Clarithromycin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 5)

• De ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2019

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I am on day 4 of a five-day course and have never felt so ill. I started with tonsillitis, which progressed to vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, a terrible metallic taste, headache, feeling like I was going to pass out, stomach cramps, the list has been endless for me. The tonsillitis actually seemed to get better after 2 days, and I don't understand why I have been prescribed a medication that has made me feel so ill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2016

For Strep Throat "I experienced stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and had a metallic taste in my mouth. On the third day, my throat started to hurt again. It must be said that I've never experienced side effects from an antibiotic I've taken in the past ever..."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2017

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Since I am allergic to penicillin, this is the 'go-to drug.' This medicine will give you a horrible taste in your mouth, will cause nausea even when taking it on a full stomach, or feel the nausea to extreme levels/vomit, dizziness, and cause diarrhea until your course is finished. You will also lose your appetite and will have to take repeated prescriptions of this medication for God knows how long just to get rid of any infection, whether simple or complex. It is the same in my case of a chest infection for which I am taking this. I have no other symptoms to write of, and I have been handed these for infections for years. They will work in time, but only after at least 2 weeks of constantly taking them."

• FP0...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2022

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Have been prescribed 7 days, but 3 days in, have seen no benefit, only side effects. Lots of appetite, dehydrated, trouble sleeping, diarrhea. My infection has not decreased. I've just read it can take up to 7 days for clarithromycin to start working, which is too long when you can barely walk for the pain. I have been given a dose of 1000 mg a day, it's easy enough to take."

• oHu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2022

For Middle Ear Infections "Put on this to help with throat pain - it helped. However, severe earache. Ear is very warm at times. I'm only on day 2 and have 7 days to do, my only hope is that it will get better. Also, a lot of diarrhea today."

• Lol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2022

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I am allergic to penicillin, so I get clarithromycin to combat the tonsillitis I get at least three times a year. I get the metallic taste in my mouth and occasionally diarrhea, but now I take it with probiotics, and I have been fine. All antibiotics have side effects, but I’d rather a day stuck on the loo and the metallic taste over tonsillitis. It knocks the tonsillitis out, and yes, I get tired, but that’s more than likely the virus."

• Kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2022

For Middle Ear Infections "The doctor prescribed two weeks of clarithromycin [500 mg] 1 tablet twice a day. Condition: Ear infection. I'm currently on day 6 of these tablets. Side effects: Metallic taste, stomach rumbles, and lack of appetite. Feeling drained and constantly tired. Diarrhea."

• Age...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2022

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I suffer with tonsillitis quite badly, fever in the 40s, white patches on both tonsils, straw-sized gap in your throat, etc. 3 tablets into treatment (12 hours between each), fever stops, I can eat a light soup. By the time you eat the 6th pill, you are able to eat solid food. It does give me the runs, but that's better than the pain tonsillitis brings, and as long as you drink a minimum of 3 liters a day, you're fine."

• Sue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2022

For Middle Ear Infections "I was prescribed clarithromycin for an early infection in both ears. Within an hour, I had a racing heart rate of 140 beats per minute. I felt sick and had diarrhea, headache, terrible metallic taste, and dizziness, but the worst was total deafness. I couldn't hear anything, and as it's only been one day since my last dose, I'm frightened that my hearing will never return."

• Pam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2022

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I found out I have H. pylori from my doctor after waiting over a month for biopsy results from a tract, stomach, and intestine procedure. My doctor put me on this clarithromycin twice a day, amoxicillin 2 pills 2x day, and omeprazole twice daily. After the first dose, I noticed this horrible soapy, salty medicine taste that didn't go away and was worse when I woke up in the middle of the night. I went from being constipated to diarrhea now constantly. I called my doctor on day three and told her about the side effects, and she told me to stop the clarithromycin and she would check on another med to take. I had to call back another time because my doctor's office didn't call about the prescription. When I finally talked to the nurse, she said they could give me another medicine with 3 different meds combined, but they couldn't guarantee I wouldn't have similar side effects. I decided to start clarithromycin again because I would have to start a 14-day regimen again. I'm not looking forward to tonight."

• Cla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2021

For Bronchitis "Excellent as it cleared up the quinsy in my throat along with pneumonia. No problems at all with the mild side effect of diarrhea being outweighed by the benefits of getting rid of the severe bacterial infection I had."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2022

For Bronchitis "Takes time to work. Day 7 of a 7-day course of clarithromycin 500 mg, not convinced it eradicated the infection completely. Still coughing and producing discolored phlegm, debilitating muscle pain and stiffness - I had to crawl up the stairs as my legs and back were affected, losing balance, therefore felt at risk of falling. Insomnia yet extremely fatigued, couldn’t contemplate tasks as I had little energy, vivid dreams (no mental health issues), was unable to focus, queasy, stomach cramps, food regurgitation (slept with raised pillows and second daily dose a few hours prior to bedtime to avoid GERD), constipation then diarrhea day 6, bitter sensation in mouth more so upon waking up, metallic tasting foods, lost appetite, fleeting headaches."

• Whe...
• January 15, 2018

For Bronchitis "I was prescribed this 500 mg medication twice a day when I had a sinus infection and some chest congestion. The first 3 days I was only taking 1 pill a day (because my sinuses were so bad I misread the label). On the 4th day I took 1 every 12 hours, and I had 100% water diarrhea until my body was completely empty. I think the dosage is too strong for me and my stomach. I will break the big pill in half and continue taking 1/2 (250 mg) every 12 hours instead. Every body is different. When you're allergic to penicillins, any other medication can be a blessing rather than go without."

• 66c...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2023

For Skin and Structure Infection "I was prescribed clarithromycin for a chest infection after amoxicillin failed to clear it. Within 12 hours, I had the usual stomach problems, feeling sick, diarrhea, and my blood pressure dropped to 90 over 50, when it is usually 130 over 80. My hearing problems got worse, my vision went blurry. I developed pain in both ears that stopped me from sleeping. I just generally felt out of it. People should be made aware of these awful side effects. I've still got a chest infection. I live in the UK, so I had it prescribed."

• Anonymous
• August 25, 2011

Clarithromycin for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Caused my saliva to taste bitter (not fun) and caused stomach cramps and diarrhea. But I can breathe now."

• Epa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2019

For Pneumonia "Day 7 on clarithromycin, and I can't tell if it is working. I'm on it for my pneumonia. Am no better, just nauseous and a disgusting taste in my mouth, and I have diarrhea now as well."

• fro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2015

For Pneumonia "Towards the end of the week taking the med, I was starting to have diarrhea. During the whole time taking it, I had the taste of throw-up in my mouth."

• hel...
• January 26, 2014

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "My first day, and I got nausea and runs, and I got a little pain in my neck and shoulder."

• Suz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2018

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "Beware - do not mix with Zantac (ranitidine)... horrendous diarrhea..."

• Anonymous
• January 16, 2018

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Started taking this yesterday, had 3. Terrible diarrhea, been sick, feel awful. I'm not taking any more of them."