Clarithromycin and Metallic Taste: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Got prescribed clarithromycin for a cut on my hand so that it doesn’t get infected. Worst antibiotic I’ve ever taken. The dose is 500 mg twice a day, and every time I take it, I feel sick and get the worst headache. My stomach feels so heavy, like there are rocks weighing me down. The first day I took it, my heart started beating really fast, and I got so paranoid I couldn’t even sleep. I have general anxiety, and this just made it x10 worse. These antibiotics are also huge, so I would not recommend them to people who can't swallow tablets. Not to mention this disgusting metallic taste in my mouth all day!! Would not recommend! Would rather my hand get infected than feeling like this."

• yan...
• January 1, 2016

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was found positive for H. pylori bacteria, and the doctor suggested clarithromycin. I must admit it was a horrible experience of my life. Indigestion, fatigue, metallic taste, loss of memory, itching are some of the common side effects I have experienced. Although it is useful in killing bacteria, this is my 7th day of medication. I will update more about my experience after a few days."

• Big...
• January 26, 2016

For Sinusitis "I have had a sinus infection since a bad head cold at Christmas. Horrible stuff being coughed up that was nearly choking me at night, so this was suggested after being told Amoxicillin was resistant to my type of infection. Never happy taking antibiotics, but sometimes we just have to go down that route. I have to say the metallic taste is horrible but not life-threatening! Upset stomach, and definitely should be taken with or after food, so never on an empty stomach. I am having vivid dreams but not really making me sleep badly. I took a probiotic at the same time as the first pill, but that just gave me terrible cramps-think too much going on at once, so I will take it when the course is finished. Grapefruit concentrate is good for gastro problems. Good luck."

• Shi...
• June 2, 2019

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "OMG, what a terrible antibiotic. I was prescribed clarithromycin five days ago for a leg ulcer that is not healing right. From the first tablet, I had a horrible metallic taste in my mouth, which lasts 24/7. I tried eating mints, etc. It works at the time, but doesn't last. I feel nauseous, cannot sleep, lost my appetite, and have an upset stomach. I have one more day to go, and thank goodness I'm off them. I have persevered with this drug because I am desperate for this very painful leg ulcer to heal. Going to get some Actimel or probiotic yogurt to try to replace the good bacteria in my stomach. I shall never take this antibiotic again. Nice to know that I am not the only one."

• 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."

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2016

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Started with a chest infection, was on amoxicillin for a week and a half. Then got a UTI and was put on Alprim. Also had vaginal thrush and currently treating it with over-the-counter stuff. Went back to the doctors as bad cough and sore chest got put on clarithromycin. So night of day 1. Took 2 tablets in the AM with lunch and took 2 after dinner. It's been 5 hours since I've woken up 3 times with a horrible metallic/druggy taste in my mouth. So, so, so bad. Even had some toast and juice and water to try and make it go away. But nothing, even brushed my teeth again. Still taste bad. Anyone have any suggestions? I'll buy a probiotic tomorrow. I've been on many antibiotics in the past, but nothing compares to this bad on taste in mouth."

• 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."

• Lal...
• March 3, 2015

For Strep Throat "I took this for my severe strep throat. I was initially given amoxicillin, which didn't work at all, the doctor switched me to this. After 1 day, I already improved, and my fevers and chills subsided, and I was able to swallow without extreme pain. The downside: the stomach pain and nausea, and the metallic taste in my mouth."

• Ada...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2013

For Pneumonia "I went to the doctor having hard breathing, weakness, aching, headaches, and a nasty cough. I had it 3 days before going in. I was prescribed Clarithromycin 'Biaxin XL' 500 mg x2 per day. Taking it with my morning meals, I started feeling better after 2 days. The cough and 100 deg temp stayed until day 4. I woke up soaked in sweat. Here I am 8 days later, I feel better, but the cough still remains, and I'm hacking up clear, thick liquid. I have enough pills for 4 more days, so I will write a re-review once it has taken its course. It most definitely helped. I did not taste any metallic taste, nor did I get diarrhea. I do get a loopy sensation about an hour after taking it, which lasts for approximately 10 hours. They also prescribed me a cough syrup and codeine."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• May 6, 2016

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I'm allergic to penicillin, so I was given clarithromycin as an alternative. I had severe suspected tonsillitis (despite having my tonsils removed 16 years ago) and had taken loads of medication like paracetamol and an antibiotic lozenge, which did nothing; I felt better immediately after taking clarithromycin tablets but have been experiencing a number of strange and uncomfortable side effects. Firstly, the horrible metallic taste in the mouth, as everyone seems to get, also terrible flatulence, as well as (more concerningly) vaginal discharge, which turned into vaginal bleeding a couple of days later (definitely not menstruation related). I also had dizziness, nausea, frequent hunger, and ringing ears. Annoying side effects, but felt so much better!!"

• 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!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was prescribed clarithromycin 12 weeks ago for cellulitis. Although it initially started to clear, it soon came back with a vengeance. I am still taking the meds and have had 4 further flare-ups where the doctor has given me metronidazole as well. As soon as I stop taking metronidazole, even though I am still on clarithromycin, the infection flares again. Back to the doctor tomorrow with yet another flare-up, so I'm going to ask for a different antibiotic. The metallic taste is vile, but I would happily put up with that if the tablets worked."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2023

For Sinusitis "I took the 500 mg of clarithromycin 2x a day for my chronic sinusitis during meals, not after eating food. Did not have any metallic taste and no stomach cramps on the second day. I feel sleepy every time after taking it, which is good for me, so I can sleep early in the evening and have a good rest. It really helps with my sinusitis."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2016

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Prescribed 500 mg twice a day for 14 days for a skin infection following surgery, as Co-Axoclav did not work. A couple of hours after taking the first pill, I noticed a strong metallic taste in my mouth - minor problem though, so would obviously put up with this. On day 2, I had awful stomach cramps, doubled over in pain, which then became severe diarrhea for over 24 hours before I stopped taking them altogether. I also had one night where I had really bad dreams & hallucinated that there was someone in my room! I now know that's a known problem with these drugs. My doc is prescribing me an alternative, but if they don't work, then it's hospital treatment for me."

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2017

For Strep Throat "I am allergic to penicillin and a few other antibiotics, so this was the best choice to clear my strep. Outside of the terrible metallic taste that I experienced within 6 hours of taking the clarithromycin, the medication works very well. After 24 hours of being on this medication, my throat feels so much better, my dizziness has subsided, and I no longer feel extremely weak and fatigued. My stomach is a little upset, but it is not unbearable. I would rather take a minor upset stomach and metallic taste in my mouth over the extreme throat pain and fatigue the strep caused. As far as insomnia, I'm more of a night owl, so I couldn't say if the medication has contributed to my restlessness. I think this medication is a great therapy for strep."

• Saz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2016

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I first took this drug 4 and a half years ago for tonsillitis, and it was the worst thing I've ever had. Metallic taste in mouth, lack of sleep, not to mention the horrific stomach cramps and the fact that I couldn't eat for nearly 2 weeks. Chewing food made me throw up. I lost loads of weight, and all the doctors did was give me anti-sickness tablets to take alongside it. Since then, I have had nothing but problems with my gut. I've been on antacids for 2 years now and been suffering with my bowels since taking it. I can't eat pasta without having cramps. I've had a few endoscopies and am waiting for a further one. It has taken this time for anyone to take me seriously. I will never take this again!"

• Anonymous
• January 3, 2022

For Mycoplasma Pneumonia "I only took one pill, and in the next few hours, I got a metallic taste in my mouth, great hunger, and very sharp stomach pain, like I drank pure ethanol. I also felt anxious and couldn't sleep, feeling very tired and like I was losing consciousness at one moment and hyperactive at the next. Not taking another pill!! Highly not recommended!"

• Cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2016

For Middle Ear Infections "I have been on clarithromycin for 2 days. The first day I took the medication, I experienced voracious hunger pains to where I had to eat a snack every 30 mins to an hour. The next morning, the hunger pains returned; thankfully, I had brought a variety of snacks to work, or else I would have been in trouble. Terrible anxiety; I am not sure if it has exacerbated an already existing anxiety disorder or if I am nervous about being on the medicine. I am awake now in the middle of the night because of an irresistible cough. I am wondering if this is allergies or a side effect of the medicine. This is a horrible antibiotic, and I am just praying I don't get the metallic taste in my mouth or the nightmares."

• not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2016

For Skin and Structure Infection "I am taking this for a regular toe infection. I can't see the actual impact on my toe due to a bandage, so I will talk about the side effects and ease of use. The tablets go down easily with water, but remember to have something after to get rid of the aftertaste. I haven't experienced any major side effects except for a mild dry throat. Many people are saying they have had a metallic taste, and they are right, but with my pills (250 mg), I struggle to find it worse than mildly irritating. You don't care if you genuinely need antibiotics. It is there, but when you really need the medication, this shouldn't matter."

• Tor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2017

For Middle Ear Infections "A frequent ear infection victim who is immune to anything in the penicillin family. BIAXIN works amazing, within 2 days of treatment, the pain and balance are drastically improved, and by day 5, symptoms are resolved. The only drawback is the metallic taste, so I tend to keep to soups and lighter fare."

• 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!!"