Azithromycin and Gas: What Users Say

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2014

Azithromycin for Sinusitis "I have had chronic sinusitis for the better part of 10 years now off and on. It really gets bad as spring changes over to summer as well as summer over to fall. I have taken several different antibiotics over the years and the sinusitis keeps coming back stronger the next year. So I just started the 7-day Z-Pak yesterday for the first time and just took the second day's dosage. Much like most of the other reviews on this site, I am experiencing some minor diarrhea as well as flatulence. Which, in my opinion, can be a deadly combination for a new pair of white boxer briefs! I have not noticed any other side effects as of yet, but again I am only on the second day. I will tell you that I am feeling much livelier right now and gained motivation."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2021

For Chlamydia Infection "OK, so I have horrible anxiety, and after reading these reviews, I WAS TERRIFIED. I waited 3 days to take my azithromycin pills, then, last night, I finally took them while shaking. I was given four 250 mg tablets, so I took 2 with some water and took the other 2 an hour later (I didn't feel comfortable taking all 4 at once). The first 2 gave me mild cramps and stomach bubbles. Then, when I took the last 2, I was going to sleep (because I was still terrified). I also took an 800 mg ibuprofen after reading about the stomach pains, so that maybe helped. But for the most part, I only experienced mild cramps, gassy, and I did have sweats for a good 5 mins. I woke up, and I just felt like my stomach was empty. So again, don't let these reviews scare you. Take it before bed, and it'll be much better. Stay safe."

• Anonymous
• August 19, 2012

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "My young son was prescribed this for severe tonsillitis. His fevers were very high. Paracetamol would bring it down, but it would be right back up long before 4 hrs were up. The azithromycin just made him sicker. He had the worst diarrhea and gas and abdominal pain, which was very difficult for an already miserable child. After 3 days, he wasn't improving and was changed to a different medication."

• Ano...
• December 14, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Very effective for sure! Only symptom of the infection was vaginal discharge with a weird smell. Took 2 500 mg tablets with a bag of chips and a full glass of water. Felt fine until about 3 hours later. Now I feel terrible! Nauseous and stomach pain. A little gas also. But despite the side effects, it beats having an STD."

• Jsm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Absolutely never again! I took the 3-day Z-pack (azithromycin) for an upper respiratory infection, and on the 3rd day, it tore up my intestines. It's been 2 weeks, and I have gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and it didn't do anything for my infection! I have Crohn's disease as well, and I was in remission, but now, thanks to this medication, I'm going to have to start on my steroid medication again to get my stomach issues under control. I feel like I've been poisoned, period! I can't give this medication a rating of 0, or I would."

• Bry...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2022

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "I had to take a Z-Pak for 5 days, starting a week and a half ago. The first two days were fine, it started to clear up my infection incredibly fast, but starting on the 3rd day, I began to get stomach pain. Now, it’s been almost a week since my last dose, and I’ve been in bed writhing in pain every day, the cramps and gas pains are out of this world. It also gave me extreme heart palpitations, and I passed out a few nights ago! I’ve taken Z-Paks in the past with no issues, not sure what’s happening this time. I’m typing this from the bathroom as I sit trying so hard to go, but nothing comes, just severe pain."

• Bub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "This is my first time having chlamydia and my last time. Went to the clinic, took the medicine around 3:50 PM. Last ate at 1 PM, and I started work at 5 PM. I was fine until I drank soda at work, and it's been hell since then. I'm gassy, having streaks of stomach pains, diarrhea, and trying to not regurgitate. Unprotected sex is not worth it. No one is worth it."

• Fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2015

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I have been on Zithromax twice for an upper respiratory tract infection, and both times I was as sick as a dog. Constant runs (comes on fast), nausea, bloating, flatulence, aches, chills; basically feeling like I had a bad flu without the fever. I felt better just having the chest infection. :-P Use this drug only if milder medications do not work!"

• The...
• February 24, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "So I was prescribed four of these little delights as a precautionary measure and figured, hey, better safe than sorry, right? I frequently get throat infections and take antibiotics for them, so I figured my body should be pretty well accustomed and that I would be completely fine. I had a light snack and took the pills before bed. An hour or two passed with no symptoms, and I was relieved as I was pretty worried about feeling nauseous after my pharmacist had warned me I most likely would. I feel fairly gassy as I'm going to sleep, but figure that's pretty normal and harmless... fast forward a few hours, and I wake up feeling wet because I pooped the bed. Here I am, humiliated, frequently visiting the bathroom, wearing a makeshift diaper of pads."

• wis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2021

For Chlamydia Infection "I have severe anxiety from my emetophobia (fear of vomiting) and was super scared reading the reviews because I was scared to throw up :/ so I went crazy on the preventative care. I had ondansetron on standby and was popping Pepto like it was candy. I also took the medicine after eating a PB&J. I took all 4 pills and was shaking like crazy for a couple of hours after due to pure fear, but I was fine! I took it on the 31st of December, and I've just felt like gassy? But I wasn't farting or anything. I had one soft poop, and my sound has made noise, but for the most part, I just felt kinda heavy like I had a lot of gas in me, but I'm fine! I survived, lol. I'm praying it cured me. If it didn't (knock on wood, I really am not trying to jinx myself here), at least I know what to expect the next time!"

• MJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Do NOT let all the reviews scare you off azithromycin like they did me. I knew I’d write a review of it either way, as I've never taken the medication before. I took the 4-pill at a time dosage, at around lunchtime. I had a bit of bloating before I took the medication, so I was worried about how that would affect it. I had no diarrhea, slight nausea, no vomiting, just extremely gassy. Like, insanely so. So I would just stay home and let yourself be gassy for the day. I ate a small meal and took the dosage about an hour later."

• See...
• December 9, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Just today I found out I got it, and my doctor has prescribed the 4 pills to take at once. I got home around 9:30 and took the 4 pills, then I had a small salad. Immediately, I started to feel like I have to throw up. Then my stomach starts to hurt horribly, hearing my stomach make all these weird noises and sounds. Then I started getting a ridiculous amount of gas out of nowhere. These side effects are the worst, I swear."

• Anonymous
• May 24, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "Two hours after taking these, I started to feel like garbage. My stomach felt extremely gassy, which caused me to be in the toilet for a good 30 mins with diarrhea. It was like a faucet was turned on and my bowels let loose. Afterwards, I started to feel a lot better. I mean, I can't complain about the symptoms because at least chlamydia is curable. Rather go through this and be cured."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "I took azithromycin for a UTI. Never again. I took it with food. Two hours later, I had the worst stomach cramps, gas, and diarrhea, feeling hot and shaking, and experiencing really bad anxiety along with it. I'm never taking this antibiotic again."

• Sam...
• December 6, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Seriously, don't be afraid of what everyone is saying on here. Eat a full meal, take the medicine, and then drink a large glass of water after. About 2 hours later, you will have to poo maybe a few times, but that is it. I took 2 500 mg pills around 9 PM, at 11 PM, I had the runs twice, and now I am absolutely fine with minor gas the next day. As for the infection, I had no symptoms, so I don't know if it is gone as it has not been the full 7 days yet, but I will be retested in a few weeks."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "I took 1000 mg azithromycin after a bowl of cereal and Crystal Light. My stomach was pretty bubbly afterwards and gave me some gas and some nausea, which passed after I burped, haha. I managed to go to bed, and I've felt fine since. It's been 4 days now, and I feel normal. I had no symptoms of chlamydia, so I cannot tell you how fast it treated me. I will be retested in a few weeks."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2018

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "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. It's also cleared my symptoms up a lot so far :)"

• Bia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "I’m really annoyed as these reviews had me scared for days to take azithromycin medicine. I was tested positive for Chlamydia, and my nurse practitioner prescribed me 4 pills, 250 mg (1 dose). I ate a meal, but not too much. Just enough to coat my stomach. I waited 30 minutes to an hour and then took the pills. About 30 minutes later, I started feeling slight burns in my stomach and was letting off gas. I also felt a bit drained or tired. An hour later, I had to poop twice, and stools were loose/watery. After that stage passed, I was feeling better and became super hungry around bedtime. I took the meds at 8:15 p.m., and it is now 12:50 a.m. I have not thrown up, felt nauseous, nor had severe pain yet. Just hungry and a little stomach noise or gas moving around-that’s it. If you eat well but not too much and wait about 30 minutes before taking it, you should be fine."

• POO...
• June 14, 2018

For Chlamydia Infection "So let me make everyone feel better. I'm 9 weeks pregnant, almost 10 weeks, and you can imagine my feeling from getting an STI from the father of my child. Well, I read this and was extremely scared. The reason I think everyone is throwing up is because of the food you're eating before you take this. Anything spicy or greasy is going to hurt your digestive system, honest. Eat a full meal but bland. I ate 2 bowls of macaroni and cheese made with water, cheese, and butter. I drank one bottle of water, let it digest for 20 minutes. I took the medicine, afterwards ate crackers and had ginger ale. My best advice: just go to sleep after taking this. Take this at home, before bed where you have nothing to do. At about 3:45 a.m. (I took it at 11:20 p.m. because I had work that night) I got some stomach pains that just felt like intense gas pains and moved around a bit. I probably went to the bathroom from 4 to 6 but only a total of 2 times, and since I ate so bland, it really wasn't that bad."

• MNm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "11 weeks pregnant and took this for a sinus infection. 500 mg for 3 days. Stomach pain that starts about an hour after taking and lasts for several hours. I have a rock-solid stomach, so no diarrhea, but terrible gas! Not fun stuff, but when you're allergic to the --cillin family, there's not much choice!"

• Cra...
• March 29, 2021

For Chlamydia Infection "It’s gonna be okay! I took the 2 tablets of 500 mg each after I ate a frozen pizza and downed a ton of water, I should have eaten toast. BUT! My stomach pain and nausea only lasted a couple of hours! For the first 30-45 minutes, I felt fine and started to crimp my hair as I do when I’m bored. Halfway through, I felt like I was going to hurl. I sat on the toilet with a towel in my lap for about 15 minutes, just breathing, trying not to throw up, but I was tempted. My doctor told me I’d have to retake the meds if I threw up within an 8-12 hour period, so I decided, "That is so not going to happen, I’m gonna pull through this." I curled up in my bed in a fetal position, this is about 1 hour and 15 minutes into taking the meds. For about 15 minutes, I laid there, and my tummy was growling, and I felt gas bubbles, and I actually farted a lot. But by the 2-hour mark, I was back to feeling absolutely normal. Crossing my fingers it works, but just drink water and remember to breathe."

• Mmw...
• June 12, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "Started this medication yesterday, and on other antibiotics, I usually start feeling better by now. If anything, I feel worse, and I have every side effect. I mean the runs, the cramping, the gas, the bloating, the head pounding, the dizziness. I don't know if I can choke the third pill down tomorrow. I am just miserable. Oh, and I'm taking it for a middle ear infection, and the pain is still so great, it just adds to the other side effects, and it's rendering me useless for things I need to do, like go to work or function in general. My advice: see if a different kind of anti can be given to you."

• Std...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "I tested positive for chlamydia and was prescribed two 500 mg azithromycin to treat it. I read some of these reviews and was scared about taking it because I react badly to most antibiotics I have taken in my life. I would definitely recommend taking it early in the day on a day you don't have much to do. I was extremely nauseous and puked 2 times in the first two hours after taking it, but it passed after I took a nap. About 5-6 hours later, I had 2 loose stools. After that, I was fine, I had some gas pains the next 2 days, and I was really tired, but other than that, I had no bad symptoms. I also took a probiotic at the same time, so that may be why. Hopefully, my boyfriend and I will both test negative come next test (:"

• Gig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 24, 2020

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was on a Z pack. I'm allergic to penicillin, so this is my go-to for this type of sinus stuff. A word to the wise: YOGURT, KEFIR, PROBIOTICS. This will help you avoid all the terrible stomach cramps/diarrhea and potentially C. Diff or yeast infection. If you get yeast infections frequently with antibiotics, ask your doc to throw in a prescription for Diflucan. This antibiotic kills bad AND good bacteria, explaining why it messes with your natural gut flora. I had some gas, fatigue, and dizziness on these meds. Feeling better overall, though!"

• trm...
• October 3, 2021

Azithromycin for Bronchitis "I was prescribed Zithromax 250 mg tablets for bronchitis. I’ve taken it for many years as I regularly seem to get sick every fall. Never had reactions either. The generic version I was given was from Lupin Mfg. Co. After my first day dosage, I had indigestion about 2 hours later. The next day, after taking the pill, I developed burning eyes and nose! Also, sores inside my mouth. Diarrhea and lots of gas also. I took myself off the pills and will call my doctor."