Clarithromycin and Upset Stomach: What Users Say (Page 3)

• axm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2018

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I'm taking a 7-day course of this antibiotic. I feel weirdly anxious and panicky on it. I also have stomach rumbling and sometimes nausea. I give it a 5 as it is curing my one-month cold, but I hate the side effects."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2021

For Skin and Structure Infection "Was put on clarithromycin 500 mg for a horse fly bite that got infected on my back, which caused the lymph node in my neck to swell. The first day of taking this medication was fine, but all went downhill from there: low mood, the most severe tummy pains, which led to the worst case of diarrhea I’ve ever had in my life, confusion, rapid heart, and anxiety. I stopped taking it after the third day. I would never recommend these tablets to anyone else, and I will never take them again! AVOID AVOID AVOID!!"

• Lau...
• June 27, 2015

For Strep Throat "I was prescribed this medication to clear up my strep throat that had been lingering for quite some time. I had no side effects for the first day and found that my throat was beginning to feel better. However, the second day I noticed an extremely sour taste in my mouth, which I couldn't escape, and a very upset stomach. This medication made me feel nauseous and ill for two days before I stopped taking the medication altogether."

• Cav...
• August 17, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I had a recurrence of stomach abscess a few weeks ago. Prescribed clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day after first antibiotics didn’t work. Had a week's course that certainly helped the abscess. Requested another week's course as I still felt slightly sore. Second course (different manufacturer) gave me the metallic taste and diarrhea within a day or so. Also bloating/gas with chest pains so bad that I ended up getting an ECG to rule out a heart attack. Had palpitations too. Stopped taking on day 6 as I felt too rough. That was 3 days ago, and I still have an upset tummy. No diarrhea but very gassy and some chest/back pain along with it. Feels like I'm slowly getting better. Because of the stomach pains, it’s hard to know if my abscess has gone as it’s the same area. This has caused me a lot of anxiety. If the drug actually worked and the side effects are just temporary (and not serious), then I might take it again, but right now I don't like this antibiotic. I might post another review in a week's time and see how I am then."

• Lym...
• July 29, 2016

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was taking doxycycline but was switched to clarithromycin since it's summer and can't be in the sun with doxy. Clarithromycin doesn't seem as strong as the doxy for me at 500 mg 2x a day, to get peak results. I too get a metal taste in my mouth when taking this. I experience some fatigue, but I'm not sure if it is from the meds not being as strong as doxy. Some people have mentioned stomach aches etc., like the person taking it for H. pylori. That experience is die-off of bacteria which causes the stomach aches etc. called herxing. The bacteria release toxins into our body after they are killed, and that is what causes the awful feeling. It is actually a good thing that doesn't last more than 2 hours or so. Killing the bacteria is the goal."

• How...
• October 23, 2020

For Middle Ear Infections "I'm on day two of clarithromycin, dose = two 500 mg tablets a day. Was given this for chronic ear infection after Otomize spray didn't work. First day, I had the awful metallic taste, and nothing is making it go away. I can deal with the bad taste, but the other side effects are horrendous, including palpitations, anxiety, panic attacks, crying, nausea, stomach cramps, shakes, and tiredness. I'm on day 2, and I can't take anymore! I'll never ever take this medication again. Unlucky for me, it's a Friday evening, so I won't be able to speak to my GP to change the antibiotic. Reading everyone's reviews has helped, as I was starting to panic about my side effects. Good luck, and try to get a different antibiotic if you can."

• Jan...
• September 24, 2016

"Within an hour of taking my first pill, I had an extremely unsettled stomach (much like bad hunger pains). The taste in my mouth was bad the first day, but when I got to the third, it was unbearable. No drink or chewing gum could get rid of it. Then, when I thought things couldn't get any worse, I started seeing things in my room and being EXTREMELY anxious and paranoid (I do suffer from anxiety, but this significantly worsened it). My dreams have been vivid and disturbing, this, joined with the lack of sleep, was like torture. Also, I couldn't pass urine properly, which left me with a painful bladder. I have now completely stopped. Never again. However, it did work in beginning to clear up my chest infection, but personally, this was not worth it."

• Lyd...
• March 18, 2017

For Mycoplasma Pneumonia "Was meant to be on penicillin, but the hospital changed my antibiotic 5 mins before I left because they found mycoplasma in my throat (they didn't really know what was wrong with me, tbh). My symptoms are spot on to a, so I'm leaning towards that as what I have (it's certainly not tonsillitis or 'stress,' which they tried to fob me off with). I have taken 4 of these clarithromycin, and I think they may be the devil in pill form. I have had nothing but shortness of breath, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea since. Apparently, they are common side effects, but this seems ridiculous. I felt better off with just the pneumonia than with being on these!"

• Hur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2016

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Sadly, I'm only on day 1 of this medicine combined with amoxicillin and lansoprazole, and it's hell. I got extreme dizziness. I feel so slow with thinking. My stomach is burning a few minutes after the drugs, and I got bad diarrhea. The symptoms start to decrease a few hours after the first dose but return when I take my second dose. Never again will I take this antibiotic, and I have 6 days left."

• Vix...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2019

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I too have experienced the metallic taste in my mouth and a bit of 'gastric distress,' but the infection in my hair follicle that I had been waiting in vain to heal on its own for about 3 months is almost gone after 4 days. Amazed by how quick it worked, so bearing in mind the side effects, I'm still really impressed with the speed of results."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2018

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Was given this for tonsillitis as I’m allergic to penicillin. I’m on day 3, and the side effects are unbearable. The metallic taste was so strong it woke me up in the middle of the night, gagging. My stomach feels sore and uncomfortable. Loose stools, extreme nausea, palpitations, shaking, excess salivating, tight throat. You name it, I’m experiencing it. Going back to the doctor in the morning, as this drug is just intolerable. Nobody seems to have a good word to say about it! Use with caution!"

• Cat...
• September 20, 2017

For Strep Throat "I am on day 7 and more miserable than when I started taking the drug. I have had headaches, trouble getting to sleep, stomachache, heart palpitations, and I think I have even noticed more hair falling out than usual. My tonsils are still swollen and sore throat is still present, but I have gotten a yeast infection because all the good bacteria in my vagina have apparently been killed, so I'm out of balance. Miserable. I'm going to see my doctor tomorrow to see if I can get something else. Should have done it days ago."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2015

For Pharyngitis "Within 24 hours of taking these tablets, all the pain had gone away, and I felt much better. Gave me an upset tummy, but more than worth it. Avoid taking on an empty stomach, I felt sick for a short while after taking them on day 1 when I didn't feel well enough to eat."

• De ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2019

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I am on day 4 of a five-day course and have never felt so ill. I started with tonsillitis, which progressed to vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, a terrible metallic taste, headache, feeling like I was going to pass out, stomach cramps, the list has been endless for me. The tonsillitis actually seemed to get better after 2 days, and I don't understand why I have been prescribed a medication that has made me feel so ill."

• Nur...
• January 10, 2019

For Mycoplasma Pneumonia "I had a chest infection that was attempted to be treated with amoxicillin after becoming very unwell and being admitted to the hospital, temp 41°C, heart rate of 160. I was isolated and presumed to have the flu - I had Mycoplasma pneumoniae. I was treated for two days in the hospital and prescribed 500 mg clarithromycin twice daily for two weeks. I am now on day 8 and do feel better, but I am still coughing up a lot of 'gunk.' The only side effect I would say is a bit of an upset tummy, but I've no appetite anyway."

• Did...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2019

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I was put on a 5-day course of 500 mg clarithromycin for tonsillitis, and I found it to be wonderful. I haven't experienced any upset stomach or funny taste in my mouth. The tonsillitis was much more comfortable within 3 days. I just have to wait now to see if taking this medicine will stop my immune system from causing guttate psoriasis, which has happened several times before after tonsillitis."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2018

For Pneumonia "Changing to another antibiotic due to side effects. Haven't slept in 48 hrs, anxiety, heart racing, and nightmares. The upset stomach and bitter taste are okay, but the other side effects and night sweats are not. I can feel it working, but another 8 days is too much."

• run...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2018

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was prescribed this tablet by my GP for a toe infection. I was also told to go to A and E if the infection did not clear up after three days, as I am allergic to penicillin. I found the tablets hard to swallow. I had a really nasty taste in my mouth after taking it. I had a stomach ache and felt dizzy. I was given 500 mg to take twice a day. The infection does seem to be improving slowly."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2017

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Not sure what I have as the doctors refuse to run any tests, but I've basically got something with sinuses and a really bad cough nearing two months now. I first got Amoxicillin, which got rid of the tickly cough, but otherwise may have actually made it worse (but on the bright side, I had minimal side effects). This one seems to have minimized the actual coughing fits, but by day 5 it hasn't fixed much else, unfortunately. I was otherwise physically exhausted as well, but the first two days of these were a complete knockout for me. I'd sleep 12h, take the pill, be up for 2h before desperately needing a nap. I also got the constant metallic taste and upset stomach/diarrhea and trouble falling asleep. Definitely need probiotics with these."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2016

For Strep Throat "I experienced stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and had a metallic taste in my mouth. On the third day, my throat started to hurt again. It must be said that I've never experienced side effects from an antibiotic I've taken in the past ever..."

• Rmi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2017

For Pertussis "I have only just started taking this tablet and feel a bit rubbish already. It's 2 am. I have a vile, horrid taste in my mouth. Tried swilling my mouth with copious amounts of water, it does not work. Stomach is making hideous gurgling noises and feeling gassy, but I do have a very sensitive stomach, and I know this drug is going to cripple me. However, my breathing seems a little itsy improved, as docs say I have whooping cough! I am on this for 10 days yet-19 more big, horrid, bulky tablets to suffer yet."

• Emi...
• May 29, 2022

For Sinusitis "This antibiotic usually gets to grips with my ailments quickly, whether it be tooth infection, sinus, or upper respiratory infection. I did have a metallic taste, but if you eat something, it goes away, and it did have stomach issues, but I have been advised that may not be due to the drug and more due to it killing off bad bacteria in the gut, so overall a good outcome. A note on probiotics while on antibiotics. They can get killed by the antibiotic, so best to take them after, not during."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2020

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Was put on this clarithromycin med for sore throat infection that I’ve had for 2+ weeks. Sore throat resolved with the first 1-2 doses. But the side effects so far on Day 2 are harrowing. Constant bad (metallic) taste in my mouth, constant burning in stomach, and now horrendous stomach cramps that make me curl up in a ball. I feel as though the throat issue is quickly being resolved only to now have a stomach issue. Have many more days to go - fingers crossed that my body acclimates to this med and the stomach issues subside."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2020

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Was put on this clarithromycin med for sore throat infection that I’ve had for 2+ weeks. Sore throat resolved with the first 1-2 doses. But the side effects so far on Day 2 are harrowing. Constant bad (metallic) taste in my mouth, constant burning in stomach, and now horrendous stomach cramps that make me curl up in a ball. I feel as though the throat issue is quickly being resolved only to now have a stomach issue. Have many more days to go - fingers crossed that my body acclimates to this med and the stomach issues subside."

• And...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2021

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "To start with, it was okay till day 5 came around and my nose dried out and got clogged. I'm not very happy I was given this drug to take. Also, when I have a drink to get rid of the dryness, it does not take the dryness away, it makes my stomach upset really badly. It did start to clear my sinuses, then now made me feel really crap. Never again, I have complained to the doctor about this. Not very happy I was given this. Wish I never took it."