Clarithromycin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• In ...
• September 22, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "OMG! Worst experience of my life! I'm 63 years old. I have been suffering with a knot in my upper right side just beneath my breast for over 2 years. I've had a gauntlet of tests, was scheduled to have an EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy), but I had a severe laryngeal spasm when the tube was inserted before I was properly sedated. So, the EGD was not able to be performed. I had to be 'bagged.' The gastroenterologist saw only the first sphincter into my stomach, and there were tiny red spots on it and said he believed I had H. pylori (no breath test, no biopsy, no fecal test). He started me on clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and Dexilant. By the second dose, I was in EXTREME abdominal pain, severe burning, explosive diarrhea, dizziness, and weakness. By the 4th day, I truly thought I was dying, so I stopped the medication. I am still weak and hurting 3 days later, hurts to eat, still diarrhea. Going to my GP and asking for an H. pylori test. Never take this med combo without a confirmation test for H. pylori, it's a killer regime."

• 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.. :("

• Sic...
• January 24, 2016

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Had tonsillitis for at least 4 months now, given amoxicillin didn't work, then erythromycin, which I took a reaction to, so doc put me on clarithromycin as a last resort antibiotic. On day 4, and the pain has eased a bit but not significantly, tonsils are still really red and swollen, and there are still white dots on them. Horrible, horrible metallic taste in mouth that wakes me up feeling nauseous every hour or two, so sleep is disrupted, diarrhea and moderate stomach pains (nothing like the erythromycin), extremely itchy to the point I break the skin, but no signs of a rash, tongue is very sore and is really red with loads of red dots all over the top and sides."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2019

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Picked up a superbug after a 12-day stay in the hospital. I was put on 2 previous antibiotics before they started me on Clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day for 7 days. Clarithromycin had me feeling 'cured' by day two, but I intend to finish it. I had to adjust or discontinue 3 other meds while taking this antibiotic, to ensure my heart would not race for no reason, and it has not. But I do experience cramps and diarrhea, but found Omeprazole handled those horrid side effects, and citrus juice helps with that greatly with the metallic taste in my mouth. Although I needed to make a lot of adjustments, this is a fantastic antibiotic considering I have been battling this same bug since Feb 25, and it's now April 23. This is the only antibiotic that worked!"

• 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."

• Kac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2017

For Middle Ear Infections "Clarithromycin is extremely effective, but unfortunately, it tastes horrid and leaves a disgusting taste in your mouth. To get rid of the taste, I recommend eating a banana and gargling some water. Though it is effective, there are many side effects, e.g., diarrhea, nausea, sickness, and others. I am still taking clarithromycin. I suffered from multiple symptoms, motion sickness, diarrhea, and nausea are the ones I suffer from, but it could be different for someone else. If you do take clarithromycin for otitis, the symptoms are added to the side effects. I still had a full feeling in my ear, problems with balance, earache, and a headache, so be wary of that. I recommend resting and not moving your head fast/too much."

• 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!"

• H p...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2016

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Started taking amoxicillin, omeprazole, and clarithromycin to treat H. Pylori. Worst side effects I have ever experienced. By day 4, I had severe diarrhea (looked like coffee grounds), nausea, dizziness, couldn't sleep, would have waves of burning through my chest and into my head. I went to the ER because my breathing was labored and I had such severe diarrhea. I also developed something like oral thrush, so my tongue felt so raw. My doctor finally told me to stop taking it. The side effects were extremely miserable and torturous."

• Ber...
• September 24, 2016

For Bronchitis "Started on tablets yesterday for bronchitis, had been on another penicillin for a sinus infection but still hadn't recovered 100%, hence the clarithromycin. I have had 3 tablets so far and will not be taking any more. I have been up since 2:00 am and am exhausted but still can't sleep. I am not due to menstruate, however, I am experiencing excessive bleeding, and the metallic taste makes me physically ill, but the diarrhea and the stomach gurgling and cramps are so not worth it. I would prefer to have bronchitis than the side effects from this drug. I only hope no permanent damage has been caused. Would strongly recommend anything BUT this medication."

• Cam...
• August 19, 2009

For Bronchitis "The physician's diagnosis was bronchitis, and her instruction was 'Two tablets daily while eating for 10 days' Biaxin XL 500 MG TAB.' The pharmacist told me, after calling the physician, that I was to take two tablets together each day during a meal. She emphasized that they were not to be taken twice daily, but two tabs together once daily. I have done so for the past seven days. My cough symptoms have mostly disappeared. No fever ever. Adverse effects are: 1. Extreme bitter taste in mouth 24 hours a day. 2. I have sex every 3-4 days. Since starting Biaxin, I cannot achieve orgasm. 3. Diarrhea days 2-4. 4. My wife says I feel hot all the time, and yet I do not seem hot to myself."

• 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."

• naa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2022

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "This antibiotic is not for the faint of heart, but then again neither is 3+ months of H. Pylori. I took clarithromycin along with amoxicillin and did experience stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea, however, my side effects got better throughout the course of treatment. If you're struggling with similar side effects, here are a few things that helped. Take this medicine on a full stomach. I found it to be especially well tolerated with a bowl of oatmeal. Drink lots and lots of water, like 120+ ounces per day. Eat very bland, easy-to-digest meals. Fatty or sugary foods will trigger the nausea and stomach pain. Take lots of probiotics. I took a double dose in the morning and again at night. Eat smaller meals and snack more frequently. Hopefully, this will help you make it through the treatment. I just finished mine, and if it gets rid of the symptoms I was having prior to treatment, it will have been well worth it!"

• Caa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2019

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was prescribed clarithromycin 500 for a skin infection. I took my first one on Monday and felt fine but had extreme hunger pains. The next morning, I ate breakfast and had another pill. Within 10 minutes, I had diarrhea and spiked a fever. I returned to my GP, who believed I had a stomach virus. I requested a new antibiotic. The next 2 days, I had more diarrhea, nausea, continuing fever, and my heart was racing. On Friday, I went to the hospital with dehydration and fever. My blood pressure was very high, and my heart rate was 150. The gastric specialist took blood tests, which were normal. I stayed overnight for fluids. I was then able to provide a stool sample that proved that clarithromycin had caused all of my symptoms. I saw a dermatologist who said that my skin infection had never required antibiotics. Because of the need for GPs to overprescribe, I took a drug I didn’t need that has totally messed up my digestive system. Always question a GP to see if you actually need them. They should be saved for serious infections only."

• Kox...
• May 11, 2017

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "I only have negative reviews for this drug. Avoid!!!! I started with a milder antibiotic, finished the course, but it relapsed with sinus & chest infection, and so I was put on Biaxin. My sinus took a month to go, but the side effects I could not tolerate were - loss of sleep (no sleep), no appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, feeling depressed, and emotional outbursts. I'm a very happy person & always around people, but this medicine made me go into a shell. It took a lot of effort from my friends & family to get me back to my normal state of mind."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2017

For Sinusitis "In the past six years, I have had three sinus infections. This drug cleared it up in a short time with no side effects. I suffer from IBS, so my GI doctor recommends this antibiotic as it is more gentle on the GI tract. He also told me to take one Florastor probiotic capsule each day and to eat yogurt with active cultures. I have had bad results with Augmentin – it gave me raging diarrhea. Levaquin has some really serious side effects and affected my Achilles tendon. I don't notice a vile taste – my tongue burns, and mine are vanilla flavored. If the size bothers you, tell your doctor to order the 250mg size and take two. I had palpitations and anxiety, though, and a rapid heartbeat for a while, but it could have been from Bentyl. Not sure."

• Sus...
• January 1, 2017

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was given this antibiotic for a chest infection and have stopped taking it as it made me feel so poorly. I had pains in my chest and my tummy, had diarrhea on the third day, and became very anxious. I was due to take a sixth tablet last evening, but I feel as if I am poisoning myself.... I will let my body heal itself."

• Sic...
• May 10, 2016

For Skin and Structure Infection "I was prescribed this medication at 500 MG for an ear infection. The side effects were worse than the ear ache. SEVERE diarrhea, headache, body chills, and unfortunately, my ear still aches. I will be calling my doctor tomorrow for something different. I only took 4 doses and had to stop. I also want to mention I had my gall bladder removed 10 years ago, which left me needing to be extremely careful of what I eat-maybe that had something to do with it? I have to agree with most of the comments here-that taste from the meds is horrid. I woke up both nights from the taste! Avoid if possible. I'm allergic to penicillin, so I think that's why we tried this."

• Jud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2020

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was prescribed clarithromycin for a chest infection post-COVID. Within hours of taking the first tablet, I had extreme stomach pain, heartburn, and diarrhea. I figured I needed to line my stomach next time, and this helped a bit. The chest infection felt better by day 3, and while stomach side effects subsided a little, they still continued every day I was taking the pills (7 days). These antibiotics made me feel worse than the chest infection! On day 4, I started getting an unpleasant taste in my mouth, which 3 weeks later is still there."

• jos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2023

For Pneumonia "I was prescribed this medication for pneumonia. I took it for 2 days and had a severe headache, insomnia, and an awful taste in my mouth. But the worst thing was that right after the first pill, I got severe diarrhea. I stopped taking it and took amoxicillin instead."

• Njg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2017

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Took generic Biaxin (500 mg 2x a day) / clarithromycin, and it quickly made my illness go away, but at the expense of crummy side effects. Never had medicine make me have such bad digestive effects (diarrhea), plus severe headaches and spells of dizziness. After three days, called the doctor, and he immediately changed my medicine. I do not recommend this medicine at all."

• Yuk...
• August 23, 2016

For Strep Throat "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."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2019

For Sinusitis "I had a really bad sinus infection and was put onto this drug. I noticed I don't want to eat or drink, as it is altering my appetite, and I'm a diabetic, so definitely not good for lows. I'm more tired and exhausted easily since being on this drug and nauseous. Also, diarrhea is a challenge, even with probiotics, and tummy cramps."