Clarithromycin and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2016

For Bronchitis "I have bronchitis, and the doctor prescribed me clarithromycin. I'm only at the second day of taking it: bad nausea, extreme bad taste in mouth, severe gas, stomach discomfort, and always need to pee. I'm stopping this antibiotic right now, and tomorrow I'm going to ask my doctor to change it. The only thing I did find useful for the bad taste, and it reduced it a bit, is to chew Excel gum, but it doesn't last long. Hope the next one is not going to be that bad."

• Sue...
• July 15, 2018

For Sinusitis "After taking this medication for two days, I got a massive headache, which I originally thought was from the sinus infection. I kept taking it for three more days with a continual massive headache. Finally, I looked up side effects of this, and this has to be the cause. The headaches make me nauseous, and Tylenol and Advil don’t even touch it. I threw the rest out and can’t wait until this is out of my system. I have never had such horrible headaches and contemplated having my husband take me to the emergency room for pain relief. I will never, ever take this again. It caused me four wasted days on the couch with a pounding headache. Horrible."

• Anonymous
• May 4, 2009

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "The first night I was nauseated, but thought it was just from the sinus infection. Two nights later I started to itch all over, thought maybe it was something else and have been itching ever since (2 days ago). I also have thrush. I have been eating yogurt, and it's not doing anything for it. I suppose the itching isn't as bad as the pain, but it's equally as annoying."

• Abs...
• March 6, 2017

For Sinusitis "Prescribed this antibiotic today for sinus pain. Read the leaflet and had doubts as the list of possible side effects was enormous, but have been plagued with post-nasal drip and face pain for a week, so went ahead and took tablet one at about 2 p.m. Couldn't finish evening meal, although hungry, as began to feel very nauseous. An hour later, my stomach is gurgling and popping like mad, and I feel like I'm going to throw up. I positively detest being physically sick. The very thought of vomiting is making me ill. I also feel jittery, a bit like anxiety. This is a nightmare and totally not worth it. Will not be taking gigantic tablet number two, bah!"

• Bun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "This medication, clarithromycin, is the worst. The side effect of the metallic taste in your mouth lasts for hours and days. (Tastes like hairspray or something toxic in your mouth.) Comes and goes, but very often. I get stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea, and really bad indigestion when eating food. Makes it really difficult to finish a meal. Feeling extremely ill, run down. Had bouts of insomnia and anxiety. I’ve had to be on this medication twice in the last month, and honestly, I’m guttered to be on it again. It really is like taking poison, the side effects are horrible, but I’m trying to push through it. Good luck if you’re prescribed this, I just want to cry."

• Sic...
• January 24, 2016

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Had tonsillitis for at least 4 months now, given amoxicillin didn't work, then erythromycin, which I took a reaction to, so doc put me on clarithromycin as a last resort antibiotic. On day 4, and the pain has eased a bit but not significantly, tonsils are still really red and swollen, and there are still white dots on them. Horrible, horrible metallic taste in mouth that wakes me up feeling nauseous every hour or two, so sleep is disrupted, diarrhea and moderate stomach pains (nothing like the erythromycin), extremely itchy to the point I break the skin, but no signs of a rash, tongue is very sore and is really red with loads of red dots all over the top and sides."

• Chl...
• April 2, 2020

For Strep Throat "Where do I start? I had strep throat before, and this time was worse. I was given these clarithromycin antibiotics as a stronger alternative to penicillin, which had also made me vomit. I was in a bad way. A day or so after taking these, my mental health declined (I have an anxiety disorder, OCD, and depression). Nothing could have prepared me for the terror that my mind went through on these. Shaking, voices and sounds in my ears, intrusive and terrifying thoughts, anxiety, and heart beating like I was going to have an attack, crying uncontrollably. I had to come stay with my parents for 5 days to get well, as I was unable to care for my 18-month-old daughter as the side effects were so bad and also included headaches, nausea, and the shakes. I thought I had truly lost my mind. It has been a rollercoaster and not a good ride at all. I would ask anyone (especially if they have MH problems) to avoid these. I am glad I read other reviews, and I am now reassured that it's not just me who encountered these ill effects."

• Jor...
• September 11, 2015

For Sinusitis "First off, this tablet makes me feel so nauseous, however, I've had trouble hearing anything recently, and it has picked up since I was prescribed this drug. Though it always leaves an awful, hard-to-describe metallic tangy taste on the sides of my tongue, it is so disgusting! I went through a whole packet of mints in 1 hour trying to get rid of it. I always feel sick taking this, but it works. Embarrassing to say, I have to poop twice a day now, but they're always small bits! It's uncomfortable, but it gets the job done."

• Lit...
• December 9, 2014

For Pneumonia "I have been on this pill for 5 days now! It seems to work through the day, but at night my chest still feels very sore, the pneumonia still hasn't seemed to fade. However, I am able to do more during the day without being in pain. Must be working! I too had an awful metallic taste in my mouth all day after this pill. It made me sick to my stomach. To stop this, I actually started taking my pill with applesauce. Just ate a few spoonfuls, then put the pill on the spoon in applesauce and swallow. It leaves a tiny taste, however, it does not last and doesn't make me sick. I suggest trying something like this, not just water."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2020

For Sinusitis "This clarithromycin gave me a very poor experience. I am 3/4 of the way through taking the course, and I threw it in the trash. If you have anxiety, do NOT take this drug. I have never had worse insomnia from an antibiotic. All day I feel tired, and then at night I am sleepless. In addition to this, the nausea makes it very difficult to eat. I am in my mid-20s and never thought something as simple as an antibiotic could do this. As far as treating the sinus infection, it went away, but I am still experiencing a runny nose."

• Man...
• March 30, 2017

For Sinusitis "Had the most bizarre dreams with this tablet. Woke up feeling drugged out and nauseous. Bad headache, bubbly tummy due to wind, foggy head. I only took 3 tablets and will never touch this tablet again."

• Apo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2015

For Sinusitis "The first 3 days of taking this, I was having hot flashes and felt nauseous from the taste of the pills. So I ate a lot of throat lozenges to try and get rid of the taste. I would wake up in the middle of the night because I could taste it still. I have one more day left to take the medicine. Sinus is gone, which is fantastic. Doctor told me to take probiotics every day or I could get a yeast infection. I took probiotics every day, and towards the end of taking these pills, I had a little painful urination, and now I think I have a yeast infection."

• Sim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2019

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Taking 250 mg clarithromycin twice a day. After 3 days, I feel so ill, like I have terrible flu. I'm taking it for an infected toe. Felt fine before taking this. Constant nausea and stomach pain, unable to eat food, can't sleep, feel so weak and tired all the time. This is horrible stuff!"

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2019

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I am allergic to penicillin, so I always have to take clarithromycin or erythromycin or doxycycline. I am on day 4 of 7 clarithromycin, and my infected insect bite has massively improved, but the awful metallic taste keeps waking me up and stays all day, every day that I take it. I am also nauseous and bloated, I have severe mental issues as it is, and it’s making me more anxious. I’m also more exhausted than usual, which, considering I have fibromyalgia, is an achievement. I hate the side effects, but I can’t argue that it works."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2012

"I am only on day one, but I have terrible side effects. I was told to take 1 x 500 mg twice a day. I don't know if I will be able to go the full 7 days. I feel incredibly hot, rapid heartbeat, nausea, body aches, unpleasant taste in mouth, headache."

• Kac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2017

For Middle Ear Infections "Clarithromycin is extremely effective, but unfortunately, it tastes horrid and leaves a disgusting taste in your mouth. To get rid of the taste, I recommend eating a banana and gargling some water. Though it is effective, there are many side effects, e.g., diarrhea, nausea, sickness, and others. I am still taking clarithromycin. I suffered from multiple symptoms, motion sickness, diarrhea, and nausea are the ones I suffer from, but it could be different for someone else. If you do take clarithromycin for otitis, the symptoms are added to the side effects. I still had a full feeling in my ear, problems with balance, earache, and a headache, so be wary of that. I recommend resting and not moving your head fast/too much."

• Kac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2017

For Middle Ear Infections "Clarithromycin is extremely effective, but unfortunately, it tastes horrid and leaves a disgusting taste in your mouth. To get rid of the taste, I recommend eating a banana and gargling some water. Though it is effective, there are many side effects, e.g., diarrhea, nausea, sickness, and others. I am still taking clarithromycin. I suffered from multiple symptoms, motion sickness, diarrhea, and nausea are the ones I suffer from, but it could be different for someone else. If you do take clarithromycin for otitis, the symptoms are added to the side effects. I still had a full feeling in my ear, problems with balance, earache, and a headache, so be wary of that. I recommend resting and not moving your head fast/too much."

• mMp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2016

For Sinusitis "Two hours after the first dose, I had a pounding headache, severe nausea, dizziness/vertigo, and a horrible metallic taste in my mouth. Four hours later, the taste has subsided. But the headache is still a problem. If I move too quickly, the nausea returns. On the plus side, the pain from the sinus infection is now tolerable (before it was excruciating). My sense of smell and taste has started to return. And I can breathe again, though this could be due to two other medications I was also prescribed (Otrivin and Acetylcystein Hexal). The last time I took antibiotics, I came down with an awful case of esophageal thrush, more painful than even a sinus infection, which took one and a half months to resolve. So I am waiting to see what will happen."

• H p...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2016

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Started taking amoxicillin, omeprazole, and clarithromycin to treat H. Pylori. Worst side effects I have ever experienced. By day 4, I had severe diarrhea (looked like coffee grounds), nausea, dizziness, couldn't sleep, would have waves of burning through my chest and into my head. I went to the ER because my breathing was labored and I had such severe diarrhea. I also developed something like oral thrush, so my tongue felt so raw. My doctor finally told me to stop taking it. The side effects were extremely miserable and torturous."

• naa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2022

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "This antibiotic is not for the faint of heart, but then again neither is 3+ months of H. Pylori. I took clarithromycin along with amoxicillin and did experience stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea, however, my side effects got better throughout the course of treatment. If you're struggling with similar side effects, here are a few things that helped. Take this medicine on a full stomach. I found it to be especially well tolerated with a bowl of oatmeal. Drink lots and lots of water, like 120+ ounces per day. Eat very bland, easy-to-digest meals. Fatty or sugary foods will trigger the nausea and stomach pain. Take lots of probiotics. I took a double dose in the morning and again at night. Eat smaller meals and snack more frequently. Hopefully, this will help you make it through the treatment. I just finished mine, and if it gets rid of the symptoms I was having prior to treatment, it will have been well worth it!"

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2018

For Pneumonia "Went to the drs after picking up a bug on a long-haul flight, which led to a bad chest infection. I was a total mess. How I walked to the drs I have no clue. Sat almost weeping in the waiting room, dribbling, coughing, choking. Dr checked me over and prescribed these glorious wonder pills. Felt absolutely dreadful (just from the infection/possible pneumonia) for three days. Lay in bed, unable to move. But day three came, and I could breathe again and even managed 3 hours at uni! The taste in my mouth in the morning is utterly appalling and feel nauseous half an hour after taking them for a bit, but no other side effects. I still feel a bit rough, low energy, and lingering cough and generally under the weather, however, I don't feel like I've been through ten rounds with Tyson and am drowning at the same time. Brilliant pills."

• Caa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2019

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was prescribed clarithromycin 500 for a skin infection. I took my first one on Monday and felt fine but had extreme hunger pains. The next morning, I ate breakfast and had another pill. Within 10 minutes, I had diarrhea and spiked a fever. I returned to my GP, who believed I had a stomach virus. I requested a new antibiotic. The next 2 days, I had more diarrhea, nausea, continuing fever, and my heart was racing. On Friday, I went to the hospital with dehydration and fever. My blood pressure was very high, and my heart rate was 150. The gastric specialist took blood tests, which were normal. I stayed overnight for fluids. I was then able to provide a stool sample that proved that clarithromycin had caused all of my symptoms. I saw a dermatologist who said that my skin infection had never required antibiotics. Because of the need for GPs to overprescribe, I took a drug I didn’t need that has totally messed up my digestive system. Always question a GP to see if you actually need them. They should be saved for serious infections only."

• Sle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2022

For Sinusitis "I'm on this antibiotic for 6 days, and I cannot sleep. I am a deep sleeper usually, but honestly, these antibiotics have kept me awake every night, maybe getting 2 hours of sleep. The taste in my mouth also is vile. My cough is gone, but the sinus infection is still there. They also make me feel a bit nauseous. I will never take these again due to a lack of sleep."

• DMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2019

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was put on amoxicillin initially for a severe chest infection and laryngitis, but it did nothing, so I was given clarithromycin 500 mg to be taken twice a day, and oh my days, this stuff might help with the infection, but the side effects are ridiculous! The stomach cramps appear randomly along with awful nausea. Now I could cope with them, but having gas all day and the unholy metallic taste in your mouth constantly, even rousing you from the little sleep you get in the first place, is horrendous!!!! I’m glad I’m signed off from work; otherwise, I’d be a wreck! Three more days, then I’ll be saved. Hopefully, I’ll never have to take these ever again in life!"

• Ros...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2020

For Strep Throat "The nausea I have experienced from clarithromycin is beyond words, it has lasted for days. The taste in my mouth is beyond gross, my stomach has never hurt so much. I also have found out I am allergic to it because I got a rash all over my neck and was itchy. I have stopped taking it. I don’t recommend this medication to anyone."