Clarithromycin and Upset Stomach: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• DKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on Day 5 of 500 mg twice a day, and I have thrown in the towel. I really wanted to finish the 7-day course, but I cannot function with the hideous side effects. Initially, just stomach cramping, but then debilitating nausea and a disgusting taste in my mouth. Day 4 brought on the worst headache, and throughout, I have had excruciating pain in my ribs and back. Cannot wait to feel like a normal human being again."

• Anonymous
• May 26, 2016

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "I have been taking Biaxin for 3 days now, and I don't know if my bronchitis is just completely horrible and it's taking longer to work, or if this just isn't for me? The taste it leaves in your mouth after taking it is horrendous for about 12 hours. My stomach has been doing somersaults the entire 3 days so far, and I think I'm going back to the doctor in the morning for another alternative. I can't sleep at all. Hate this stuff."

• Jen...
• December 11, 2015

For Sinusitis "I was taking clarithromycin for sinusitis, and it worked, but I got severe back pain with the medication and a very nasty taste in my mouth. My stomach hurt, so then I started taking it with food, and the pain never came back."

• BDE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2019

For Pertussis "Awful! I was prescribed this antibiotic, clarithromycin, for whooping cough, even though by the time my pertussis was diagnosed, I was past the infectious stage! I have never reacted to any antibiotic before in my life, but this was hideous. And scary. After just 2 doses, I woke in the night with the most vile taste in my mouth - almost like having a mouthful of aspartame. Made me feel as sick as a dog. All the next day, I had terrible stomach cramps and felt very nauseous. The second night, I felt so agitated and like I wasn’t in control of my own thoughts or movements. Went to bed and had the most disturbed night, dreaming some very dark things which were terrifying. I felt very panicky and on edge. By this point, I could not face taking any more, so I gave up. I would never, ever recommend this drug to anyone, let alone take it again. I dread to think what another 5 days would have done to me..."

• Lee...
• July 1, 2019

For Sinusitis "As a regular sufferer of sinusitis (although it's been few and far between as I get older), this has always been my go-to antibiotic. The 'mycin' family antibiotics work really well for me, whereas sulfas I have an allergic response to, and amoxicillin only gives me yeast infections. Usually 500 mg every 12, but I don't need it for long... closer to 5 days than 10. I notice side effects when I don't really need it: bad taste in mouth, stomach upset, the trots, nausea. I find this drug works amazingly well for me. Although I'm usually advised to take the whole amount, my body simply can't handle it, and lets me know when it's time to stop! When it's working, none of those side effects are present-just healing. Different antibiotics work differently for different people's systems, but if erythromycin works for you, this is like its stronger big brother. I recommend."

• 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."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2018

For Sinusitis "Worst drug I've ever taken. I took it for four days, 500 mg twice a day. It may have helped with the sinus infection, but it wiped me off my feet. Terrible taste in my mouth, upset stomach, diarrhea, and felt like I was going to faint at times. I'll fight the infection on my own.. :("

• 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."

• Bon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2018

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was prescribed these for a false widow spider bite on my knee! I have a bad reaction to penicillin!! I’m on my last day. I do have that distinct taste in my mouth, but that tells me it’s working. I’ve not had an upset stomach. I’m hoping it clears the infection on my knee. Still a bit itchy, so unsure. What it also cleared, though, is my skin. It looks healthier and fresher, and I’ve had these 3 little lumps on my cheek for must be over 2 years now, and all the squeezing in the world was not moving them, they have now finally given in and disappeared, so I’m buzzing. Lots came out for the size of them as they were tiny, but they must have been deep in the tissue. Hope this helps."

• Ber...
• September 24, 2016

For Bronchitis "Started on tablets yesterday for bronchitis, had been on another penicillin for a sinus infection but still hadn't recovered 100%, hence the clarithromycin. I have had 3 tablets so far and will not be taking any more. I have been up since 2:00 am and am exhausted but still can't sleep. I am not due to menstruate, however, I am experiencing excessive bleeding, and the metallic taste makes me physically ill, but the diarrhea and the stomach gurgling and cramps are so not worth it. I would prefer to have bronchitis than the side effects from this drug. I only hope no permanent damage has been caused. Would strongly recommend anything BUT this medication."

• 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!"

• 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."

• gig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2017

For Skin and Structure Infection "Put on this for suspected diverticulitis after amoxicillin. Day 1 saw no real improvement except a slight lowering of my temperature, though still too high, and a decrease in my runs to the loo. The downside: the pain. The stomach cramps were bad enough from the diverticulitis, but coupled with this became borderline unbearable. Paracodol was the only thing to ease the pain. Day 2, I started noticing the pattern, as well as the vile taste in my mouth, which woke me repeatedly, and the thirst. I also noticed the nausea hit hard about 10 minutes after the tablet: retching, belching, etc. Also came the poops... again... the only thing I could do was take paracodol and try to sleep it off. Which brings me to the dreams... vivid, erratic, and scary."

• CBA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2020

For Strep Throat "The only thing I have to say about clarithromycin is awful. I have been on 500 mg twice daily for the past 5 days, and I need to stop. First couple of days I was absolutely fine with no side effects, and then by day 3, I started getting chills, shaking, headaches, stomach cramps, low-grade fever, and tightness in my throat with wheezing. I continued onto day 5, not noticing that the tightness in my throat and wheezing was due to an allergic reaction from this drug! (I have asthma, so put it down to having a bad episode.) Before you take this drug, ask for a skin test to see if you are allergic! I didn't even think I was, as I have been on it before. Avoid it as much as possible. Yes, it is good at clearing infections, but do your research and always ask for a better alternative."

• Lal...
• October 8, 2016

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I recently had surgery to remove a pilonidal sinus and was prescribed clarithromycin as my stitches opened and it became infected. I thought I was going crazy! The first two days weren't too bad, just the horrid taste and sick feeling. Then after four, I had heart palpitations and stomach cramps. I have two days left, I feel like I'm being poisoned. It won't let me sleep, my heart beats too fast, and I'm short of breath! Also, before I found this thread, I spent a day crying and depressed. I thought I'd gone mad and developed depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, and insomnia overnight. Thank god I'm not the only one! Also, I've suffered from insomnia on and off for years, so cheers, give someone who struggles to sleep pills that keep you awake! Never again!"

• Pai...
• January 13, 2018

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Although this medication did start clearing away the infection after my 3rd tablet, I felt awful. Had to stop taking it as being sick and stomach cramps were awful. The taste in your mouth is unbearable to say the least, and it just won’t budge, which isn’t helping with the sickness. My urine also smelled strange when on these. Will be going to the doctor’s for something else."

• Shi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2017

For Bronchitis "A regular sufferer of chest infections from bronchiectasis and severe sinusitis, I've been taking this for 3 days now and I do feel slightly better. I do have a horrible taste in my mouth, a bloated stomach, and constantly hungry, but hey I can deal with that!"

• 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 26, 2017

For Sinusitis "Third time taking a 10-day dose of this medication for recurring sinusitis. After the first day, I immediately get relief from this medication, which is great, and around day three, I usually feel almost 100% back to normal, but I do experience a metallic taste in my mouth and an upset stomach this time around for some unknown reason, and all three times I developed yeast infections (never had one in my life before until I took this medicine. I also take a daily acidophilus supplement, which does nothing for the yeast infection in my case). For those reasons, I am not a huge fan of this but am allergic to penicillin and sulfa drugs."