Alternative to Clarithromycin ENT infection?

[TrampolineForMrKite]

Hi everyone

Sticking this in chat for traffic.

I caught a cold around three weeks ago which went- as often is the case for me- to my ear. Eardrum perforated. I was given Clarithromycin as I’m allergic to penicillin.

A ten day course later and I was iller, with the whole nightmare having seemingly spread to my throat. Second lot of Clarithromycin prescribed, stronger dosage.

Four days in I am no better. Can hardly swallow, can’t move, tired. Only slight improvement is that fevers are less frequent. Both my own GP and Out of Hours/NHS 111 say there’s no other antibiotics I can be prescribed for an ENT issue. Does anyone know if this is the case? I’m desperate now as seem to be getting no better. Have been laid in bed doing nothing else for over two weeks. Ear drops and throat sprays have done absolutely nothing. I’m at a loss as to where to go/what to ask for now.

Any advice from anyone with any knowledge or experience in this area? TIA.

Doxycycline is what’s works for me when I’m horribly ill. Currently on it for a bad chest infection - no side effects.

Apparently that one is particularly good for sinus issues. The side effects are horrific though. I threw up while taking it and I have a stomach of steel.

Try taking a probiotic at the same time as you could also be experiencing acid reflux.

Thanks for the advice- 111 asked me to go into a hot clinic for ENT and I’ve been prescribed doxy and a course of steroids to take my tonsils down. Fingers crossed it works!

@TrampolineForMrKite glad to hear it. It’s what always works for me. It’s a great antibiotic just rarely first line prescribed.

I was just about to say steroids are what you need - glad to see you now have some. They usually work quickly!