Skip to main content

Clarithromycin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Brand names: Biaxin XL

Clarithromycin has an average rating of 5.4 out of 10 from a total of 835 reviews on Drugs.com. 37% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 35% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Clarithromycin

  • Sash
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 4, 2019

For Pneumonia "I read the reviews on this site and was absolutely terrified of taking this drug. I had pneumonia and amoxicillin had no effect, so was prescribed clarithromycin. However, thank goodness as it was amazing. Within less then 12 hours my fever (of 39.5) had completely gone, and from then on no fever and almost back to normal! The only side effect was a bitter taste, which was strong and woke me up at night. However, I found that mixing rice milk and honey literally took the taste away! So I kept a cup of it next to my bed and if I woke up with the taste I just drank it! It was amazing. I wouldn't advise having cows milk in this case because it creates mucus, but any milk alternative and honey should work! Just wanted to let you know in case helpful! Wishing you better"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • cmp
  • August 6, 2009

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "10 day run to get rid of H-pylori. In that 10 days I seem to be one that experienced negative side effects but continued on for the eventual benefit "for me". I experienced extreme fatigue, ringing in ears, forgetfulness, migraine headaches, nasty taste/smell. Had thrush at day 7 and day 10 is here. Feel like I was hit by a truck. Have follow-up to see if H-pylori is gone, will come back to update."

Was this helpful?YesNo
60 Report
  • jwade
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 21, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on day 12 of antibiotics for H Pylori , I had a lot of anxiety about taking so many antibiotics, I take 4 Amoxicillin & 2 clarithromycin daily , plus omeprazole twice a day , I thankfully have not had any terrible side effects, only the bad taste in my mouth. I have taken 2 probiotic gummies with each dose plus drank an Activia yogurt with each one . And I’ve drank some kombucha, but not every day . I think replacing some good gut health has helped . I’ve read that blackberries & green tea are good for H pylori also , I tried to educate myself through Google"

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • TrisKal
  • July 11, 2015

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I have terrible anxiety and was very afraid to take biaxin because I'd never taken it before. I worry about crazy things like having an anaphylactic reaction to medications, throat swelling shut, not being able to breathe, hives ect. I was on a triple antibiotic treatment of Biaxin, Flagyl, and Prilosec twice a day with Protonix taken alone every morning. I always ate yogurt twice a day with the medication as well as a meal so I my stomach wouldn't hurt or be upset. I never took the medication without food as instructed so I never had any stomach problems at all. The only side effect I had was an odd taste in my mouth but it wasn't overwhelming or bothersome."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
40 Report
  • Talc
  • 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 I was awful, disorientation, high anxiety and feeling terrible. I gave up then I 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 heart beat and thought I was going completely mad. The next day was so bad had to go to 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 anybody who gets through this treatment and are H Pylori negative."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anony...
  • 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 test which doesn't go away, abdominal pain in the 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 be 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 to take the medicine but you need to take a break from every social life , work that your doing and take the medication at home while resting only."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
23 Report
  • Joretta
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 4, 2013

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Sinusitis "I was on this for the first time last fall when I had H. Pylori. It knocked it out but threw me into my first vaginal yeast infection. The metallic taste in the mouth is horrible and my husband could even taste it when he kissed me. Currently I am on it for sinusitis which I have seasonal."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
46 Report

More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 23, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm on day 4 of a combo of clarithromycin, amoxicilln and omeprazole. I stumbled across this forum and lots of scary side effects. As a few have said I've only had the awful taste in my mouth, nothing else. After 2 days I feel great!! Like my old self . Everyone has different side effects but the people that have bad ones are more likely to comment. Stay positive. These tabs will work."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • Feeli...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 17, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I’m 37 and recently diagnosed with H.Pylori. Prescribed treatment plan of Omeprazole, Amox and Clarith. The strange taste in my mouth is AWFUL. When I lick my lips it tastes like pennies/chemicals. Very run down and lethargic with some memory loss and foggy brain. Eyes are dry/burning and feels like an effort to get out of bed and walk to bathroom. Light headache and stiff neck. Runny nose. Lower back pain and gas with burping and hiccups. Strange craving for bananas. Bananas and foods with strong flavor help with taste and bloating. Gum and fruity hard candy helps with taste too. Bowel movements smell strong, fruity and weird in the grossest way. So tired. Need to take naps throughout day."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Mysti...
  • July 18, 2019

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I went back to the doctor and she prescribed me "Clacee" 500mg which is Clarithromycin for 5 days taking two tablets daily and Prednisone 40mg 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 it 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 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."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 16, 2013

For Sinusitis "I'm on 500mg for 7 days, I'm on day six and for the past two days 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 adequate amount of food with it. I've had no toilet issues."

Was this helpful?YesNo
44 Report
  • Kille...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 6, 2013

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Bronchitis "Doc told me I had bronchitis, first time on Biaxin, after two days still have the bitter taste in the mouth, sleeping like crazy, increased heart rate, but overall medicine seems to be working great after two days, good alternative to amoxicillin."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
43 Report
  • Felicia
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 25, 2016

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

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
33 Report
  • Jodie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 21, 2020

For Sinusitis "I got this antibiotic what would have been 3 days ago today. The first day I had a complete break down and cried my eyes out. I was extremely emotional and depressed feeling hopeless and felt like I was losing my mind. I couldn’t stop crying. I have a metallic taste in my mouth and have had headaches every day. Last night I was all of a sudden having excruciating stomach cramps I couldn’t stand or sit or lay down the pain was unbearable. I considered calling 911 because the pain was so bad but settled for 811 health link instead. I thought I was dying. It took hot pads and pain killers to even be able to lay down. Today I am stuck on the couch (husbands orders) and after last night my stomach is still very tender and cramping but nothing compared to how it was. I would suggest never taking this medication. It was an absolute nightmare and I will NEVER take this again, it shouldn’t even be prescribed to people. It is absolute poison."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Rita
  • 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 Hp7. 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 for which I needed Nilstat drops, which added 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."

Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • 10mins
  • February 10, 2016

For Pneumonia "Was really ill started off with temp of 39.5 all body aches and pains. Took paracetamol and nothing happened. Went A & E the next day whom did chest X-ray and took bloods said got slight infection but couldn't hear anything on my lungs so gave me iv paracetamol and fluids and sent home with amoxicillin 1 to be taken 3 times a day. After two days was still the same temp aches and pains etc. Went see my own GP whom heard crackling on lungs straight away and said suspects pneumonia and couldn't understand why the hospital didn't. He gave me clarithromycin 500mg twice a day. After taking the first one within one hour temp had gone and I was feeling a lot better. Had a bitter taste in mouth but didn't last long. These are the best antibiotics."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
33 Report
  • Anonymous
  • November 18, 2014

For Bronchitis "I recently started on Biaxin. My doctor prescribed it for my bronchitis and sinus infection. The antibiotic works great, after about a day of taking it I felt a million times better. It's a really strong antibiotic though which has caused some awful side effects including bad taste in mouth, nervousness and upset stomach /nausea . If you have to take this I suggest eating before taking it and carrying around mints for the taste in mouth. Good luck!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report
  • EALFife
  • December 26, 2015

For Bronchitis "After an 8 week cold, 3 weeks a of bad cough and generally feeling under the weather and out of breath even on the gentlest of slopes, I went to the doctor who diagnosed bronchitis. I was put on a 5 day course of Clarithromycin 500 mg pills and a 10 day burst of Prednisalone starting at 30 mg. Even after one antibiotic I felt relief. I had no side effects whatsoever. I maybe should mention I have an autoimminune disease, PMR, and take a very low dose of steroids and also Omezrapol (a gastric resistant capsule prescribed for people taking steroids). I live in Scotland where all prescriptions are free."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
33 Report
  • Ken
  • June 10, 2019

For Sinusitis "My health care provider prescribed Clarithromycin 500mg twice a day. I am 75 yr. old and suffering from sinus and congestion for two weeks. After taking this for 4 days I am so weak and unsteady I can't take care of my farm animals. I don't think I have ever felt so bad. The prescription info says I must take for 10 days and must take all. I will never take this stuff again."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • Jenny...
  • July 31, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Not nearly as bad as I expected. The first day I had a very intense reaction, but found it was just because I was allergic to Omeprazole. When I didn't take it, the only side effects I had were moderate dizziness and an occasional metallic taste. It didn't hinder the taste of food. I am quite sensitive to medications and Clarithromycin hardly bothered me at all. The dizziness even faded after 3 days and I was able to function normally, even exercise. Also, some other advice, as I am a pharmacist. One person mentioned to take this with soda. I advise against that because soft drinks contain phosphoric acid and will likely exacerbate symptoms. Another notable interaction is milk products like ice cream. It helps for a short time, but then the rebound acid makes it worse. Probiotics are not clinically proven to help eradicate the bacteria, but I do recall reading a study that showed they can reduce the gastric inflammation. Good luck, whoever reads this, and I wish you a happy cure."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Sally
  • May 5, 2020

For Bronchitis "Throwing these clarithromycin in the garbage!!! Got extremely hungry, sweating and anxiety like I have never felt before. Felt really weak and like I was going insane. Lasted about 7 minutes and was so relieved when it was over. You couldn't pay me a million dollars to take another pill again."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • ElleM...
  • February 5, 2017

Biaxin (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."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • Jenetic
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 11, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Horrible drug, I was prescribe Clarithromycin 500mg twice a day with flagyl 400mg twice a day and rabreprazole ( asiphex) 20mg twice a day every twelve hours. My 1st dosage I started having a raising heart rate I checked my heart rate it was 118bpm per minute. I went to bed and calm down and that start reducing. Every day different side effect this medicine is too strong, I only manage to take it for four days as I couldn’t bare the to tough it out anymore. Feels like my body has left me, lost a few kg in just four days...dizziness, heart palpitations, muscle weakness, feeling like to collapse every seconds is too hard to handle plus feeling like your heart is going to stop. Never again will I try this. God bless peeps"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • bunny...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 15, 2012

Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Bronchitis "Stomach pains and bad taste. Drink plenty of water it helps the taste and stomach. I've had different reactions with Biaxin. Don't drink caffeine and take it. It will keep you awake and don't lay down in bed for 1 hour after taking. This all seems to help keep stimulation down so you can sleep."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
40 Report
  • London...
  • 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 night mornings. Dreadful nightmares since taking this medication."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
34 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.