Clarithromycin and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "You're probably on this page because you're anxious, and you want to find out if your side effects from clarithromycin are normal or if you'd have to face anything worse. I'm on day 8/10 of this medication. Day 1 through 3 was really awful, like everyone else is saying here. I have shivers, bad nausea, excessive salivation, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. It stopped from day 4 to 6, and the nausea and diarrhea started again. The diarrhea is so bad that it hurts when I pass stool now, and I don't have an appetite again. I guess we just have to really watch what we eat and hope this goes away soon. Take care, be strong, and don't give up. We don't want to be put on a higher dose, now do we? Good luck, guys."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2014

For Bronchitis "It is efficient for bronchitis and does the work better than any other antibiotic, it is fast, but it made me sleepy, weak, dizzy, drowsy, vomitous because of the metallic taste, and you get some bloating and diarrhea sometimes. You also get very weak from it that you want just to lie down, perhaps it's from the big fight between the medicine and the virus/bacteria! I want just to mention that tea with mint helped with the bad taste, 2 tablets of Panadol/Tylenol daily for the drowsiness, and vitamin C daily to get some energy."

• Sin...
• December 2, 2015

For Bronchitis "I was prescribed clarithromycin and prednisone for my sinus infection and bronchitis. I was told by my pharmacist to take the clarithromycin with food. Then she told me to eat something like Activa yogurt about 2 hours after taking the clarithromycin because clarithromycin will tend to kill the good bacteria in your stomach, which is what brings on the diarrhea many complain of. The Activa then helps rebuild the good bacteria in your stomach. On my third day and feeling a little better, and never any diarrhea. I attribute the good experience to good pharmacist suggestions. I make sure to eat food and the Activa yogurt 2 hours later, and no side effects yet, and I am feeling on the mend."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Que...
• December 1, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on amoxicillin, clarithromycin twice a day, and a PPI, omeprazole. After reading the stories on this site, I delayed my Helicobacter pylori infection treatment by 3 days as I was terrified. I did start it, and I am currently on day 4, and the side effects are bad, but I believe everyone has a different experience with this. Unfortunately, I'm one of the people who suffered badly. I am only on treatment for 7 days, so I have 3 more days left, and I do not want to repeat this ever again in my life. My symptoms before this included vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, weakness, and depression. Since taking the medication, the first two days were okay. This 4th day is a nightmare, I am having extreme suicidal thoughts, unable to eat at all, weight loss, vomiting bile, and sometimes burning sensations in my arms or chest - and I am trying my best to get through the next 3 days. I pray that when this is all over, I will never have to repeat this. If you're worried you may have bad side effects, please just try it out first."

• Lon...
• February 16, 2015

For Bronchitis "This seems to be dealing with the bronchitis after 2 days, so I feel better with only a residual phlegmy cough. The side effects have been constipation at first, then very loose, mucus-laden stools. Much stomach gurgling and vicious wind. Bitter, metallic taste in my mouth, especially in the mornings. Dreadful nightmares since taking this medication."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2014

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I'm not allergic to penicillin, but was given clarithromycin due to a very severe antibiotic-resistant bout of tonsillitis. I'd been suffering for weeks taking antibiotics that didn't work, but literally after the first tablet, I noticed a difference. Works very well. However, these are not particularly good tablets to take when you have swollen tonsils because they are huge tablets - I had to cut mine up and swallow them in four pieces. Also, I've noticed some side effects: I have diarrhea (not too badly, but it makes life a bit more difficult), wind, and the taste in my mouth is constantly bitter. But overall, a very good medicine!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2019

For Sinusitis "I had a pretty serious sinus infection. I was having minor fevers every few hours and was as congested as I've ever been. To its credit, it has all but killed the sinus infection in 3.5 days. HOWEVER, I've been nauseous for 3 straight days. It feels like I have rocks in my stomach and a lump in my esophagus. This metallic taste never leaves my mouth. Diarrhea 3x a day. Occasional headaches. And I still have 6.5 days left on this questionable medication. I would rather have the fevers and congestion back. I am never getting this medication again if I can help it."

• Me1...
• July 29, 2015

For Bronchitis "Got prescribed clarithromycin for bronchitis. I have never felt side effects taking other prescriptions like I feel taking this. I have the horrible metallic taste in my mouth, gassy, diarrhea, upset stomach, and now on day 5 and having nightmares. It has helped the bronchitis, but I don't think I can handle the side effects anymore."

• Anonymous
• December 24, 2010

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "I have been on Biaxin for 3 days now. I have very loose bowel movements, a horrible taste in my mouth, and I can't sleep. I have been eating Tootsie Roll Pops to combat the bad taste in my mouth. I am going to stop Biaxin immediately and call my doctor first thing in the morning. Up at 2:00 a.m. now, wide awake with diarrhea and a Tootsie Roll Pop!"

• Anonymous
• December 24, 2010

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "I have been on Biaxin for 3 days now. I have very loose bowel movements, a horrible taste in my mouth, and I can't sleep. I have been eating Tootsie Roll Pops to combat the bad taste in my mouth. I am going to stop Biaxin immediately and call my doctor first thing in the morning. Up at 2:00 a.m. now, wide awake with diarrhea and a Tootsie Roll Pop!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 13, 2015

For Bronchitis "I was prescribed 10 days of clarithromycin for a respiratory infection. Since Day 3, I've been experiencing a lot of fatigue, abdominal swelling/discomfort/pain, intermittent diarrhea, constant severe heartburn, and a constant, nauseating taste that keeps me awake at night. It's also triggered the worst asthma attack of my life (probably because of the heartburn). Each day is worse than the previous day, and it's unlikely that my doctor will want me to suffer through the full course. When my doctor and I are done treating this bug, we'll get to focus on treating the damage this drug caused."

• NiN...
• February 14, 2013

Clarithromycin 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."

• NiN...
• February 14, 2013

Clarithromycin 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."

• Hai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2016

For Bronchitis "Well ... I'm on day five, thank God, but have three more to go. I thought I was crazy, and so did my family. This taste in my mouth is terrible, it's in my throat too when I cough. It's bitter, but more like hairspray, lol. I noticed I was very tired all week, but thought that's the flu, and tonight I had a glass of wine with dinner, and that's when the taste hit me. I thought the wine was bad, but now it's been 6 hours and the taste!!! That's what's making me feel sick now. I have had a bit of diarrhea and mild headaches.... Again, thought flu, but tonight it all changed, and I have not had an appetite all week at all. Food is actually making me feel sick, but this taste is way worse. Like terrible!! Anyone else taste hairspray?"

• jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I had been sick about every 2 or 3 months with diarrhea. My doctor said I just had a virus. This went on for almost 1 year before I got another doctor. I asked her if she could do a blood test for me. My symptoms were vomiting, bad diarrhea, and bloating, belching. She did the test and I was positive for H. pylori. I was devastated and really upset. Now taking amoxicillin twice daily and clarithromycin twice daily with omeprazole. Everyone is pretty much correct about the side effects. I really have a hard time with the diarrhea. The other side effects are tolerable. Hang in there and take the meds. We all need to kill this terrible bacteria as it has really bad effects like increased gastric cancer, etc."

• Eli...
• November 9, 2016

For Bronchitis "Prescribed clarithromycin for a bad chest infection. After taking the first tablet I felt nauseous and a really bitter taste in the mouth. This is day 5 out of 7, and the symptoms have not gone away. Also, had diarrhea on the second day and constant gurgling and wind in the stomach. I have felt pretty awful the whole time. Persevering with medication as I am desperate to get rid of the awful chesty cough and feeling unwell, but will never take it again. Since reading previous posts, some say to eat before a dose and also have some yogurt before and after. Wish there had been some better advice on the leaflet with this antibiotic. I have never felt this ill taking an antibiotic before, it feels like poison."

• lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Started having stomach issues in January and finally got tested for H. pylori in March. I am on day 13 of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and omeprazole. You get that nasty bitter taste right away - so bad that you can taste it every time you breathe. By my 7th day, I have had 3 days of nausea, some diarrhea, and stomach upset. My symptoms are worse at night, I cannot sleep. I did learn to chew mint gum, and that really helps with the bitter taste. Sucking mints helps some, but not enough, gum is the best. This combo of medicine is brutal, but I have stuck with it as I do not want to have to repeat this again...."

• Jai...
• February 23, 2017

For Bronchitis "I was so sick with coughing, I didn't care what I took. I didn't eat for a week as I lost my appetite. I had diarrhea, sweating, bad taste in mouth, and now I'm feeling better. I have a rash all over my body, which I think is from antibiotics. The rash is itchy, but nothing compared to how I felt 10 days ago."

• SML...
• June 6, 2017

For Sinusitis "2 pills a day for 7 days. Wow. I am finally done taking this medication for an ear infection that was caused by a sinus infection. I had almost all the side effects listed, sadly. Heart palpitations, headache, nausea, hunger pains, acid reflux, insomnia, diarrhea, and metallic taste in my mouth all night long! Unreal. It's my last day, and although I feel better, I now feel like I am recovering from all the side effects of this drug! My advice is to take it with a lot of food and probiotics! You will need to find a way to counteract all the side effects! I'm not sure it's even worth taking, to be honest. Heart palpitations alone made me feel like I had a heart attack waiting to happen."

• Izz...
• March 30, 2017

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Horrible!! Do not take this! I can't stop vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain is unbearable. It feels like I ate a golf ball. Hot and cold flashes, shaking. My heart is racing so fast it feels like I am going to have a heart attack. Call the doctor, got the stupid answer ever, to keep vomiting, but I have to take them since I'm allergic to penicillin!! Are you serious?? I already took other antibiotics before this, but this never happened. This is poison!! How can they sell this?"

• vic...
• October 20, 2015

For Bronchitis "Every dose of this medicine has caused worse side effects. Extreme nausea, diarrhea, awful taste in my mouth, palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, shakes - the list goes on. Day 4, I couldn't move 2 steps without wanting to vomit, yet I had to literally sprint to the bathroom for my bowels. I actually had to call into work because I felt so ill. Ended up calling my doctor to get switched to a different antibiotic. Never, never, never again."