Clarithromycin and Heart Palpitations: What Users Say (Page 2)

• TMa...
• April 29, 2018

For Dental Abscess "I was given this 500 mg 2x a day after Amox did not completely knock out an infection. It took my pain away, but on the 6th day, I got a racing heart so bad that I thought I was having a heart attack. I thought it was due to a protein drink I just drank (I was still on only soft foods for the extraction). I thought to no longer drink that drink and tried my best to sleep. The next day, I had just a slightly odd feeling in my heart. I took the meds, and within the hour, I felt awful. I was scared to stop taking it. I took one more dose that day, and hours after, I knew I had to stop. I looked online and saw it can cause problems in people with heart issues, including sudden death. Good grief! I had no other side effects. No nightmares, no gut issues (I upped how many probiotics I take on antibiotics). I only had the racing heart and palpitations that made my heart feel like it would explode. I did not sleep last night because I was holding my chest and praying to God. Be careful & mind yourself."

• 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."

• NBa...
• September 15, 2019

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "The first 2 days on clarithromycin were a breeze, and I started to feel better, although I would advise taking this with food, as I didn’t once and nearly threw up everywhere. I did experience the metallic taste after each dose, and I would wake up feeling lethargic the first few days. However, after day 3, I started getting bad heart palpitations that would keep me up at night - I didn’t sleep for 2 days! Day 4, I was a mess, my anxiety skyrocketed, and I was very paranoid and still had the heart palpitations. After calling 111, I was advised to stop taking the drug and to never take it again. I visited an OOH doctor the next day, and I was put on 2 different antibiotics. The doctor said my tonsils and glands were still so swollen and irritated despite being on clarithromycin for 4 days. The side effects wore off 1-2 days after stopping clarithromycin. Please speak to a doctor ASAP if you have any sort of bad reaction to this drug, as it is a very strong and harsh antibiotic. I would not recommend."

• Ver...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2018

For Strep Throat "Worst experience. I was prescribed this antibiotic for strep throat because I am allergic to penicillin. I am currently on day 5 of a 10-day course. I will no longer be taking this drug. It is 2 am and I am wide awake, all week I have been having crazy, vivid dreams, a disgusting, unbearable taste in my mouth at all times that just keeps getting worse, heart palpitations, anxiety-the list goes on. If you have a different option, please consider that. I wish someone had warned me about the awful side effects."

• kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2022

For Middle Ear Infections "I had this antibiotic last week and also 4 months ago. Brand name 'Klacid.' The first time I had it, I had zero side effects. Age 50 and have had a lot of antibiotics before and usually have no side effects, so I didn't really think about it too much this time. It was fine for the first 3 days, except the third night I had a dream we were kidnapped by the mafia, and it was very distressing. On the 4th day, during the day, I had depressive 'what's the point of anything' thoughts and felt jittery with an erratic heartbeat. That night, I was trying to go to sleep, and as soon as I almost nodded off, my throat would close off and wake me in a fright. This went on for hours, and I got no sleep. Of course, now I see online that breathing issues are a side effect. 5th night, the same thing happened. I am currently delirious today. Rang the doctor, and she said to discontinue. Am currently hoping I get some sleep tonight, and it's made me very anxious."

• Lal...
• October 8, 2016

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I recently had surgery to remove a pilonidal sinus and was prescribed clarithromycin as my stitches opened and it became infected. I thought I was going crazy! The first two days weren't too bad, just the horrid taste and sick feeling. Then after four, I had heart palpitations and stomach cramps. I have two days left, I feel like I'm being poisoned. It won't let me sleep, my heart beats too fast, and I'm short of breath! Also, before I found this thread, I spent a day crying and depressed. I thought I'd gone mad and developed depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, and insomnia overnight. Thank god I'm not the only one! Also, I've suffered from insomnia on and off for years, so cheers, give someone who struggles to sleep pills that keep you awake! Never again!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2015

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I have been taking this drug for 1 day now for reoccurring tonsillitis, pharyngitis, cough, and associated lower respiratory problems such as trouble breathing because of phlegm and whatnot. I am suffering very bad side effects from this drug, however, it is very effective. I am suffering extreme nausea almost straight away from taking it (I'm on it twice a day for a week), increased heart rate (120 at resting), palpitations, very bad shakes, extreme fatigue, however, no muscle pain like other symptoms, and will see if I get the nightmares like everyone else also. Very hard on the system, but if it gets rid of this infection, I will be delighted, I will consider coming off the drug if side effects worsen like they are known to."

• 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."

• How...
• October 23, 2020

For Middle Ear Infections "I'm on day two of clarithromycin, dose = two 500 mg tablets a day. Was given this for chronic ear infection after Otomize spray didn't work. First day, I had the awful metallic taste, and nothing is making it go away. I can deal with the bad taste, but the other side effects are horrendous, including palpitations, anxiety, panic attacks, crying, nausea, stomach cramps, shakes, and tiredness. I'm on day 2, and I can't take anymore! I'll never ever take this medication again. Unlucky for me, it's a Friday evening, so I won't be able to speak to my GP to change the antibiotic. Reading everyone's reviews has helped, as I was starting to panic about my side effects. Good luck, and try to get a different antibiotic if you can."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2018

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Took this after I had a tooth extracted that had an abscess. My jaw swelled up, and I was in extreme pain. Took 500 mg twice daily for 7 days. I experienced heart racing, tremors, nausea, and a bitter taste coming from my gums. I couldn't sleep for more than a couple of hours. The swelling went down slowly, and I have finished the course. But 2 days off it now, and I'm still having palpitations and a terrible taste not sleeping well either. I have started on a course of probiotics and using saltwater mouth rinses to help with the horrible taste. I told my dentist about the heart racing and bad taste, she told me I wasn't eating enough! Will add this to my list of drugs NEVER to be taken again...EVER."

• 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!"

• Cat...
• September 20, 2017

For Strep Throat "I am on day 7 and more miserable than when I started taking the drug. I have had headaches, trouble getting to sleep, stomachache, heart palpitations, and I think I have even noticed more hair falling out than usual. My tonsils are still swollen and sore throat is still present, but I have gotten a yeast infection because all the good bacteria in my vagina have apparently been killed, so I'm out of balance. Miserable. I'm going to see my doctor tomorrow to see if I can get something else. Should have done it days ago."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2021

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed a 7-day course of 500 mg (2 a day) of clarithromycin for a particularly bad dose of sinusitis and an ear infection. I wish I had read the reviews before I started taking it, as I will never take it again. The first couple of days, everything was OK, then the anxiety started, coupled with a racing heart and palpitations. It got so bad I had to go to the A&E to get checked out. I then had the worst acid reflux I have ever experienced, I've been in so much pain. It has now been 5 days since I stopped taking them. Yesterday was the first day I didn't have any palpitations, and after getting some omeprazole from the chemist, the acid reflux is starting to lift slightly. To be honest, my ear infection would have been preferable to what I've been through the past few days. Avoid at all costs!!"

• 123...
• January 3, 2016

For Legionella Pneumonia "Worst antibiotic I have ever had in my life, was prescribed this along with prednisone. Since day one, my heart has been pounding out of my chest, then going slow. I have had tightness in it, my mouth tastes vile. I am on day 5 and have been trying to get to sleep for 4 hours, and I can't because of the palpitations in my heart. The antibiotics have taken the pains out of my chest, which is what I was prescribed them for, but now the side effects are worse than the pains in my chest. Never, ever again!!!"

• 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."

• Ros...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2018

"I live in India. Here, most doctors do not take the time to find out what is really wrong with you. Three weeks ago, I developed a sore throat with no other symptoms. The first doctor I went to prescribed azithromycin for five days, which did not help at all. So, I went to an otolaryngologist who prescribed clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for seven days with probiotics. It was horrible. I was completely wiped out by day six and stopped it. Should have done so sooner. Other symptoms were a bitter taste in the mouth, awful dreams, and heart palpitations. It's been two days since I stopped, and I am still very tired. Went back to the doctor yesterday as it had done nothing. He did an endoscopy and found it was reflux laryngitis, which means I did not need the antibiotic at all. I was given two courses of two different antibiotics for nothing. I am so upset. Welcome to India, my friends!!"

• Zar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2018

For Strep Throat "I was given this drug by my doctor because I’m allergic to penicillin. I’ve been dreadfully ill for 2 weeks with the flu and strep throat. I started to take these, but the side effects are so bad that I’ve had to stop. My eyes hurt, I’ve been vomiting, and I feel like I’ve been kicked in my back. Nausea and headaches, plus a bad taste in my mouth, also palpitations make it unbearable. I now am left with a really bad chest infection... but I’d rather fight this than take those pills again... I’d give them zero stars if I could :("

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 3, 2021

For Middle Ear Infections "So far, I am on day 3/5 with this for a painful ear infection. My pain went away almost completely on day two, so I’m assuming things are working as intended. My only problem is the side effects. I have heart palpitations for a few hours after taking a dose. While I get heart palpitations occasionally, this medication definitely makes them more frequent. Also, the taste is absolutely horrendous. People are saying it’s not that bad, but for me, it tastes like constant envelope glue in my mouth for 11 hours straight. I’ve tried gum, snacking, brushing my teeth/tongue, and mouthwash. The pill itself is bitter, but the taste that practically excretes from my saliva lasts for 11 hours. Then, an hour later, I have to take the next dose, so it’s really a constant taste. I would chew gum constantly, but it irritates my ear infection and my jaw. Otherwise, this med is doing its job. The taste is terrible, but to me, it is bearable as long as it’s working."

• Ala...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2021

"It caused me many side effects. I took two doses of 500 mg, 2 every day. Shaking, confusion, headache, stomach cramps, peeling of the skin every time I take a bath since I started this medication. Itchy skin, spots, weight loss, palpitations, hallucination, anxiety. Though I finished the medication 5 weeks ago, I'm still having mild itching and the spots on my arms and some parts of my body have not disappeared yet. I thought it was something different causing me all this. Now I know that clarithromycin is the cause."

• Tra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2021

For Middle Ear Infections "I know this is going to sound awful but relieved to read your comments... I've just finished my second dose of this today. In fact, I was on it about 6 weeks ago for chronic sinusitis. The first time I took it, I had the normal nausea. This time I thought I was going mad. Until I read the comments. I went to the doctors because I was experiencing off balance, dizziness, and ringing in my ears. I was diagnosed with an ear infection, and this time on taking this medication, the dizziness was worse. In fact, all symptoms were still there. I have a horrible taste, and I haven't slept properly either. In fact, the more I think about it, the more it seems that I've been like that since the first time round: palpitations, and I'm sure I've been experiencing hallucinations. I never will take this again. I am unable to take anything with penicillin, which is a shame. Also, tremors haven't gone. I hope that the side effects ease off in the next 24 hours."

• Ohi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2016

For Bronchitis "Horrible taste in my mouth! It tastes like bitter grapefruit rinds. I'm also having some heart arrhythmias, so I'm probably going to stop taking this. Will call Dr. tomorrow and request amoxicillin."

• Min...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2022

For Sinusitis "This gave me shaking, palpitations, dizzy balance, sweating, nightmares, toxin insomnia, and every side effect going."