Clarithromycin and Nausea: What Users Say

• Der...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I’m on day 14/14 of this clarithromycin medication for H. pylori. The first few days were good. My only complaint was that the pill was bitter. I used a trick to make sure the drug didn’t touch my tongue: fill mouth with a bit of water, set the pill in your water-filled mouth, swallow immediately. Even with this, I noticed the bitter taste in my throat after a few days, but it was better. Week 2 I wasn't feeling as good. I had shortness of breath, racing heart, belching, dizziness, brain fog, nausea in the morning, trouble sleeping, muscle pain in my chest and back, and felt weak. I checked in with my doctor and everything was in working order. It was just the meds. My advice: DON'T take on an empty stomach. I tried once and threw it up. Float the pill in your mouth and swallow. Stay off Google. Talk to your doctor if you’re worried about your symptoms. Anxiety only makes things worse. Take it easy. Your health is important, so get the rest you need. Happy healing everyone. You’ve got this!"

• Bom...
• July 29, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "About 2 months ago, I got a nasty bug, so I went to the doctor, where I was tested for Helicobacter pylori. Then, they gave me the Prevpac of 500 mg amoxicillin, clarithromycin 500 mg, and omeprazole twice a day. I was told to take it all in one go before food. You must eat, then wait 30-45 minutes after for the PPI to work as it starts when your body is digesting. The first 3 days, nothing. I was great apart from a funny taste, no appetite, and slight runs. The third day, I didn’t eat much, and by 11 at night, I had a rapid pulse rate and felt unwell. Every day, different symptoms. On day 4, I had awful pain in my side and felt tired and unwell, as I was also experiencing insomnia. Today, on my sixth day, I woke up with a headache, and it’s lasted all day, plus I feel dizzy and sick. Insomnia, dizziness, nausea, dysentery, pain in my side, rapid heart rate once, elevated pulse rate, horrid taste, sweating, memory loss, some acid reflux, and generally feeling ill. I can’t wait for the last day, it is the only thing keeping me going as I do not want to quit."

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "You're probably on this page because you're anxious, and you want to find out if your side effects from clarithromycin are normal or if you'd have to face anything worse. I'm on day 8/10 of this medication. Day 1 through 3 was really awful, like everyone else is saying here. I have shivers, bad nausea, excessive salivation, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. It stopped from day 4 to 6, and the nausea and diarrhea started again. The diarrhea is so bad that it hurts when I pass stool now, and I don't have an appetite again. I guess we just have to really watch what we eat and hope this goes away soon. Take care, be strong, and don't give up. We don't want to be put on a higher dose, now do we? Good luck, guys."

• rev...
• October 11, 2013

For Bronchitis "I have bronchitis, and they prescribed clarithromycin. I have been taking it for 4 days now (I need to take it for 10 days). I often feel dizzy, have headaches, and feel very nauseous. My mouth always tastes gross, like a metallic taste. I often have to rinse my mouth with water because of the bad taste (even at night, I have to get up and rinse my mouth because the taste makes me nauseous). I just wanted to share."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sta...
• January 10, 2014

For Bronchitis "I had a horrible sore throat and pain in all my body. After using the first tablet, I noticed the difference. By night, I had no sore throat and no muscle pain. It worked amazingly fast, but the side effect I experienced was extreme bitterness in my mouth, which caused me to wake up in the middle of the night, wash my mouth, eat some fruit, wash again, and go back to sleep. But the next morning, I woke up with the same taste in my mouth, and it continues the same way all along. I also experienced some nausea."

• Fli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm on 1 Clar (500 mg) - 2 Amox (500 mg) - 1 Omeprazole (40 mg) for 14 days and 2x per day. Before, I had stomach cramps, acid reflux, chest pains, and shortness of breath for 4 mos. So, my GI doctor examined me with a UB Test (urea), and it was confirmed I had an H. Pylori infection. The first 3 days of the treatment were horrible, having a bitter taste, bloating, belching, and some slight diarrhea, tinnitus in my ears, sore throat, loss of appetite, and the chest pain and shortness of breath are still there. The 4th to 11th day side effects are now different as I am having nausea, headaches, bitter taste, palpitations, increased heart rate, stomach cramps, insomnia, and hallucinations. Still, the chest pain and shortness of breath are still there. I'm on my 12th day taking the meds, and side effects are not the same as before, but still some sore throat, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Hopefully, the infection (H. pylori) would go away, worried about my kidneys. Hoping for a positive outcome with the triple therapy."

• Rit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2023

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "After years of symptoms, I had an endoscopy, and I was diagnosed with H. pylori. My gastroenterologist put me on the treatment called Hp 7, a combination of Nexium, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. I had so many symptoms with this treatment that I contacted my doctor and said that I just can’t do it. At that stage, I was on day 6 of 14 days. The nausea, diarrhea, aches, dizziness, and awful taste in my mouth were unbearable. Anyway, she said that she really wanted me to do the 14 days, but if I couldn’t, I had to do at least 7 days, and that every day extra was extremely beneficial. So I just stuck to it. By day 10, the antibiotics gave me terrible oral thrush, which I needed Nilstat drops for, just adding to the nausea. I am currently on day 14 and feeling proud of myself for sticking to it. I have worked while on the medication as a nurse and have only had to have one day off because of the side effects. Retest in 30 days. Hope it worked."

• Tal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was diagnosed with Pylori through a stool test and put on Triple Therapy. I tried this for 4 days, had terrible side effects: insomnia, feeling awful, disorientation, high anxiety, and feeling terrible. I gave up, then tried again for 3 days, then had the same side effects. I then tried again, not wanting to give up, but on the third night, had horrific side effects: insomnia, frequent urination, high anxiety, pains in the stomach, and rapid heartbeat, and thought I was going completely mad. The next day was so bad, I had to go to the hospital ER, was checked over, was declared okay, but concerned that this medication therapy has done some damage to my kidneys. I guess some people are just sensitive to Triple Therapy, as it's very overpowering. Well done to anybody who gets through this treatment and is H Pylori negative."

• 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."

• Mys...
• July 18, 2019

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I went back to the doctor, and she prescribed me 'Clacee' 500 mg, which is clarithromycin, for 5 days, taking two tablets daily, and prednisone 40 mg per day for 5 days, because I had a secondary infection that was caused by the flu. I am now on day 3 of the antibiotics, with 5 tablets left to go. I can honestly say I got side effects of the antibiotics, such as the bitter taste (which is not that bad, only stays for a few hours), nausea (only in the morning and not as bad), and a loose stool once a day. For me, honestly, the side effects aren't that bad, and my chest feels better already on the third day. I would rather live with the side effects (which is really not that bad) than get even more sick and end up in the hospital. I would also recommend you take probiotics while on the antibiotics a few hours after you have taken the antibiotics and eat yogurt during the day, as well, as they help restore the 'healthy' bacteria in your gut, as well. Hope I could help someone out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2013

For Sinusitis "I'm on 500 mg for 7 days, I'm on day six, and for the past two days, I have been feeling a bit nauseous. It took almost three days to kick in to full effect. Symptoms started to improve on day two. I find the lingering taste bitter instead of metallic. I do have trouble sleeping, but it has cleared up the infection quite quickly. Make sure you eat an adequate amount of food with it. I've had no toilet issues."

• Bil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2020

For Middle Ear Infections "I might as well have been prescribed POISON!☠️ than clarithromycin. On day two, my earache got worse, and by day three, I couldn’t sleep a wink. Moreover, I experienced stomach cramps, anxiety, panic attacks, groin pain, nausea, a metallic zinc taste in the mouth, nightmares, and finally, suicidal ideation. My doctor then prescribed me flucloxacillin, and only after one day, it kicked in and my earache started to ease off. After reading the other reviews on clarithromycin, I realize I am not alone in my experience. I think this ‘medication’ should have its license withdrawn and be banned in the UK."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2019

For Sinusitis "I had a pretty serious sinus infection. I was having minor fevers every few hours and was as congested as I've ever been. To its credit, it has all but killed the sinus infection in 3.5 days. HOWEVER, I've been nauseous for 3 straight days. It feels like I have rocks in my stomach and a lump in my esophagus. This metallic taste never leaves my mouth. Diarrhea 3x a day. Occasional headaches. And I still have 6.5 days left on this questionable medication. I would rather have the fevers and congestion back. I am never getting this medication again if I can help it."

• Sha...
• September 13, 2019

For Sinusitis "The doctor prescribed clarithromycin for a sinus infection. I was really concerned after reading the reviews. My experience was positive. I only took the tablet with food, the nausea sensation only when my belly was empty; I had the metal taste in my mouth, but sucking a lollipop that quickly went away. I was very fatigued on this medication and my knees ached. It was hard to concentrate as well. The medication itself was a 7-day course, and it took the full 7 days to clear my sinus infection, where my tonsillitis, etc., went after day 1. I found breathing eucalyptus oil in my handkerchief dried my sinus really fast as this is a natural remedy to soothe inflammation. I also massaged my sinus each night after a shower (googled how to do this), and that really worked too. All in all, the combination of the above worked, but it was really, really slow to recover. Don’t expect to feel great after a few days."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2012

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "Been on Biaxin earlier in the year for a sinus infection, worked like a charm then, and the side effects were slight. (Just the metallic taste.) Got prescribed it for bronchitis a couple of days ago, and I've got the worst nausea, can't even look at or smell food."

• Jay...
• February 9, 2017

For Sinusitis "I got hit with chills, body aches, and an extremely high fever out of nowhere (started and skyrocketed in an hour). I went to my doctor, and she prescribed clarithromycin - 500 mg for 7 days, a nasal spray, and ear drops for an ear infection. The first night I took it, I did not feel any side effects, the 2nd and 3rd night I felt nauseous, a lot of pain in my abdominal area, and could not fall asleep. This drug tastes like horse poo mixed with garbage, it leaves a vile taste in your mouth. However, it has helped with my infection, I am starting to come back to normal, and general weakness has left my body. *Someone recommended swishing salt water to help with the taste, if you do this 3-4 times a day, it will help. Good luck to you all."

• kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2015

For Bronchitis "This is my third day taking this antibiotic. It gave me really bad body aches and nausea. The third day, I literally felt like I was dying. I always eat before I take it. I had to make myself throw up. My body was just going numb. It was sending shocking pains throughout my body. I was going in and out of consciousness. I highly don't recommend this medication. Everyone's bodies are different, though. It was definitely not worth it for me."

• NiN...
• February 14, 2013

Clarithromycin for Strep Throat "I have had this medication prescribed to me twice now. Both times, within less than 24 hours of taking it, I experienced a metallic taste in my mouth, nausea/vomiting, headache, and the worst of all side effects, uncontrollable diarrhea. When I say this, it's not the 'let me run to the bathroom quick' kind of diarrhea, it's the kind that, if you're not within 5 feet of a washroom, then you're basically out of luck. The medicine itself works really fast (my throat started feeling better after one dose), but there's no way that I can be on this medication and go to work for a full day... unless I take a few extra changes of clothes with me. I, unfortunately, seem to be experiencing the worst of the watery diarrhea symptoms associated with it."

• F77...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2015

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Worked well as an antibiotic, however, the side effects were very distressing. Nausea, heart palpitations, severe anxiety, and feelings of impending doom. Unsteadiness. The worse side effects were the awful feelings of fear, which were out of proportion. I felt as if I was about to faint because of the anxiety. I felt very upset and tearful about half an hour after taking them, and the mental symptoms just escalated for a few hours. I will report these side effects to the GP, and hopefully, there is an alternative if I ever need antibiotics again for a severe chest infection."

• fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2015

For Sinusitis "I am on my second round of antibiotics, and this time my doctor prescribed clarithromycin. I am finally able to breathe and inhale through my nostrils for the first time in months. I first noticed the awful indescribable taste in my mouth after taking the pills. But breathing is much better than taste when it comes to taking this medicine. It actually works - I am a coffee drinker, and I found out that coffee takes the taste away, and ginger gum works great for any nausea. I am shocked by the results, and my bowels are still normal. Late at night, I am drinking grape or fruit juices to help with dry mouth or taste. A daily regimen of yogurt helps to avoid any UTI or yeast infections! Happy recovering - hope this helps!"

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Two 500 mg pills a day prescribed for groin pains. Started out with nausea, metallic taste, and stomach pains. Day 2, I had palpitations. The fifth pill took the side effects to another level. I went to bed with a song playing in my head that wouldn’t stop. It was hard to sleep. Eventually, I slept. Then the first nightmare came. Then came intrusive and dark thoughts. I couldn’t reason myself out of it. I woke my wife up and told her that I’d gone mad and could no longer trust myself. Then more sleep, more nightmares. The next day, I thought that I might have died in the night and was now in some kind of afterlife. By the evening, my mental state had improved a great deal now. I have never suffered from any kind of mental illness before, by the way. I quit on the advice of a pharmacist."