Azithromycin for Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis User Reviews (Page 2)

• Meano
• June 9, 2019

"Azithromycin really messed up my face. I was prescribed it by a doctor and I had no qualms about it since I'm also a healthcare professional and I haven't really had any bad encounters with it of my patients complaining about serious side effects of the drug. A day after I had taken it, weird itchy pimple-like rashes started popping out on my T-zone. I stopped the meds when I realized that I was experiencing a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to the drug. I went back to the same doctor who advised me to stop taking the drug and prescribed me an antihistamine. It's been 3 days already and I don't see my skin getting better anytime soon. It's so itchy and scaly. My esteem has dipped since getting this rash on my face because I've always had really clear skin. I would not recommend this drug at all...."

• Chelly
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2018

"I am usually nervous to take antibiotics. I've had really bad reactions to others so reading these reviews scared me. I got this for strep throat and had to take 2 a day for 3 days. I've just taken my last dose and have had no reaction other than a tad tired/foggy feeling for a few hours after taking and a bit gassy. Its also cleared my symptoms up a lot so far :)"

• lili
• April 7, 2017

"I was diagnosed with strep throat a few days ago and was prescribed zpak because of a penicillin allergy. I took two pills on the first day, and felt better within 24 hours. The only downside to this medicine is when I took the first dose (2 pills, 500mg total) I had HORRIBLE sharp pains from what was gas followed by diarrhea within 2 hours. The next day I took one pill, and had no side effects. I am on my third day and had pains, similar to harsh period cramps and then diarrhea also within two hours. I find it helpful to eat greek yogurt before taking this medicine! It helps ease the pain and I did not have loose stools on the days I ate the yogurt. Overall this medicine is great because it works extremely fast"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2016

"All medications have risk for side effects some people get them and some don't. As well as some medications work for others and some don't. We are given medication that is recommended base in research. If first line therapy does not work then they go to what is recommended next."

• Jonneo
• October 13, 2015

"Took this 5 day treatment in the past a couple of times and it worked great. This time (2015) urgent care doc recommended amoxicillin, 2x day for ten days. I asked for the Z-pack and they agreed. Now on day 5, still coughing and throat tender. Wife and daughter got the amoxicillin on same day, all better. I guess this strep is resistant? Hopefully knocks it out in the next couple of days. Next time I would go for the amoxicillin for sure :)"

• TeeH
• November 1, 2015

"Took 4 days of this medicine to no prevail. I actually got worse and ended up back at the take care clinic to be immediately sent to the emergency room because they thought I had an abscess on my tonsils. I'm happy that got ruled out, but I will never take a Z-pack again. They should have prescribed amoxicillin the Er Doctor said."

• Krish...
• April 5, 2015

"After 2 days of this antibiotic, I felt no difference. I went to another Doctor who game me betadine liquid to gargle. Next day my sore throat improved little. But after 4 days of azithromycin and 2 days of betadine gargle, I feel good but still unable to swallow food/drink except milk. Hope it gets better in another couple of days."

• Yeetus
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2020

"I’m on day 3 Of the z pack out of the 5 days for strep and I see no improvements. I’m actually kinda feeling worse. I have no appetite to eat and whenever I do eat it comes back up. I can barely swallow and I’m so fragile and shaky I have a hard time walking up the stairs and holding myself up. I have no diarrhea thankfully and no stomach pains but the white spots keep spreading. If this isn’t working by tomorrow I’m heading back to the ER. I had strep In September and had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin but it did work very well for me."

• smurf...
• October 31, 2016

"I was diagnosed with severe ear infection from tonsilitis. Took two pills and then thought i was gonna die from the side effects plus it didnt seem to be helping me. I went back to the doctor who told me to continue on the 5day pack and ensure i took the pills on a very full stomach. i did just that and now i have completed my 5day pack with no more side effects. Not sure of its effectiveness still have the ear infection that got worse with hearing almost to nil in my left ear."

• manda...
• July 30, 2015

"Started feeling bad with strep symptoms on Monday accompanied by fever, chills, body aches and swollen throat. Went to the ER. Culture came back positive. Dr gave me ibuprofen, zithromax and prednisone before leaving. Left with rx for those two and have felt no symptoms since. Other than my stomach being torn up from the meds, i think the prednisone has made all the difference this time. This is the 3rd time this year alone i have had it."

• CLL
• December 28, 2023

Zithromax (azithromycin) "I was prescribed this medication for a serious case of Strep Throat, and although it's working to relieve Strep... it's giving me some crazy side effects. The diarrhea is absolutely annoying, and since I started taking this med, I've felt pain in the left side of my chest near my armpit. I wouldn't recommend this medication. Just take Amoxicillin or Penicillin if you're not allergic to it."

• Glad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2021

"Went to our local urgent care facility with a horrible sore throat and was tested for both Covid and Strep. Negative for both. Suffered for 2 more days before going to my regular doctor who promptly put me on a 5-day Azithromycin regimen. I started feeling better the next day and throat pain was pretty much gone by Day 4. I did have some diarrhea which I addressed with partial success by consuming yogurt/probiotics a few hours after taking my dose. Just glad I don’t have an antibiotic-phobic doctor and was able to get relief."

• Jared...
• August 30, 2015

"Seems to be working very slowly wish urgent care practitioner would have gave me a more aggressive antibiotic. I also got a large thick shot in the upper butt. Don't know what it was but opted for it for a faster reaction so don't really know if the z pack is even working at all. Day 2 of 5"

• CH313...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2016

"I was prescribed this medicine after they ran out of options as to what it could be. I only took 2 of the five pills prescribed to me. Yes I know that's bad but my throat and other symptoms cleared up and I couldn't handle the stomach problems this caused me. Terrible diarrhea and cramps, constant nausea."

• Tappi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2017

"The secret of taking any antibiotics is full-stomach. Meaning, you should eat a full meal even you don't have an appetite. A bowl of rice, soup, pooridge, noodles, banana, oatmeal, peanut butter sandwich with honey, or anything you can eat. Full stomach before you take the medicine (in fact any kind of medicine even vitamins) is a key to not feel all the side effects. Also, if you feel too much side effects (nausea, vomiting, dizziness), you may be allergic to one content of the medicine you are taking. You should check on it! Like, I usually get Augmentin for my tonsils and ear infection but I constantly getting the same side effects when I take it then I found out I was allergic to pennicilin content."

• Laney
• April 23, 2019

"Azithromycin made me awfully sick, I was constantly shaking and could not keep my food down, was very stomach sick but it did clear my tonsillitis and strep (I had both at the same time) considering it rebounded."

• Anonymous
• April 16, 2023

"This medication was prescribed to me because I'm allergic to penicillin and normally it works great. This time I finished the medication and my throat keeps getting worse. I can't eat or drink its so swollen."

• Saurabh
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 21, 2021

"I have a good history of Chronic Tonsillitis since childhood and now I'm 34. My specialist been recommending it since 10 years and have worked like magic pill for me, along with some other meds for swelling and fever. But just works like a charm for me. I have taken amoxicllin, pencillin etc, but none worked. 5 day course with 500mg doses taken twice a day."

• Imanou
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2023

Z-Pak (azithromycin) "Literally a lifesaver!! Was in agony and had a terrible sore throat, strep, and tonsillitis - within 12 hours of taking the medication I had some stomach cramps but no sore throat and was feeling so much better. Z-Pak is a miracle antibiotic."

• Nb419
• March 11, 2016

"Went to the doctor for fever, severe dizziness, and some sinus drainage and sore throat. My flu swab came back negative, so she labeled it as acute pharyngitis, prescribed 5 day Z pak. Less than 2 hours after my first dose, I had horrible, painful diarrhea. I also began to experience severe stomach pain even though I made sure to take it with plenty of food. My symptoms did not improve, and I began having headaches as well. It is now the day after my final dose, and my sore throat is back, my fever is still high, head hurts, and I'm dizzy as ever though my stomach is finally feeling better now that I'm out of this useless medicine."

• Eliza...
• November 23, 2017

"I was diagnosed with strep in the ER and they sent me home with azithromycin. I took the first dose before bed and was fine until I woke up with extremely itchy feet. Just thought I had walked in something. Took it again the next day and my feet got worse overnight. Couldn't sleep from the itching. Severe swelling and a rash. It moved to my hands too. Went to the Dr immediately and they said to stop taking the meds. Allergic reaction apparently? It seemed to help my strep though!"

• not...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 6, 2022

"I have used zpack 250 mg pack (double the dose - first day 500mg). I always make sure to have some carbs before I take it such as crackers or bread as directions mention. I’ve taken it now 3X in my life and never have had any stomach issues with it. I’m only 90 lbs and terrified of vomiting and have an extreme phobia so I had a lot of anxiety before taking it. The stress and anxiety of my throat condition and along with fears of having to take this pill caused me nausea and soft stool, but NOT the actual zpack itself! I prepared by taking a very small dose of Imodium hours before taking my first dose and I will say this probably helped my nerves and tummy to withstand the zpack with ease. Honestly, your conditions may be so severe that the body just embraces the first dose. Every single time I took it, I felt a boost of energy and relieved! Not gonna lie, I felt like a million bucks, like my army was winning! You’ll feel an immediate difference, I promise. Think good thoughts!"

• Speci...
• August 3, 2017

"I'm on my 3rd day of this medication for strep throat and take it on a full stomach every day. I haven't had any stomach pain or diarrhea which I usually get with antibiotics, and no weird metallic taste in my mouth either. Only downside is it takes a bit longer to work than most antibiotics, so my throat was killing me until halfway through the day after taking the third pill. Aside from that, no side effects and I'm feeling much better now! My tonsil is still a little swollen but most of the pus is gone and no more pain."

• Diane...
• November 16, 2017

"The first day taking the medication I experienced extreme stomach pain and loose stools. I ate dinner about an hour before and still experienced the side effects. The second day taking the medication I am still experiencing the extreme stomach pain accompanied with loose stools and back pain. I took this pill on a full stomach. On the bright side my tonsils are less inflamed."

• Anonymous
• July 27, 2021

"Feeling awful for the last 7 days. I had went to urgent care who did a throat culture and told me I have strep. They gave me Cedfrin which didn’t do much. I went back and they gave me a z pack. I am only on the first day. How long is this going to take to go away? It’s miserable. I have a penicillin allergy and feel so helpless like nobody can help me"