Clarithromycin and Metallic Taste: What Users Say (Page 3)

• fal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2015

For Bronchitis "I have SLE and was prescribed Clarithromycin for a respiratory/lung infection. I had previously taken a course of antibiotics, but it didn't work and was thus prescribed Clarithromycin. The first two days, I didn't feel better, I was nauseated, still coughing like crazy, and vomiting/hacking out phlegm every 5 minutes. On the third day, my coughing subsided moderately, and I didn't seem to be producing much phlegm. But a metallic taste crept into my mouth, and I was getting increasingly nauseous every time I took the medicine, to the extent that I vomited my food and perhaps the medication twice. It also gave me nightmares, hallucinations, and palpitations when I took it at night. Now it's day 5 and I'm considering stopping it altogether."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2016

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I had bad side effects with this medicine, so I called my doctor and stopped it. My doctor told me that the benefits from the medicine outweigh the side effects, so I went back on the medicine, and I found out that eating with the medicine helps with the belly pains, and orange juice takes away the metallic taste."

• Fia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2018

For Sinusitis "I cannot in good conscience recommend this drug. I was prescribed it for a recurring sinus infection for 10 days and had to stop it after 6 days. The metallic taste it gave me in my mouth has not gone away and it is one month since I finished taking clarithromycin/Biaxin. I'm in disbelief and horror that an antibiotic has done this to me. It's affected my sense of taste terribly and given me a very dry mouth 24/7 - really unpleasant. I also had the nightmares that other patients have mentioned and am shocked that this seems to be another side effect. I will be avoiding this antibiotic at all costs in the future and just really hope that the metallic taste/dry mouth rights itself over time - although I don't feel hopeful after a month."

• Tis...
• January 2, 2012

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Taking the PrevPak, which is a mixture of clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and Prevacid. When I take the nighttime dose of the medications, I experience a metallic taste that lasts for a while. In the morning, I do not notice the metallic taste. I will start to try full meals and chocolate to see if the taste is not so obvious. Also going to get the Big Red gum, cinnamon flavor, and keep gum at my bedside when I wake up to chew the gum. Grapefruit should not be mixed with the antibiotic, as it interacts with lots of antibiotics and medications."

• Geb...
• January 12, 2009

Clarithromycin for Strep Throat "I've been prescribed this medication a few times now for my strep throat. I am allergic to penicillin, and the little blue pills you take 4 times a day did not clear up my infection after the first time I used them. When I go into the doctor, I now request Biaxin, even though it is a bit more expensive. The positives: has always completely cleared up my infection. Easy to take. The negatives: the metallic taste. I also experience 'vaginal discomfort' when I am on this medication. It feels very similar to a yeast infection and usually starts 2-3 days after I begin taking the medication. A little topical cream works fine to keep this under control, I use Canesten. Overall, I would suggest this medication if others have not worked for you."

• Kel...
• November 5, 2016

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I am taking Clarithromycin 500 mg. I have had a chest infection for over two weeks with no improvement, so my G.P. prescribed me these antibiotics. Although I have felt better and my chest is not so bad, I have been experiencing the side effects from this medication. I have been experiencing very bad dreams-lucid and frightening to the point I don't want to go to sleep at night. I also have an awful metallic taste in my mouth that makes everything I eat or drink taste horrid. I have been experiencing stomach discomfort-aching/pain in stomach with mild diarrhea. The worst thing I have experienced so far is the racing heartbeat. I'm considering stopping these tablets as the side effects are far too worrying."

• Ray...
• May 14, 2019

For Sinusitis "I have been on clarithromycin for two days now for sinusitis, and so far it seems to be working as my pain has eased and I feel much better, but the metallic taste in my mouth is overwhelming. I'm also experiencing dizziness and fatigue."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2017

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm on day 14 of taking this medicine, my last day. I'm taking all 3, amoxicillin and omeprazole as well for this bacteria, which got worse after a strong antibiotic that I never should have been prescribed. My experience with this drug has been positive, yes, it does leave a metallic taste. I'm on a 14-day treatment. I take 4 amoxicillin a day, two in the morning, 2 at night, I take 2 of this drug, one in the morning, one at night, and 1 omeprazole a day. I have not had any bad reactions to it, and it seems to be working just fine. I go back to retest on March 29, I hope and pray it's gone and never to return. I'm going to do a juice detox for about 3 weeks to cleanse my system afterwards."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2019

For Middle Ear Infections "Doctor put me on this for an ear infection after swabs came back with a bacterial infection. I’m fine with amoxicillin, so he must’ve thought this drug would treat it better, who knows. Anyway, it worked great. My only gripes were the disgusting metallic taste, which kept me up at night, and it’s left me with thrush (I’m presuming...as 2 weeks after finishing the course). I wanted to leave a review as there are so many scary ones on here, it frightened me reading them, but I’m glad I continued treatment. My side effects were bearable, as probably most people. Don’t forget we are all quick to complain and not as quick off the mark with positivity."

• Wil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2012

For Sinusitis "I started with an ear infection, which became sinusitis, and now pneumonia. I was prescribed Biaxin XL 1000 mg (2 pills) 1x/day for 10 days. I have this horrid metal taste in my mouth, other than that, all is well. I'll take the metal taste over the hacking, sneezing, and congestion! Only day 2 of the medicine, hoping it works!"

• Sja...
• April 20, 2017

Clarithromycin for Pneumonia "Was first prescribed this on my discharge from the hospital with pneumonia. Had me feeling great within a few days. Just had it prescribed again to clear up an ear infection and a little bit of a chest infection starting. Same thing, cleared up in days. Only downside is the metallic taste in the mouth. Some people suggest taking it at night to avoid that, but sometimes I will wake up because of how awful it is. I also always make sure to take it with yogurt to help ease my stomach."

• Liz...
• July 16, 2022

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I just finished my H. pylori treatment yesterday. 14 days of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and omeprazole twice daily. I'm an LVN and had done the research and reviews, and I completely psyched myself out. I saw nothing but bad reviews: horrifying stories. I postponed treatment for 2 months. Well, I gained like 30 lbs in one month and began to experience edema and bloating, so I prayed and decided to go for it. I took my 4-capsule cocktail at 9:30 am, then at 10:30 am, I took a probiotic. I took these on an empty stomach with a full bottle of water. Then at lunch, I had a good meal, and supper was a small meal. I hydrated and still experienced the metallic taste, still had mild nausea, darkened tongue. These effects were far less than I anticipated and totally doable. Don't believe that every experience here will be your experience. I'm pending follow-up to check results of treatment. If you are on the fence, I hope this helps. Good luck and God bless. Liza"

• wmw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2016

For Sinusitis "My sinus infection was hard to diagnose. Thought allergy meds were causing post-nasal drip. Then my lungs were inflaming to the point I couldn't play racquetball. Got to my allergist, it took a week. By then, I was contemplating getting on oxygen by going to the hospital, but the prescription finally came for Doxycycline. Though 22 days of 30, it eased things up. Started the Biaxin just a few days after the end of the Doxycycline. The doctor warned me of an aluminum taste. The pharmacist warned me of needing food. Never noticed any stomach upset. Stopped taking with food, but always with a big glass of water. Only noticed a metallic taste a few times waking up with foam in the back of my throat, but by the 3rd day that was gone. I'm on the 2nd week and starting sprints."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2013

For Sinusitis "I have been on Biaxin for about 7 days for a sinus infection and bronchitis. I started to feel better after a couple of days, but don't feel as good. Still coughing and stuffed up on one side. Side effects haven't been too bad - metallic taste in my mouth for some time after I take it, but it goes away. Also makes me a little nauseous if I don't take it with food. Wondering if I need to go back to the doctor though."

• 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?"

• Tez...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2019

For Sinusitis "I have a cough for about six weeks, also with a sinus infection. Was on amoxicillin, didn’t work. Now on clarithromycin and Deltacortril and nasal spray. My pharmacist called it a “rescue package.” My doctor said he was putting a sledgehammer to work. Eating well, hydrated well, no problem with the toilet. Metal taste. But it seems to be working."

• hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2014

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I have taken clarithromycin on two separate occasions for treatment of Helicobacter pylori both times. One time was approximately 7 years ago and then again about 3 years ago. I am about to start another round along with amoxicillin and bismuth, which is Pepto-Bismol. Clarithromycin leaves a horrible metallic taste in my mouth. I am not looking forward to taking it again. The only thing that seemed to relieve this momentarily was chocolate. I kept Hershey's kisses with me all the time. I would even have to get up in the middle of the night and eat one. The taste was so bad that I couldn't even go back to sleep. A nurse told me that she had heard this worked. After eradication, try oregano oil, grapefruit seed extract, and turmeric daily."

• Pom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2019

For Sinusitis "Clarithromycin gave me a metal taste in my mouth, and since finishing a course of 14 days, I still have an upset stomach, sore tongue, and metal taste, although not as severe. I will never take this drug again, going back to my G.P. for advice."

• UKp...
• January 29, 2017

For Bronchitis "Wow, this medication is effective but is the vilest thing I have ever taken. I felt compelled to write a review on this website, seeing others have been through hell taking it. First off, I started to have stomach pain, bloating, winds, and a general 'feeling sick' feeling a couple of hours after taking it. Twenty-four hours down the line, and after having ingested my 3rd tablet, I had the most excruciating pain in the stomach that got me to lie down in a fetal position for 3 hours. It felt like someone was yanking my gut out of my body. I had fever and chills, and also the metallic taste has been non-stop present as well. This stuff has severe side effects, I'm quitting 36 hours into it as it is unbearable."

• Rub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2023

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "My GP always prescribes me clarithromycin whenever I get an infection because my records state that I’m penicillin allergic. I’m not, I’ve had it from a nurse practitioner recently and am totally fine with it. I’ve tried telling my GP, but they won’t listen, so unfortunately, I have to suffer the terrible side effects of this antibiotic. I get terrible abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and the most disgusting metallic taste in my mouth. Fortunately, I’m only prescribed it for 5 days as opposed to a 10-day prescription, however, I’m only on day 2 and don’t know how I’ll make it to the end of the course. The side effects are unpleasant, to say the least."

• Nei...
• October 15, 2016

For Strep Throat "Weirdest thing about this drug! Plus points - it did the job and started to control and relieve pain after 24 hours. BUT..... I had insomnia for three days and the metallic taste too. MUCH worse was the weird thoughts and depression I got (which I have no history of family or otherwise). So, the upshot is to be guarded against using this drug. If you are armed with this information, you can influence your choice. I would strongly suggest using something else. If you have issues with the medication and you arrived at this site the same way I did... at least you now know. And that might put you at ease in some small way."

• Mab...
• July 21, 2017

For Sinusitis "Taking this medicine is a challenge. The metallic aftertaste can drive you to overeat just to get the taste out of your mouth. That being said, it is the most effective antibiotic for me, as I am allergic to penicillin, and Z-Packs just don't do the complete job. I have been struggling with a sinus infection for 16 months and have been on antibiotics 6 times. I am a voracious reader and researcher. I am now in my 4th week of clarithro and am having success. What made this round different was learning that most of the vitamins taken inhibit the effectiveness of clarithro. No supplements for the month. Pain control is with naproxen and Benadryl. Fluconazole 2x a day. Ear issues, bend at waist and do the spray for Eustachian tubes. Helps move the crud out!"

• 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."

• HT2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2015

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I tested positive for H. pylori bacteria causing a stomach ulcer. Day one on this stuff was brutal. I was in so much pain/nausea that I got sent home from work and scheduled an appointment with a GI doctor. Today is much better, but I need to constantly have something easy in my stomach to not feel sick. I immediately got the metallic taste in my mouth and get a bit cotton-mouthy at night. Otherwise, no other major side effects."

• Hal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2019

For Sinusitis "I'm currently on this medication, and I can hardly come to finish the course! I have constant diarrhea, a metallic taste 24/7, and I do not eat or drink anything all day. Nighttime is the worst, I constantly have to wake up and spit out the nasty taste in my mouth, and I can't seem to ever get any good sleep because my dreams are so vivid, plus the constant waking up to a bad taste. I will make sure to never take this medication again, it really is the worst I have EVER been on! (and I have been on a lot!)"