Clarithromycin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I've been on this for 11 days now. The side effects of this medicine are truly bad. Sweats, nausea, itchiness, diarrhea, tired most of the time. Hope I can take it for 3 more days. I'm not needing indigestion meds. Hope this works. I've had H. pylori for a year. Don't want to ever take this again!!!! Also taking metronidazole."

• Ada...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2013

For Pneumonia "I went to the doctor having hard breathing, weakness, aching, headaches, and a nasty cough. I had it 3 days before going in. I was prescribed Clarithromycin 'Biaxin XL' 500 mg x2 per day. Taking it with my morning meals, I started feeling better after 2 days. The cough and 100 deg temp stayed until day 4. I woke up soaked in sweat. Here I am 8 days later, I feel better, but the cough still remains, and I'm hacking up clear, thick liquid. I have enough pills for 4 more days, so I will write a re-review once it has taken its course. It most definitely helped. I did not taste any metallic taste, nor did I get diarrhea. I do get a loopy sensation about an hour after taking it, which lasts for approximately 10 hours. They also prescribed me a cough syrup and codeine."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Was prescribed Amoxicillin 1000 mg, Clarithromycin 500 mg 14 tab, and Nexium 40 mg twice a day for my H. pylori. I'm on day 10, and I have another 4 days. My abdominal pain improved after one day of treatment, but I've got a lot of side effects: disgusting metal taste, sore throat, light fever, headache, diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, and cough. Not at the same time each day had side effects changed."

• 123...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2020

For Middle Ear Infections "I've been on clarithromycin twice, I knew the first course was brilliant after day one. However, my infection didn't clear up straight away. Afterwards, I was still experiencing a leaking ear and smell. I rang and told my doctor, and she prescribed me the same antibiotics. However, this time around, I am suffering from so many side effects. After 3 days, I have diarrhea and feeling sick, my anxiety attacks have gone through the roof, and I'm feeling tight-chested. On top of all of that, I am asthmatic, hot and cold sweats, and feeling really tired. I thought I was the only one, so it has helped me reading everyone else's reviews."

• Bei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2018

For Bronchitis "My doctor said I have bronchitis, as I have had a cough for 3 weeks, but no fever and not feeling ill. I recently moved from a hot, humid climate to a cold, dry climate. I was put on this for 10 days, 2 times a day. The first night it knocked me out, and I felt like absolute garbage the next morning. I couldn't make it into work-nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, anxiety, agitation, crying spells, and sweats, but it wore off throughout the day. I ended up going back to the doctor after I took another dose last night because I felt very agitated. I saw a different doctor this time, who stated I do not have bronchitis, just a seasonal cough from the move. She recommended I stay on for at least 3 days, just in case, but to use Benadryl, nasal spray, and Pepcid. I am on my 4th dose, and I feel crummy, but not as bad as the first day. I ate yogurt and took probiotics with the subsequent doses and did not have diarrhea. Hopefully, I will never have to take this again. I never had side effects like this with amoxicillin."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2024

For Bronchitis "I have had chronic bronchitis on and off twice a year since I was 7. Clarithromycin ALWAYS works and so fast. This time around, I am on dose 4 and most of my symptoms are gone. The only thing left is my cough expelling mucus and my sinuses have a little bit of pressure. The only negative side effect I've had continuously is diarrhea. That being said, this stuff is a lifesaver."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2016

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Prescribed 500 mg twice a day for 14 days for a skin infection following surgery, as Co-Axoclav did not work. A couple of hours after taking the first pill, I noticed a strong metallic taste in my mouth - minor problem though, so would obviously put up with this. On day 2, I had awful stomach cramps, doubled over in pain, which then became severe diarrhea for over 24 hours before I stopped taking them altogether. I also had one night where I had really bad dreams & hallucinated that there was someone in my room! I now know that's a known problem with these drugs. My doc is prescribing me an alternative, but if they don't work, then it's hospital treatment for me."

• Chl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2019

For Bronchitis "As prescribed, I took this drug, clarithromycin, for 5 days, 500mg once a day every morning for bronchitis. It took 10 days for the productive cough to end, had some residual cough for another 3 weeks. I had diarrhea while taking the drug, lost my taste and appetite, and had a lot of gas even after the dosage ended. This happened even if I was taking probiotics. My concern now is how to restore my gut microbiome health and balance."

• Kim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2017

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Been taking this medicine for 3 days, so I have taken 6 tablets. Don't know what anyone means by bad taste in their mouth. I only have this in the morning... never throughout the day. Today I had to go to the toilet as it gave me slight diarrhea (if that is how you spell it). My swelling has reduced in size and pain dramatically."

• Nik...
• May 7, 2016

For Strep Throat "I was prescribed this drug, clarithromycin (500 mg twice a day) on a Wed morning for strep throat. It is now Sat (in an hour it will be), and I feel like my strep has gotten worse. My tonsils are enormous and covered in white gunk (they weren't this bad on Wed). It's extremely difficult to swallow, and now it feels like it's plugging up my ears. I've had a 102 fever for 48-72 hours, which finally broke Friday, so I'm not sure if that was from strep or the medication, but sleeping was near impossible with so much restlessness and sweating buckets. I feel like I need to sleep for a week, but I'm unable to sleep well. I've also had a headache, and my teeth have been jittery (I don't know how else to describe that). I've had diarrhea on Friday too. Disappointed."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2021

For Skin and Structure Infection "Was put on clarithromycin 500 mg for a horse fly bite that got infected on my back, which caused the lymph node in my neck to swell. The first day of taking this medication was fine, but all went downhill from there: low mood, the most severe tummy pains, which led to the worst case of diarrhea I’ve ever had in my life, confusion, rapid heart, and anxiety. I stopped taking it after the third day. I would never recommend these tablets to anyone else, and I will never take them again! AVOID AVOID AVOID!!"

• Cav...
• August 17, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I had a recurrence of stomach abscess a few weeks ago. Prescribed clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day after first antibiotics didn’t work. Had a week's course that certainly helped the abscess. Requested another week's course as I still felt slightly sore. Second course (different manufacturer) gave me the metallic taste and diarrhea within a day or so. Also bloating/gas with chest pains so bad that I ended up getting an ECG to rule out a heart attack. Had palpitations too. Stopped taking on day 6 as I felt too rough. That was 3 days ago, and I still have an upset tummy. No diarrhea but very gassy and some chest/back pain along with it. Feels like I'm slowly getting better. Because of the stomach pains, it’s hard to know if my abscess has gone as it’s the same area. This has caused me a lot of anxiety. If the drug actually worked and the side effects are just temporary (and not serious), then I might take it again, but right now I don't like this antibiotic. I might post another review in a week's time and see how I am then."

• Lyd...
• March 18, 2017

For Mycoplasma Pneumonia "Was meant to be on penicillin, but the hospital changed my antibiotic 5 mins before I left because they found mycoplasma in my throat (they didn't really know what was wrong with me, tbh). My symptoms are spot on to a, so I'm leaning towards that as what I have (it's certainly not tonsillitis or 'stress,' which they tried to fob me off with). I have taken 4 of these clarithromycin, and I think they may be the devil in pill form. I have had nothing but shortness of breath, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea since. Apparently, they are common side effects, but this seems ridiculous. I felt better off with just the pneumonia than with being on these!"

• Hur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2016

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Sadly, I'm only on day 1 of this medicine combined with amoxicillin and lansoprazole, and it's hell. I got extreme dizziness. I feel so slow with thinking. My stomach is burning a few minutes after the drugs, and I got bad diarrhea. The symptoms start to decrease a few hours after the first dose but return when I take my second dose. Never again will I take this antibiotic, and I have 6 days left."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2018

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Was given this for tonsillitis as I’m allergic to penicillin. I’m on day 3, and the side effects are unbearable. The metallic taste was so strong it woke me up in the middle of the night, gagging. My stomach feels sore and uncomfortable. Loose stools, extreme nausea, palpitations, shaking, excess salivating, tight throat. You name it, I’m experiencing it. Going back to the doctor in the morning, as this drug is just intolerable. Nobody seems to have a good word to say about it! Use with caution!"

• Smh...
• November 19, 2017

For Strep Throat "Second day on the liquid version of this medicine. Last night I had extreme stomach pains and actually vomited. Tonight I have diarrhea and once again nausea. Although the medication is helping the strep throat, the side effects are insane."

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2021

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Part 1: Well, after reading all these comments, I'm perplexed by the many complaints about this antibiotic's side effects. Always take them with a full 8 oz glass of water on top of the meal. Also, antibiotics get rid of bacteria, they don’t discriminate against the good gut bacteria, so yes, you might get diarrhea. Eat plenty of yogurt (plain Greek yogurt, no sugars or preserved fruit in the bottom) or have probiotics while taking antibiotics."

• Mum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2016

For Pertussis Prophylaxis "So my 10-year-old daughter has tested positive for whooping cough, therefore, the whole family needs to be treated. I have 3 daughters, 10, 9, and 5. We are all taking the clarithromycin, this is the 2nd day, and we all feel very dizzy, nauseous, have a horrible taste in our mouths, and diarrhea. I feel like we are being poisoned, not treated. Is it worth all this pain and discomfort for 7 days? Our other option is not to take the antibiotics and stay isolated for 21 days. I don't know what to do."

• kme...
• December 19, 2015

For Strep Throat "Worst medication ever. Was prescribed for strep throat...the swollen tonsils and pain in my throat have subsided; however, the first dose made me so weak I almost passed out. Now it's day 3, and I have severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea every 10 to 20 minutes for the past 6 hours, gas all day long; and I feel faint here and there. I called my doctor, and he switched me to a Z-Pak starting tomorrow morning. I can't wait 'til this is over."

• Fro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2013

For Strep Throat "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 to 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."

• Coc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2020

For Strep Throat "Absolutely horrendous. Worst antibiotic I have ever tried. Was given 2x a day for 5 days for strep throat. Day 1, severe sickness, anxiety due to thinking I’m going to be sick every minute, found some anti-sickness and felt a bit better. Day 2 cramps kicked in, agony, and then unexpected diarrhea several times. Day 3, and it’s the afternoon I feel absolutely miserable and the cramps are back, expect to spend the day on the toilet. Bright side, strep has cleared up well, but what are all these side effects about, I feel worse than ever and have never had this with any antibiotic. I’m in 2 minds not to do the final 2 days. I will never accept this antibiotic again, literally feel like I’m poisoning myself. The old antibiotic never did anything like this. Glad I’m not alone."

• Min...
• September 22, 2018

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I have had an ulcer on my tonsil pillar right side. It started out small like a pencil tip eraser. Then grew to the size of an almond. It's been a week since it started. I was almost in tears trying to eat soup. And it kept growing. So I went to the doctor, and he gave me these antibiotics because I am immune to penicillin, 'amoxicillin.' I take 2 in the morning and 2 at night, along with anti-inflammatory and pain drugs. It's been about 48 hours, and it is already decreasing in size. Side effects, if not eaten with a good amount of food, are diarrhea, sweats, and the worse awful taste in my mouth. But if you suck on scotch mints, 'the real ones,' it's fine, you don't even notice. I didn't eat a proper meal the first 2 pills. After that, I did and only side effects are light diarrhea and a bad taste in my mouth. If I needed to take this again, I would. The side effects for me are worth seeing a difference in 48 hours."

• Cec...
• September 18, 2015

For Sinusitis "I've been on this medication for 8 days of the 14 day's supply from the Dr. I have some relief from the pain and pressure, but the infection is still very much there. I'm getting nervous that I may need a different medication. I have experienced a bad taste in my mouth and noticed a few hours after I take it, and it goes away. When I first started the medication, I was having weird hunger pains, but as the time has gone by, those have subsided. I haven't had diarrhea, and that’s a plus for sure. I have sinus issues and have for years. Most other medications seem to clear it up in a few days. I always finish medication as prescribed."

• Orl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2018

For Strep Throat "I am allergic to penicillin, so normally get prescribed Erythromycin. This time, the doctor prescribed Clarithromycin 500 mg x 2 per day. Quite a large tablet for a sore throat, but they do go down easily. I am quite sensitive, but these have been okay. Some sporadic diarrhea, but not too bad. Nasty taste in my mouth in the morning, which is weird. Tingling skin on hands, again a bit weird, but nothing too bad. Throat cleared up really quickly, but I took the full course as advised. Very pleased with the drug. Better than Erythromycin that I am usually prescribed."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2017

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Not sure what I have as the doctors refuse to run any tests, but I've basically got something with sinuses and a really bad cough nearing two months now. I first got Amoxicillin, which got rid of the tickly cough, but otherwise may have actually made it worse (but on the bright side, I had minimal side effects). This one seems to have minimized the actual coughing fits, but by day 5 it hasn't fixed much else, unfortunately. I was otherwise physically exhausted as well, but the first two days of these were a complete knockout for me. I'd sleep 12h, take the pill, be up for 2h before desperately needing a nap. I also got the constant metallic taste and upset stomach/diarrhea and trouble falling asleep. Definitely need probiotics with these."