Clarithromycin and Metallic Taste: What Users Say

• Twi...
• July 22, 2019

For Sinusitis "I am currently prescribed 500mg clarithromycin twice a day for 10 days. I had a sinus infection. I'm on day 4 and still feel a bit of sinus pressure. I cannot tell you how much this metal taste in my mouth has taken my sleep away. I am woken up by this terrible taste, never experienced anything like this. I feel I can only go max another 2 days with this as I just cannot take this taste anymore... it's taken over my life."

• Rel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm on day 7 of my treatment plan which consists of: 1-omeprazole, 1-clarithromycin, and 2-amoxicillin 2x/day, and bismuth subsalicylate 4x/day. I deal with anxiety terribly and was fearful of this treatment plan after dealing with 4 months of a diagnosis with symptoms of GERD. A sense of relief came when I had to be tested and found that H. pylori was causing all of this. Don't get me wrong, I hate that it has come to this but I'm relieved that it is something that can be treated without having to undergo long-term treatment as I would have with GERD. I weighed my options and decided to overcome anxiety and take the meds to get rid of this thing. I have experienced the metallic taste, loss of sleep, back pains, dark stools, and brain fog. Push through!!! You can do this!!! The thing I've learned is to make sure that you have a well-balanced meal when taking your meds to avoid feeling jittery, eat small meals more times within the day, stay away from foods that will cause acid reflux, and drink lots of water."

• Ano...
• February 25, 2013

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "I have had MANY sinus infections over the years, and Biaxin is the only thing that really gets rid of them. Yes, you have a horrible (metallic) taste in your mouth, are a bit loopy, and tummy isn't the best, but those side effects are nothing compared to serious sinus pain. I'd rather be thirsty than feel like my head is in a vice all day!"

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I had been having persistent heartburn and bloating for a month until my doctor suggested an endoscopy. The result came positive for H. pylori. I’m currently taking clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole for a 10-day course. On the first day of taking it, my chest pain reduced, but I was having panic attacks every now and then. Now, on my third day, I’m feeling weak, experiencing shortness of breath, and a metallic taste in my mouth. The heartburn and abdominal pain are gone, but now I'm just feeling super weak. Can’t wait to finish this medication and be smiling again. Stay strong, loves, we can get out of this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Very strong medicine. Before I was diagnosed with H. pylori, my symptoms were bloating, belching, and acid reflux at night. I took this because of slight H. pylori with slight erosion on my stomach found while having an endoscopy. 500 mg clarithromycin (Klaz) tablet, 500 mg amoxicillin (Himox) capsule, and 20 mg omeprazole (Omepron) capsule. Taken before meals, 1-0-1 omeprazole, 2-0-2 clarithromycin, and 1-0-1 amoxicillin for 14 days. From the 1st day, with the 1st dose, effects not that much, just a metallic taste, stomach cramps, feeling slightly bloated when I took it. From that night, the metallic taste turned bitter. On the second day of medication, I got anxiety in the early morning, bitter taste, still bloated and belching. On the 3rd day, my stomach kept growling, bitter taste, and I developed insomnia and minor brain fog, still bloated. I'm on my 4th day now, insomnia is hitting hard, bitter taste, slight bloating, and keeps belching. All I can say is every day you will experience different symptoms. I will update soon about my condition."

• oli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2015

For Sinusitis "I would like to know what this drug is made from. The horrible metallic taste is making me gag. I have tried everything you can think of to get rid of it. It's waking me up at night from the taste. I don't know if the H. pylori symptoms or this is worse. I have 5 days to go on this and am dreading every tablet I have to swallow. I feel it's poison."

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2019

For Sinusitis "I was put on a high dose of clarithromycin when a sinus infection became complicated and went into my parotid gland, causing severe swelling and pain in my cheek and jaw. The horrible metallic taste is normal with this med. Sucking on lemon drops or other hard candies can help. This med will cause stomach upset and cramps, etc. unless you eat lots of yogurt-any kind, and even the sweet, not-so-good-for-you yummy tasting kind will work too. So you need to take it with the yogurt, you will need to eat a full meal, then take the meds. This really will help keep stomach issues at bay as best as possible. The med helped clear my infection up fast and was totally worth any inconvenience, seeing that I tend to be allergic to everything."

• 25s...
• August 14, 2013

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "I too have had multiple sinus infections and surgery twice. In addition, I am immunosuppressed because of a medication for rheumatoid arthritis. Biaxin has always worked for me. I really have no side effects other than the metallic taste, which is tolerable. I make sure I take it after food, otherwise, it is really hard on the stomach. I take Biaxin XL 500mg, 2 tablets once a day for 14 days."

• ano...
• April 30, 2013

For Sinusitis "I suffer from chronic sinus infections and have been treated with clarithromycin. While it got rid of the more severe issues (facial pain, horribly stuffed nose), I still didn't feel great after. Both times I ended up having to go to an ENT afterwards and start a stronger steroid and antibiotic. To top it off, when I was on clarithromycin, I had that terrible metallic taste in my mouth that would actually wake me up in the middle of the night."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2020

For Sinusitis "I suffer from chronic sinusitis with around 4 flare-ups if acute each year. My sinuses are so painful that a metallic taste from clarithromycin is worth having. I am on the second day of this course, clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day. I can already feel some improvement, and I have 12 days to go. I have a lot of underlying health issues, including cancer, and side effects are a given for strong medication. I usually take doxycycline, from which I have far worse stomach symptoms. I think this drug is great for clearing up severe infections. I have taken both with and without food. The only thing I religiously do is drink a full glass of water with them."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am currently dealing with gastritis and just found out I am positive for H. Pylori. I was prescribed omeprazole, two 500 mg amoxicillin, and 500 mg clarithromycin. My 1st dose was yesterday at noon. I got bad nausea that didn't go away even with medication, a metallic taste, and severe stomach cramps that did not go away. I ended up at the E.R. at 2:30 a.m. During all this, I felt a racing heart, shaking, and I was so anxious! NOTHING was helping! After the exhausting day of physical and emotional symptoms, I couldn't sleep at all! I only slept 3.5 hours, now round 2 for the medications again! I tried to just take the amoxicillin, wait to see if anything, then took the clarithromycin, and right after that, everything is coming back from the day before! I can't handle this medication. I was prescribed it for 2 weeks, 2 times a day, and I can't with these overpowering side effects! I was completely debilitated all day after the 1st doses! I feel so hopeless right now."

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2021

For Sinusitis "Run don’t walk away from this medicine. I have a terrible metallic taste in my mouth and the awful nausea that goes with it. I would honestly rather have the worst sinus infection in the world than take this medicine for another day."

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

For Sinusitis "I have recurring sinus infections, and I'm currently taking this drug for the 4th time. Before I took it, I was reading reviews of how awful this drug was, and it totally freaked me out. The side effects are not ideal, but you'll survive. I've always found clarithromycin to be super effective, and my sinus issues usually improve in two days. The metallic taste is pretty bad, I'll admit that. Sleeping is difficult, but I take mine with some milk before I go to bed, and it keeps the stomachaches at bay."

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2013

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I'm allergic to penicillin, so this is pretty much my best option. I'm terrified of the long list of side effects on most medicines, but I've had this 3 times before for various conditions, and it hasn't killed me. It works really well, but it's so important that you keep taking it for the full duration. It usually starts working in 2-3 days. As for side effects, I always get the metallic taste (I don't know why they list this as an uncommon side effect instead of common), as well as stomach pains and nausea. Never had diarrhea from it. My advice would be to take food with it or 30 mins before, and sit/stand for the next few hours. When you lie down, the symptoms are much worse, especially the nausea, cramps, and metallic taste."

• Cat...
• February 24, 2014

For Sinusitis "Took this medication four times for sinusitis, and it works the best for me. I feel so much better within 24 hours. It's fast acting, the only side effect I experienced was a bad but tolerable metallic taste in my mouth."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I have been taking this medicine for 5 days now. I am left with 5 more days, and I feel like I have to wait for a year to finish this med. I have never in my life experienced this kind of illness due to the medicine. I have symptoms like nausea, a metallic taste that doesn't go away, abdominal pain at night only, shortness of breath, and also not being able to sleep at night. I hope I will finish it. The only thing that is keeping me from stopping this medicine is not wanting to quit, as the doctors told me next time the bacteria will not go away and will get adapted to the medicine. But it is the worst medicine ever, I do not ever want to experience this again in my life. I would recommend taking the medicine, but you need to take a break from every social life, work that you're doing, and take the medication at home while resting only."

• Jor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2013

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "I was on this for the first time last fall when I had H. pylori. It knocked it out but threw me into my first vaginal yeast infection. The metallic taste in the mouth is horrible, and my husband could even taste it when he kissed me. Currently, I am on it for sinusitis, which I have seasonally."

• kha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am three-quarters of the way through a two-week course of clarithromycin for H. pylori gastritis, along with amoxicillin and an H2 blocker (because I am allergic to PPIs). The first three days were rough as I felt lightheaded and an increase in heart rate (resting heart rate between 95-105). I was also very itchy, so I used Benadryl to mitigate that. But immediately, I felt the dizziness go away, and the indigestion got better on the third day. On day five, I got the horrible metallic taste in my mouth, so I took a teaspoon of manuka honey after the doses. I also take fiber, probiotics, and ginger tea. That will help a lot. Overall, a really great medicine, and I am so happy at getting one step closer to eradicating this horrible H. pylori infection."

• Jen...
• July 31, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Not nearly as bad as I expected. The first day I had a very intense reaction, but found it was just because I was allergic to omeprazole. When I didn't take it, the only side effects I had were moderate dizziness and an occasional metallic taste. It didn't hinder the taste of food. I am quite sensitive to medications, and clarithromycin hardly bothered me at all. The dizziness even faded after three days, and I was able to function normally, even exercise. Also, some other advice, as I am a pharmacist. One person mentioned to take this with soda. I advise against that because soft drinks contain phosphoric acid and will likely exacerbate symptoms. Another notable interaction is milk products like ice cream. It helps for a short time, but then the rebound acid makes it worse. Probiotics are not clinically proven to help eradicate the bacteria, but I do recall reading a study that showed they can reduce the gastric inflammation. Good luck, whoever reads this, and I wish you a happy cure."

• 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."

• Wor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2016

For Sinusitis "Honestly, it gave the worst side effects I've ever experienced. I have Crohn's disease and have been on a bunch of different types of medications, so that's saying something. The first dose wasn't too bad, horrible metallic taste in my mouth, but that was about it. I noticed my sinuses to be less congested, and I could finally sleep at night without my nose getting completely clogged. But after the second dose, I had horrible stomach cramps (even though I took it with food), the nausea was very uncomfortable, and the taste in my mouth was so strong I could barely swallow my own saliva without wanting to hurl. NOTHING would get rid of the taste either. I've stopped taking it, never again! NEVER AGAIN!"

• Emm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2016

For Sinusitis "I googled metallic taste from clarithromycin as it's revolting and wanted to know if anyone else experienced it too. I am on a 14-day course because of a sinus infection, which has made a world of difference. I just have an annoying cough, and I have 3 days left of the course. What I have found fascinating is other people mentioning crazy vivid dreams and blurry eyes. I never would have associated it with the drug had I not read these comments. I'll stick out the course as I don't want the sinus infection to come back, but boy, it's a weird antibiotic!!"

• 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."

• gol...
• July 30, 2016

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "I always get sinusitis on a yearly basis. On my worst occasion, I tried 'em all from Zythromax to Amoxicillin, etc. None worked for me. ONLY Biaxin works!! MD says it's not the most recommended antibiotic for sinusitis, but does work and is the only one that works for me. Yes ~ it does leave a metallic taste in my mouth, but I like knowing it's in my system and attacking my problem, so I don't mind the taste at all... I was also told it is a very old antibiotic, but it's an 'Oldie but Goodie'!! Some insurance will cover it while others will not."

• erk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2016

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "I read a bunch of reviews from people who have mentioned having upset stomachs and yeast infections. I used to have those issues on antibiotics, but then I learned that taking a very strong probiotic (I take the refrigerated ones from Jarro) and a feminine probiotic with Lactobacillus eliminates or at least greatly reduces those issues. I strongly recommend taking both whenever you take antibiotics. For this one, I agree that you definitely need to take it with a reasonable amount of food. The metallic taste comes and goes but is generally tolerable. I do feel loopy, but I am guessing that has more to do with how sick I am than anything else. Hope this helps."