Clarithromycin and Headaches: What Users Say

• Bom...
• July 29, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "About 2 months ago, I got a nasty bug, so I went to the doctor, where I was tested for Helicobacter pylori. Then, they gave me the Prevpac of 500 mg amoxicillin, clarithromycin 500 mg, and omeprazole twice a day. I was told to take it all in one go before food. You must eat, then wait 30-45 minutes after for the PPI to work as it starts when your body is digesting. The first 3 days, nothing. I was great apart from a funny taste, no appetite, and slight runs. The third day, I didn’t eat much, and by 11 at night, I had a rapid pulse rate and felt unwell. Every day, different symptoms. On day 4, I had awful pain in my side and felt tired and unwell, as I was also experiencing insomnia. Today, on my sixth day, I woke up with a headache, and it’s lasted all day, plus I feel dizzy and sick. Insomnia, dizziness, nausea, dysentery, pain in my side, rapid heart rate once, elevated pulse rate, horrid taste, sweating, memory loss, some acid reflux, and generally feeling ill. I can’t wait for the last day, it is the only thing keeping me going as I do not want to quit."

• Tho...
• June 8, 2010

For Dental Abscess "I never had a tooth abscess before. I think childbirth compares, but it went on for days. Finally, I called my dentist. He prescribed Clarithromycin, and it worked wonderfully. I'm taking it again right now for a sinus infection. I requested it when I went to see my doctor. On day 2, the terrible headache with the infection is gone. Clarithromycin will be my antibiotic of choice from now on."

• rev...
• October 11, 2013

For Bronchitis "I have bronchitis, and they prescribed clarithromycin. I have been taking it for 4 days now (I need to take it for 10 days). I often feel dizzy, have headaches, and feel very nauseous. My mouth always tastes gross, like a metallic taste. I often have to rinse my mouth with water because of the bad taste (even at night, I have to get up and rinse my mouth because the taste makes me nauseous). I just wanted to share."

• Jan...
• February 7, 2014

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed clarithromycin for a sinus infection. I have been battling this for four weeks and two prescriptions before this. I am on day three and feel only a little better. I have read it takes 4-5 days to feel better, especially if you have had it a while. The sinuses are hard to penetrate. I have had no stomach problems, I recommend probiotics. A nasty taste in my mouth... Gatorade helps a bit. I have also had fatigue and headache, but I am unsure if this is due to the antibiotics or that my body has had it with medication. Hope this helps someone."

• 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."

• Fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I’m 37 and recently diagnosed with H. pylori. Prescribed treatment plan of omeprazole, Amox, and clarithromycin. The strange taste in my mouth is awful. When I lick my lips, it tastes like pennies/chemicals. Very run down and lethargic with some memory loss and foggy brain. Eyes are dry/burning and feel like an effort to get out of bed and walk to the bathroom. Light headache and stiff neck. Runny nose. Lower back pain and gas with burping and hiccups. Strange craving for bananas. Bananas and foods with strong flavor help with taste and bloating. Gum and fruity hard candy help with taste too. Bowel movements smell strong, fruity, and weird in the grossest way. So tired. Need to take naps throughout the day."

• Edm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2016

For Sinusitis "First of all, to the people saying Biaxin should be off the market, you do realize that there are different kinds of antibiotics and what works for you won't work for me, and vice versa. For example, I am allergic to penicillin, and any antibiotic related to it makes me feel awful and worse. But it works for many other people. That being said, Biaxin works for me. In fact, it instantly worked by the next day when I woke up, my nose didn't have green chunks in it anymore. Yes, it gives a metallic taste. Yes, day 3, I have a headache behind my eyes (maybe the medication working on the more deeper infected area). If you get a dull headache, take an Advil, don't stop taking the medication... A migraine I would stop, but a mild headache I think is manageable."

• Jod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2020

For Sinusitis "I got this antibiotic what would have been 3 days ago today. The first day, I had a complete breakdown and cried my eyes out. I was extremely emotional and depressed, feeling hopeless and felt like I was losing my mind. I couldn’t stop crying. I have a metallic taste in my mouth and have had headaches every day. Last night, I was all of a sudden having excruciating stomach cramps, I couldn’t stand or sit or lay down, the pain was unbearable. I considered calling 911 because the pain was so bad but settled for 811 health link instead. I thought I was dying. It took hot pads and painkillers to even be able to lay down. Today, I am stuck on the couch (husband's orders), and after last night, my stomach is still very tender and cramping, but nothing compared to how it was. I would suggest never taking this medication. It was an absolute nightmare, and I will NEVER take this again, it shouldn’t even be prescribed to people. It is absolute poison."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2019

For Sinusitis "I have been fighting a sinus infection for almost a month now. I am on my third day of taking 1000 mg of this antibiotic daily, and around 3 hours after taking the pills, I get an awful taste in my mouth, along with an upset stomach, a heavy feeling in my stomach, and a headache. Awful :("

• 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."

• 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?"

• che...
• March 19, 2015

For Sinusitis "I noticed they made my sinus unblock pretty quick, but I had to go to the doctor and change them to amoxicillin. With clarithromycin, I had heart palpitations, sweats, and horrific nightmares along with a tension headache. Was horrible. I thought I was gonna pass out."

• Des...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I caught my tonsillitis pretty soon, thankfully. My doctor prescribed me clarithromycin 500 mg, 2x a day. When I read these reviews, I was absolutely terrified! I hardly saw anything good about these pills. Being a hypochondriac, I started them yesterday, but I only took half a pill, though I was supposed to take a full one - no side effects. Today, I took a full pill as directed, and it has now been almost 7 hours, and I still have absolutely no side effects! The only thing I’ve noticed even the slightest is a very, very mild headache that doesn’t even last long. I see some people said it wasn’t bad until day 3, but we will see. Regardless, don’t believe the things you see until you try it for yourself! It is scary, and you never know with new medicines, but the benefit of the medicine is I’m sure far better than dealing with the pain of whatever you have going on. Take the medicine; GET BETTER."

• 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."

• pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2016

For Sinusitis "The most disgusting taste in my mouth even made my toothbrush smell weird. Nasty chemical smell/taste, headache, blurry eyes, lack of concentration, nausea, stomach bloating and churning, vomited when brushing teeth. Horrible antibiotic, calling GP tomorrow to arrange for an alternative antibiotic, cannot stand the taste or side effects."

• Fra...
• May 4, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I have terrible health anxiety triggered by a fear of medication, so when I found out I had H. pylori, I panicked at what that meant for me, as I have been suffering for 2 years with symptoms, but I was more panicked knowing I would have to take medication. I put it off for 3 days and then started when I could have someone home with me. The side effects of this triple therapy so far (I am on day 4): headache, nausea, and feeling very sick, and the most awful metallic taste in my mouth, which lingers all day. Things that have helped are only drinking water, sucking on Tic Tac, and eating dry toast and crackers. Sometimes I break out in a sweat. I was very worried about side effects, but a week of nausea to rid myself of this bug that has left me feeling so awful is worth it. I have all my fingers crossed that this triple therapy works and I can get rid of this bug for good. It’s taken over my life the past 2 years with how unwell it has made me feel."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2016

Clarithromycin for Strep Throat "Obviously, no antibiotic is going to be easy, but this is tolerable. I am allergic to penicillin, so I always get prescribed Biaxin. It always clears up my infections, the only downside is the horrible bitter taste. My best advice, besides chewing gum/mints in between, is to eat dark chocolate before and after- it actually does help subside the bitter taste! Also, take the probiotic pearls with each dosage, it should help your stomach and prevent diarrhea. Eat as much yogurt as possible or drink kefir milk- kefir milk is the best probiotic you can take. It works wonders! You may get some minor headaches/stomach discomfort the first couple of days, but let your body adjust and you should be fine. It's definitely tolerable compared to other meds."

• bac...
• September 10, 2016

Clarithromycin for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Every side effect listed was experienced by me to the point that I could not sleep. The horrid taste in my mouth, joint pain, backache, nausea, severe headache, and urinary hesitation. Avoid this medication."

• Mit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2018

Clarithromycin for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "The best antibiotic ever! Saved my life! Been sick with fever on & off, night sweating, nightmares, sore throat, headaches, green phlegm, etc. for 3 months until I got Biaxin BID 2x 500 mg/day. It saved my life! After the 1st pill, I was like new! I'm on my 4th day, I sleep so good at night... like a baby... no symptoms at all... I feel like new! Thank you, whoever invented these antibiotics! ❤️"

• Run...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2020

For Skin and Structure Infection "I always get side effects from antibiotics and am allergic to penicillin, but I have NEVER experienced anything as bad as this reaction from clarithromycin! Horrible metallic taste in mouth, horrendous stomach pain/cramps/diarrhea, headache, insomnia, confusion, UTI, and probably worst of all is the depression. I actually feel suicidal and have been hurting myself. I NEVER normally do this. I feel like I have been poisoned and have stopped after 6 tablets. I just hope the side effects don’t last, I’m trying to find something to get them out of my system, charcoal maybe?"

• Dee...
• November 1, 2019

For Bronchitis "Been on these clarithromycin pills before, and I told my doctor I don’t want to take them again, but this time I went to the doctor and didn’t know what she gave me till my boyfriend picked it up from the pharmacy. Needless to say, I was disappointed, but I started to take them anyway because I have a real bad cough. After 2 days, my cough improved, but the soreness in my back and chest is still there. I take them before I eat supper and breakfast. I am getting the hungry feelings, dizzy, weird thoughts, bad taste, and headache, and that’s all at the moment. Hopefully, this won’t last long."

• Sue...
• April 5, 2016

For Bronchitis "I was prescribed this for acute bronchitis. First day I took it, I had a bad, heavy headache one hour after, laid in bed, played on my phone, and kind of just fell asleep. It was fine, I was fine, little to no side effects. But vivid, bad dreams. I then take it before bedtime, 12 hours after the first dose. Attempt to sleep, rolling back and forth, I cough and there's that taste that everyone talks about, no sleeping. Restless, lightheaded. So not worth it, not taking my next doses after this. I want to get better, but I'd like to not feel like this. Even though my cough is somewhat subsided, I work 35-40 hours, and it's not worth it."

• DKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on Day 5 of 500 mg twice a day, and I have thrown in the towel. I really wanted to finish the 7-day course, but I cannot function with the hideous side effects. Initially, just stomach cramping, but then debilitating nausea and a disgusting taste in my mouth. Day 4 brought on the worst headache, and throughout, I have had excruciating pain in my ribs and back. Cannot wait to feel like a normal human being again."

• kai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2019

For Sinusitis "On day three of the clarithromycin 500 mg XL for sinusitis, and I don’t see even the slightest difference. I have had major diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, confusion, and the worst headache I have ever had to the point where I can’t move or it hurts more. I also have that foul metal taste, and it certainly wakes you at night. I have taken so many antibiotics in my life, but these have definitely been the hardest to cope with, especially with how huge these pills are. **UPDATE** ended up getting sinusitis again 2 weeks later. Never again with these pills. I had all those listed side effects from the pill for no reason, as the infection is back. I will now be telling my doctors that I do not get along with Biaxin."