Clarithromycin and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ell...
• February 5, 2017

Clarithromycin for Sinusitis "After being sick for a month and a half, after a useless round of Amoxclav, my doctor finally prescribed Biaxin and Prednidone for my sinus infection. Within a day I was able to breathe through my nose. My only complaint is the absolutely disgusting aftertaste... and the occasional upset stomach. I think the side effects are worth it as I finally feel good for the first time in weeks."

• Fel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2016

For Sinusitis "Prescribed for recurrent sinus infection potentially caused by GERD. By day four, a bitter taste in my mouth was round the clock. Yuck. Upsets stomach and wakes up in the middle of the night wide awake. Also, a little slow with thinking. Not a fan."

• 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!"

• Lon...
• February 16, 2015

For Bronchitis "This seems to be dealing with the bronchitis after 2 days, so I feel better with only a residual phlegmy cough. The side effects have been constipation at first, then very loose, mucus-laden stools. Much stomach gurgling and vicious wind. Bitter, metallic taste in my mouth, especially in the mornings. Dreadful nightmares since taking this medication."

• 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."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2019

For Sinusitis "I have been fighting a sinus infection for almost a month now. I am on my third day of taking 1000 mg of this antibiotic daily, and around 3 hours after taking the pills, I get an awful taste in my mouth, along with an upset stomach, a heavy feeling in my stomach, and a headache. Awful :("

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2015

For Sinusitis "Very effective medication, but the taste in the mouth is absolutely brutal, and I find once the infection is gone and you still need to continue, your stomach starts getting upset. The only thing that helped me not throw up from the taste is cinnamon gum! Hope it helps :)"

• Me1...
• July 29, 2015

For Bronchitis "Got prescribed clarithromycin for bronchitis. I have never felt side effects taking other prescriptions like I feel taking this. I have the horrible metallic taste in my mouth, gassy, diarrhea, upset stomach, and now on day 5 and having nightmares. It has helped the bronchitis, but I don't think I can handle the side effects anymore."

• SAB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "My doctor prescribed me this with amoxicillin for H. Pylori. First few days, it made my stomach even more upset. WORST TASTE EVER! It's so gross and makes my mouth feel so dry and raw, my tongue is inflamed. Boy... did it work? Yes, my stomach started feeling better day 4. Was it worth it? I'd say yes. But be prepared to keep sipping on things and eat lots of hard candy to keep a nice taste in your mouth. I got a few more days to go, hopefully, this goes away for good!"

• Gab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2019

For Sinusitis "I have a LOT of allergies to antibiotics, so clarithromycin is one of two that I can take. That being said, it works better than the Z-Pak that I am normally prescribed for sinus infections. I unfortunately get them every few months. Last time I had a sinus infection, I took the Z-Pak, and by the end of the course, I was still really sick, so my doctor prescribed me clarithromycin. It is more effective, but the side effects for me are pretty bad. It makes my stomach hurt pretty badly, despite trying to eat before taking it, makes me feel dizzy, and leaves a gross metallic taste in my mouth. Sometimes it makes me feel kind of panicky, but it normally goes away pretty quickly. It has also been giving me some pretty terrifying dreams since I started it. Overall, I would rather deal with the unpleasant side effects than deal with a sinus infection, so I would definitely say it's effective."

• lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Started having stomach issues in January and finally got tested for H. pylori in March. I am on day 13 of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and omeprazole. You get that nasty bitter taste right away - so bad that you can taste it every time you breathe. By my 7th day, I have had 3 days of nausea, some diarrhea, and stomach upset. My symptoms are worse at night, I cannot sleep. I did learn to chew mint gum, and that really helps with the bitter taste. Sucking mints helps some, but not enough, gum is the best. This combo of medicine is brutal, but I have stuck with it as I do not want to have to repeat this again...."

• ABe...
• March 30, 2013

For Sinusitis "After a terrible flu, I had an upper respiratory infection and sinusitis. Was first on Z-pack, with no improvements, then on Levaquin, which gave me horrible side effects, nausea, an allergic reaction in the face, and extreme fatigue. I was feeling worse than without the medicines, so I got switched to Biaxin, and right on day one, I experienced lots of improvements. I am on day two and feeling better, not 100% yet, but way better. I do have a metallic taste and a little bit of an upset stomach, but probiotics are helping tremendously to control it. I am going to try the dark chocolate tomorrow! So far, I am happy with the treatment."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2016

Clarithromycin for Strep Throat "Obviously, no antibiotic is going to be easy, but this is tolerable. I am allergic to penicillin, so I always get prescribed Biaxin. It always clears up my infections, the only downside is the horrible bitter taste. My best advice, besides chewing gum/mints in between, is to eat dark chocolate before and after- it actually does help subside the bitter taste! Also, take the probiotic pearls with each dosage, it should help your stomach and prevent diarrhea. Eat as much yogurt as possible or drink kefir milk- kefir milk is the best probiotic you can take. It works wonders! You may get some minor headaches/stomach discomfort the first couple of days, but let your body adjust and you should be fine. It's definitely tolerable compared to other meds."

• 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."

• Cal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

For Sinusitis "I was instructed to take this clarithromycin antibiotic for 10 days for a suspected sinus infection. The joke is that my doctor didn't do any testing to make sure that I had a bacterial sinus infection - it could've been viral or fungal, but I was just handed these drugs and sent on my way. I got all the usual side effects: upset stomach, the worst bloating ever, and gas all day long. I took them with food, but it still affected me. The bitter taste in my mouth was disgusting but tolerable. By day 5, heartburn struck, and I felt very unstable mentally and physically. I began to get oral thrush caused by these tablets, and this is when I gave up. I couldn't push myself to take anymore, and now I have to take more medicine to clear the thrush. I can't even give the tablets any credit for clearing my infection because I may not have needed them to begin with."

• cha...
• February 17, 2014

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I found this medicine to be a mistake for me. I had severe inflammation of my upper eyelid, swollen, red, and very uncomfortable, so the Dr. prescribed this hoping it would solve the problem. First day I took it, within two to three hours, I was immediately running for the bathroom. It made me very ill regardless of what I ate, I took an antacid, probiotics, ate carefully, ate more than usual when I took it, drank only water, etc. It gave me the worst stomach cramps I have ever had, made me so nauseous I had to call out of work, and I stayed put on my bed writhing in pain."

• Pae...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2019

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was prescribed Clarithromycin for a chest infection, and after only two days, I started to feel very unwell with stomach cramps, diarrhea, mild mental disturbance, and most frighteningly, raised blood pressure and a very fast heartbeat with palpitations. I phoned for advice and was told to attend the city hospital's emergency department (I live in the UK incidentally). By the time I got there and was seen, it was a while since my last dose, and my symptoms were easing a little. The doctor seemed a little skeptical that they were caused by the clarithromycin, but he was kind and prescribed me an alternative that worked well. I will never take this drug again, and to make sure I don't forget the name, I keep the box!"

• 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."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2020

For Skin and Structure Infection "Stay away from this drug!! I started clarithromycin at a dose of 500 mg, the first dose was fine, no side effects, but after the second dose, that’s when it went downhill. Prolonged nausea, intense stomach cramps, and the worst diarrhea I’ve experienced in my life. Woke up on the third day and refused to take my dosage before I spoke to my doctor again. Worst drug out there."

• Ali...
• February 9, 2017

For Pneumonia "I'm on day 3 of taking this antibiotic, having been diagnosed with a severe chest infection. Within 48 hours, the stabbing pain and aches in my chest have completely disappeared. I have an awful bitter taste like an aerosol spray/some sort of gas in my mouth. Cleaning my teeth and drinking helps this, but it always feels worse at night. :( Last night, I had a bad nightmare, but after that, I slept well. I've had lots of tummy gurgling, and today I feel really nauseous. :( Have also been going to the loo more than usual! I'm pretty anxious about taking the next 4 days, but I'm unsure if there is anything else I can take. I'm allergic to penicillin."