore, but still have two days to take. Have a nasty taste in my mouth."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2019

For Sinusitis "Prescribed clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day for 4 weeks for a resistant sinus infection (cannot take penicillin derivatives). It seems to be working 4 days in - only 24 to go! Only side effects are a bad taste in mouth (everyone gets this!) and some diarrhea, but since I also suffer from IBS, this in a strange way helps."

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2012

Clarithromycin 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."

• Bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2020

For Bronchitis "Took clarithromycin in the morning after breakfast. Took a probiotic pill with it. By afternoon, had totally watery diarrhea. Took one more after dinner. Diarrhea continued at night and in the morning. It was like prepping for a colonoscopy. Stopped taking it and got another antibiotic. Also had the bitter taste overnight that others have complained of, but thankfully, that has not continued."

• Hav...
• December 24, 2016

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Prescribed this antibiotic 2 days ago and all it's done is made me cough, vomit, phlegm/mucus, mild diarrhea. I am sick of it already!!! I still have 5 days to go, and I'm seriously considering throwing them in the bin! Horrible taste in my mouth too. I feel like it's making me worse, not better! Horrible antibiotic!"

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2019

For Bronchitis "On my second course of this (back to back). It has given me severe reflux, and the repulsive, bitter taste in my mouth is there 24/7. Nothing clears the bitterness. Nothing. Two more days to go. Seems to be slowly clearing the bronchitis but has otherwise wiped the floor with me. I thought I'd die from yesterday's headache. But the reflux is the worst symptom, hands down. I hope the reflux and bitterness disappear once I finish it. Ugh!"

• Lav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2019

For Sinusitis "This drug gave me none, or very little bad taste in my mouth, it cleared up sinus and throat infection extremely fast, best antibiotic I’ve ever had, and yes, it did give me some horrible dreams! But it’s hardly the end of the world, good fun actually... get it into ya."

• cou...
• January 15, 2016

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "So far I have only taken this for 3 days. It gives a foul taste in the mouth (that comes through the body system and definitely not just from the tablet in the mouth). The horrible taste is there most of the time but worse for the few hours after you take the tablet. It did wake me up last night, but I went back to sleep. I don't want to take them again. I want to have a natural alternative next time. It does feel like a toxic drug, very unpleasant, but sorry for those with the other dreadful side effects."

• cou...
• January 15, 2016

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "So far I have only taken this for 3 days. It gives a foul taste in the mouth (that comes through the body system and definitely not just from the tablet in the mouth). The horrible taste is there most of the time but worse for the few hours after you take the tablet. It did wake me up last night, but I went back to sleep. I don't want to take them again. I want to have a natural alternative next time. It does feel like a toxic drug, very unpleasant, but sorry for those with the other dreadful side effects."

• Spu...
• May 2, 2020

For Middle Ear Infections "Promised myself I'd write a review of this medication if I survived the week on it! Was terrified to take it, having read the negative reviews and expected horrendous side effects. The brand name was Clonocid. It was the second antibiotic prescribed for an ear infection. It didn't solve the issue. The side effects for me weren't as bad as others reported. They do put an unpleasant taste in your mouth. I always took a glass of milk or yogurt after taking mine, which helped. They are big tablets, and I couldn't wait to be off them, but side effects were manageable. Did have a little insomnia and occasional headaches, so I wouldn't be keen to take them again. Having said that, if they've been prescribed, I wouldn't let the reviews here frighten you too much. A pharmacist advised me that the bad side effects are rare and sometimes be a result of interaction with existing medications. Discussing my fears with them helped put my mind at ease, so if you're still concerned, maybe chat to yours."

• Val...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2015

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was on clarithromycin and amoxicillin (proton pump inhibitor omeprazole) for a week (H. pylori). The first four days felt like hell, then my body slightly adjusted to the poison, and it was easier. Also, I found that I can relieve the horrible, bitter, sewage-like taste in my mouth with chewing gum. Once, I took two amoxicillin 1000 mg tablets instead of amoxicillin. Clarithromycin added comes the horrible taste in mouth, dizziness, and general ill feeling. I was dying a few hours after taking my final dose of those antibiotics, had to call an ambulance, felt like my heart was stopping. They pumped me with something, and I survived. One star above 1 because I can still write this review 2 days after the last dose."

• Fle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2021

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Allergic to penicillin, so was given clarithromycin 500 mg for tonsillitis. I was given a 5-day course. After the first couple of tabs, throat eased, and I never slept as much. Horrible taste in my mouth, which nothing would get rid of. I was very windy, diarrhea, feeling hungry even after eating a meal, feeling hot a lot, and headache at the back of my head. However, the last day of taking these, I couldn't get to sleep. The pain I was in with the tonsillitis was unbearable, so the side effects are a small price to pay. Hopefully, the bad taste won't take long to go away."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was on triple therapy after a blood test that revealed I was positive for an early infection of H. pylori. Day 1-2, I had a lot of anxiety about taking the meds, but had absolutely no side effects except dark stool. Day 3-7, I actually started feeling significantly better, but developed that bitter taste. Day 8-12, I started getting frequent panic attacks out of nowhere, fast heart rate, shakiness, weakness, feeling like I'm going to die, insomnia, brain fog, you name it. It really felt like someone took me out of my body and put me into a nightmare zone. I went to a pharmacist, and they told me that clarithromycin couldn't be the cause, but a quick Google told me I wasn't alone. Day 13-14 were much more mild, definitely manageable. That being said, these side effects are the minority. I'm just another user that wasn't warned and was quite frightened. Antibiotics are prescribed for a reason, so the benefits will outweigh the chance you end up like this. And if you're worried, always ask a doc!"