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Original poster

Has anyone been on Clarithromycin?

18 replies

lionlass · 23/04/2024 14:23

I've only taken 2 so far but I keep getting these awful waves of nausea along with feeling faint/shaky/sweaty.

Is this likely to get better or worse? Not sure if I should call gp and see if I can get them switched.

I've already had two courses of penicillin for a throat infection but it keeps coming back so I've been prescribed these instead.

OP posts:
Oneearringlost · 23/04/2024 14:26

Well known side effect.
If it is something you can tolerate but is just unpleasant, stick with it. If its really grim, contact your GP and try something else.
It's unlikely to get better, I'm afraid.

Smokeysgirl · 23/04/2024 14:28

Yes, I took it along with other medication for a Hpylori infection. It's a very harsh drug, they were horrible great big yellow tablets from what I remember, I was glad to finish it but it cleared up the infection very quickly. I felt really rough after taking it but it was a short course so persevered. However, A friend of mine also took it but didn't experience any problems. If you feel really bad have a chat with your GP and see if there's an alternative.

fridaynightdinner12346 · 23/04/2024 14:29

Yes I've had it a few times as badly allergic to penecillin. It always makes me feel rubbish too!

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murasaki · 23/04/2024 15:29

Might erithromycin(sp?) be an alternative ? I'm penicillin allergic too and have had both in the past.

BeaLola · 23/04/2024 15:42

Yes I have many years ago but I end up with a horrendous itchy rash that spread all over me (I'm ok on penicillin)

Bobbotgegrinch · 23/04/2024 16:29

lionlass · 23/04/2024 14:23

I've only taken 2 so far but I keep getting these awful waves of nausea along with feeling faint/shaky/sweaty.

Is this likely to get better or worse? Not sure if I should call gp and see if I can get them switched.

I've already had two courses of penicillin for a throat infection but it keeps coming back so I've been prescribed these instead.

Its hideous isn't it. I had to come off it and onto something else after 2 days as I kept throwing up.

DilemmaDelilah · 23/04/2024 17:15

I'm on clarithromycin at the moment. I don't get the symptoms you describe but maybe I'm lucky.

I can't stand the taste - I have to swallow them with a mint in my mouth. I also find that I have a horrible taste in my mouth ALL the time. I'm going through a lot of mints at the moment!

I think they are contributing to some digestive/bowel issues I'm having at the moment... but to be quite honest I'm having so many problems in that area that I can't really tell!

DrCoconut · 23/04/2024 18:27

My 8 year old had to take this in hospital. It made him sick and he ended up staying in longer than he would have had to otherwise.

Pigeonqueen · 23/04/2024 18:32

I’ve had it a few times, it’s one of the most effective antibiotics for severe infections. It always gives me a very upset stomach on about day 2-3 but I am very grateful for it for the way it’s managed to get rid of some really awful things I’ve had - worst one was tongue biopsy site and lung infections at the same time, ended up in hospital after collapsing at home and they gave me clarithromycin and it sorted it out within days.

ObviouslySerious · 23/04/2024 18:33

That's exactly how I feel with them. Also get a very unpleasant taste in my mouth which nothing takes away. Last til the course is finished unfortunately.

CrushingOnRubies · 23/04/2024 18:37

Was on claryrthromycin recently

The funny the in my mouth and I had the weirdest dreams. Like utterly bizarre dreams whilst taking them

Bonniegirlie · 23/04/2024 18:40

Yes, currently on a two week stint of them. Had bad diarrhoea after the first couple and a horrible taste in my mouth since. Eating mints all the time. Roll on Thursday when they run out!

Oneearringlost · 23/04/2024 18:41

murasaki · 23/04/2024 15:29

Might erithromycin(sp?) be an alternative ? I'm penicillin allergic too and have had both in the past.

Erythromycin is worse!

SisterAgatha · 23/04/2024 18:47

I had a terrible reaction to these years ago as a teenager. I developed double vision, eventually collapsed and was awake but couldn’t move. Room spinning uncontrollably. I was unconscious for some time. They put it down as a penicillin reaction and it’s been the bane of my life since. I’m not allergic to penicillin!

caringcarer · 23/04/2024 18:59

I'm allergic to penicillin so this is what I'm given if I get a bacterial infection. I got cellulitis twice and so had to have the alternative which I'm not great with but not much choice sometimes. It always gives me diarrhea.

Pigeonqueen · 23/04/2024 19:01

SisterAgatha · 23/04/2024 18:47

I had a terrible reaction to these years ago as a teenager. I developed double vision, eventually collapsed and was awake but couldn’t move. Room spinning uncontrollably. I was unconscious for some time. They put it down as a penicillin reaction and it’s been the bane of my life since. I’m not allergic to penicillin!

That’s so strange because I am allergic to penicillin- sever anaphylactic reaction - and they give my clarithromycin as it’s not penicillin!

Original poster
lionlass · 23/04/2024 21:12

I called the gp but they don't want to switch the antibiotic until the results of my swab come back.

Said I can stop taking it and just take paracetamol for my throat in the meantime. Not sure what's worse. The nausea or feeling like I'm swallowing razor blades.

Did anyone find anything that helped with the nausea?

OP posts:
MoreMangoesplease · 22/04/2026 11:10

This is an old post but if anyone reads it and it’s relevant now you can ring your gp and ask for cyclizine for the nausea.

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