Clarithromycin and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Mja...
• April 19, 2020

For Pneumonia "Where do I start with this antibiotic? Got diagnosed with pneumonia, got put on amoxicillin, finished the course, breathing got worse. Then was prescribed all I can describe as this awful med, clarithromycin. EVIL things, strongly advise against these. First day on them, felt ill and slept all day and night, from then on, I just felt worse. Had a severely upset stomach, metallic taste that doesn’t go, headaches from hell, and insomnia. Only positive is I’ve lost weight, apart from that, I would not choose to be on these meds again."

• Jro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2019

For Sinusitis "Was prescribed clarithromycin for sinusitis and ear infection after Z-pack didn’t kick it. Took it until the 4th day of the 10-day course before I had to call the doctor with S.O.S. The metallic taste and a little bit of stomach upset were okay, but by night 4, I had the headache of death and woke up every morning a little shaky with a headache. Awful. When the cure is worse than the disease. Was re-prescribed Cefuroxime Axetil, so we’ll see if this can kick whatever it is making me bleh without killing me in the process."

• 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."

• Xta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2023

For Middle Ear Infections "I found the frankly bizarre list of side effects made this intolerable. I feel they should be listed here for anyone who is told that antibiotics cannot influence psychological state or induce deep anxiety. I felt initially a build of gastric issues, dryness of mouth, headache - all okay things if a medication works. This progressed to blurred vision, awful confusion, and a concentration-destroying anxiety, making rational thought difficult. I then experienced a series of physical tremor-like symptoms, dizziness, muscle weakness, with the anxiety building to what felt like severe panic attacks, short bursts of arrhythmic-type tachycardia, and complete insomnia, coupled with an intensification of gastric issues and nausea. I hope these symptoms are rare and that most patients do not experience them at such intensity, but it can happen. With a little research, you may find in rarer cases it has induced mania. I am still feeling the symptoms (less so) despite finishing the drug. 2x500 mg, 7 days."

• 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."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2018

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I have had a horrific experience with this drug. I had severe breathing difficulties and had to call out the ambulance one night, it got so bad. The scariest experience ever!!! Avoid like the plague. Also, headaches and that metallic taste are hard to shake off."

• Tas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "So glad I found this site. Been on this drug for a couple of days for an infected cyst. The headaches and nausea I can actually handle, but this horrible metallic taste in my mouth actually wakes me up from sleep and never goes away during the day. Someone above said it perfectly... it’s like someone sprayed hairspray in my mouth. Coming off it today and will never take it again."

• 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."

• CBA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2020

For Strep Throat "The only thing I have to say about clarithromycin is awful. I have been on 500 mg twice daily for the past 5 days, and I need to stop. First couple of days I was absolutely fine with no side effects, and then by day 3, I started getting chills, shaking, headaches, stomach cramps, low-grade fever, and tightness in my throat with wheezing. I continued onto day 5, not noticing that the tightness in my throat and wheezing was due to an allergic reaction from this drug! (I have asthma, so put it down to having a bad episode.) Before you take this drug, ask for a skin test to see if you are allergic! I didn't even think I was, as I have been on it before. Avoid it as much as possible. Yes, it is good at clearing infections, but do your research and always ask for a better alternative."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2020

For Pneumonia "I've been on clarithromycin a few times because I keep getting pneumonia every year. I was prescribed it again on Monday due to another vicious attack by pneumonia that had me off work and laid up for 10 days. The first night, I woke up with a super dry mouth and that disgusting metallic taste. It gradually got worse, to the point that it was like I was burping and coughing up the medication, it felt like it was sitting in my throat even though I had taken it with lots of water hours ago. I also experienced a debilitating headache Wednesday evening, probably the worst headache I've had. A couple of days ago, I noticed a pain in my cheek, back by my wisdom teeth. I poked around in my mouth and didn't find any lumps or bumps, but my cheek is sore and it hurts to chew or yawn. I also seem to be experiencing some spells of dizziness. I really don't like clarithromycin, its side effects are less than ideal, but it gets rid of the pneumonia, so I'll suffer through!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2017

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was put on clarithromycin for an infected abscess on my chin after not responding to minocycline or Bactrim. I am officially off of it after 1 week. In the past week, I developed severe acute anxiety that caused me to have a four-hour panic attack (my first ever). Additionally, I have a history of bad acid reflux as a symptom of celiac, and this medication made it so that my reflux was so severe I literally could not eat. My throat felt like it was closing, and I had trouble swallowing anything. All foods, even basics like bananas and chicken, made me feel like I was going to die. Constant belching, pressure on chest, and heartburn made me concerned of a heart attack, then panic attack. I also had severe headaches. Did not work for me."

• Sno...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2017

For Sinusitis "I am a cigarette smoker. My dosage is one tablet twice a day for 10 days. I have 2 tablets left. My symptoms included severe post-nasal drip, and my face felt like I had been in a boxing match and lost. The doctor said my ears were filled with fluid and my coughing was nonstop. Tons of mucus coughed up and nose blowing. Since I am on day 9, I have to admit the side effects of this medication are awful. Constant headache and like the others, there is a disgusting taste in my mouth nonstop, as well as my mouth is so dry that at times my tongue actually stuck to the roof of my mouth, and my tongue hurts like it's raw. I made sure to eat before taking this and drank at least 8 ounces of water. Dizzy, nausea 'ugh.' I can't wait to be done. Also, vivid nightmare."

• Eri...
• February 18, 2016

For Strep Throat "Vile. Got the worst headache, terrible taste in mouth, dizziness, and generally feel terrible. Taking it because I have the strep bacteria in my lungs, which is uncommon. This is now my second dose, as it didn't go the first time, but I'm not convinced it's working."

• Mik...
• October 31, 2016

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I dunno, I think this stuff works great. It's been in my system for like 4 hours. I can breathe. I'm not so drowsy. My headache, chest pain, throat, and neck pain are all gone. I feel like I am back to the normal me again after 2 weeks of bed-bound trying to fight it myself. Finally went to the doctor. I love this stuff. Only thing is I feel wired, almost like I did a double dose of it, lol. My stuff has a different name, but it's the same stuff: clarithromycin XL 500mg x 2 once a day."

• 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."

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2016

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I've had a chesty cough for 7 weeks. Following a total hysterectomy, my hilar lymph node is enlarged in my right lung, and I'm exhausted from coughing. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and am waiting to start chemotherapy, which is being delayed due to my infection. I have had amoxicillin 500 mg and doxycycline 500 mg, neither did anything. I'm now on 2 x 500 mg clarithromycin. I have had 5 tablets so far and have 9 to take. Within a few hours of taking this medicine, the heat in my throat and ears was tremendous. It felt like the drugs were fighting the infection. The vile metallic taste started by the 3rd tablet, it's worse than the taste I had during my chemotherapy for breast cancer. It won't seem to go, immense thirst and headaches too!!"

• Tem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2021

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed clarithromycin 500mg every 12 hrs (twice daily) for 10 days by my ENT consultant after I used Doxy for 7 days without relief for my bacterial infection. I started feeling better after the third dose and didn't have any major side effect. I had yogurt before and after taking the medication. By day four, I was hit by all the side effects in the book. I started going to the toilet twice a day (bowel movement). My normal routine is once. I experienced headache, body and muscle ache, fatigue, metallic taste in the mouth, and generally feeling unwell. By the time I completed my 10 days, almost all my sinusitis symptoms were gone. I still experienced the full-blown side effects of this medication: headache, body and muscle ache, fatigue, metallic taste in the mouth, and generally feeling unwell for 5 days after completing the dose. Did it clear my infection? YES. Will I use this again? NO. It is way too strong for me."

• B M...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "2-week triple treatment for H. pylori, which caused severe gastritis, an ulcer (clamped during endoscopy), duodenitis, and grade 3 esophageal erosion. Even plain water was going down like a thousand razor blades. I'm on day 11. Unlike most people, I've had nearly zero side effects, just some dizziness and the odd headache."

• cra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2018

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed clarithromycin for sinusitis by my GP. Big, huge yellow tablets that are hard to swallow. I find that they give me a massive headache, some visual disturbance. I have an awful metallic taste in the mouth and difficulty breathing. Just doing everyday tasks with a giant headache is grinding me down. It is hard not to get cross at everyone. I also have nausea in the morning, retch, and almost throw up. I have recurring sinusitis, am allergic to penicillin, and it's getting me down. I almost thought I was going blind out shopping yesterday. Yes, the heart palpitations are nasty, especially when trying to go to sleep. I've taken three tablets so far, my fourth tonight of a seven-day course."

• Zoe...
• February 27, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was diagnosed with H. pylori and malaria weeks ago. It is a horrid experience, I fainted once. Was prescribed Coartem (artemether and lumefantrine) and paracetamol for 3 days. Clarithromycin for 2 weeks, Amoxil for 2 weeks, Zapazol for 2 weeks. At first, dose up till 3 days, I felt it was getting worse. I felt sick, extremely dizzy, had a bitter taste, and was feeling extremely bloated with bad headaches, but got better. Now I'm on the 9th day, and the bitter taste is getting severe, plus headaches. Been online ruling out reasons before I found this thread. I thought I was pregnant even if I knew I wasn't, if you know what I mean. Lol. I suspected acid reflux, bile reflux. I don't know anymore, it's really ruining my well-being. Although this bitter taste has been even before I started the meds, but it's worse now, and I believed the previous bitter taste went away because it was the malaria. I don't know what to do. What do you guys advise me to do."

• RTa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2018

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "GP is treating me for a respiratory infection and prescribed me 500 mg of clarithromycin twice a day for 7 days. These antibiotics are bad, I’m sure. The first day wasn’t too bad, but come day 2, the stomach pain, nausea, bitter taste, losing my sense of taste, and chronic headaches had started. I’m on day 6 and still have these side effects along with breathlessness, terrible dizziness, anxiety, and generally feeling like I’m not on this planet. My head feels like it doesn’t belong to me, which in turn doesn’t help the anxiety side effects-vicious circle! I’m at a loose end, but as I’ve only one day and my evening tablet to go, I will persevere. I hope these side effects don’t continue for too long once I’ve finished the course, or I think I may crack up!!"

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2018

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I took this twice a day (500 mg) for seven days and could not wait for the course to be over. I’ve never suffered from side effects to a medication before, but I had an awful headache from day 3 onwards, and the metallic/bitter taste in my mouth was really awful and made me feel nauseous and affected my sleep. I’d request a different medication if you can!"

• Max...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2017

For Pneumonia "I was prescribed this for bacterial pneumonia, the first pill spaced me out, made me jittery, and gave me terrible stomach pains. I have never felt so unwell in my life! I am on day two and have had three pills so far, and I am just feeling awful. I have a vile, bitter taste that's very strong and ache all over, especially in my back and legs. My head has started to hurt, and I feel very tearful. I am a mum of five children, and I'm used to just getting on with it, but the side effects have knocked me for six. The only good thing is I have started to cough less. Be warned, they are very strong. I hope I start to feel better tomorrow or will be returning to the hospital."