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Azithromycin and Nausea: What Users Say

Brand names: Zithromax, Azithromycin Dose Pack, Z-Pak

Nausea: mentioned by 309 users (23.7%)

Based on user experiences from 1,306 Azithromycin reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

diarrhea 30.7%
nausea 23.7%
upset stomach 15.1%
stomach pain 13.2%
headaches 7.4%
vomiting 7.2%
cramps 6.4%
dizziness 5.5%
gas 3.6%
anxiety 2.8%

Reviews for Azithromycin

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • JDo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 7, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "Took this in the powder form, only a one-time dosage, to fight Chlamydia. I am really glad I had taken the powder form, because it was super easy to take and to digest. My stomach did make some funky noises within the first couple of hours, as well as feeling sick, but I never had to vomit, and I never got any headaches. I did feel weird and smellier than usual during the first 2-3 days, but by day 5, I felt like myself again! I also had BV alongside the STI, and I noticed this cleared up my BV as well. The odors I had were completely gone, no more runny discharge, I felt energized again, no more abnormalities by day 6. This was a great antibiotic, and I am so glad it exists because it was quick and effective. I have definitely learned my lesson, practice safe sex & good hygiene! :)"

10 / 10
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73 Report
  • Chu...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 30, 2012

Azithromycin for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I am on day 2 of the 5-day dose pack. Relief from upper respiratory symptoms has been rapid and effective. 48 hours ago, I was having severe coughing fits, sneezing, painful sinus pressure, lethargy, blocked nasal passages, unable to lie down without inducing severe bouts of coughing. 36 hours ago, I took the loading dose, and 12 hours ago, the day 2 dose. My cough is all but gone, I am able to breathe normally, my voice is back nearly to normal, the sinus pressure is gone, and I have stopped taking the decongestant I was using. This afternoon, I went out shopping. I have noticed no side effects, other than mild nausea after the day 1 dose, which may or may not have been from the medicine. This is my second highly positive experience with this medicine."

10 / 10
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134 Report
  • Ste...
  • August 6, 2014

Azithromycin for Sinusitis "Took away my ear infection but gave me nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heart palpitations, anxiety, shortness of breath, diarrhea, dizziness, etc. So not worth it. I was less sick before starting this medicine."

1 / 10
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90 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • But...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 28, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "I was absolutely terrified to take this medicine after reading the reviews, and to anyone that is afraid, TAKE THESE REVIEWS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT. I was prescribed two 500 mg Azithromycin, and I took them after a big breakfast. Called out of work and took them around 12ish. I ate pancakes, eggs, and bacon, and yogurt. I’ve also been eating yogurt for the past few days. Probiotics apparently help when taking antibiotics. Now it’s 3 hours later. No symptoms. No headache, no nausea, NOTHING. I’m just peeing a lot because I drank lots of water. Do not be afraid, it affects everyone differently. ❤️"

10 / 10
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35 Report
  • 321...
  • August 13, 2013

Azithromycin for Bronchitis "I had been having a mild sporadic cough for a week and a half before I started having the 'under the weather' cold feeling. It started in my chest and was accompanied by body aches, a sore throat, and a headache from a dry cough. After two days of dry cough and developing laryngitis from coughing so much, it moved up into my nasal area, where I started finally experiencing mucus. By the third day, I was feeling like crap and had no real appetite. So, I went to the local clinic. I was diagnosed with a cold, bronchitis, and laryngitis. I was prescribed a 5-day antibiotic treatment of 250 mg. The first day, I had nausea, diarrhea, and a racing heartbeat for a couple of hours. I started feeling better after 2 days, kept taking the antibiotic, the side effects went away, and so did the cold. Fast."

8 / 10
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  • Lul...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 1, 2021

For Chlamydia Infection "To be honest, I was terrified to take azithromycin again as it made me nauseous and on the verge of vomiting last time. But this time I was prescribed the four 250mg pills (1000mg) at once. I ate two grilled cheese sandwiches about an hour before I took them and just kind of waited to see how it’d affect me this time. And after an hour, I felt completely fine. Nothing. Nada. Zip. About two hours later, I was just really hungry, and then I went to bed. It affects everyone differently, and I’m glad this time there were no problems. It truly is a nightmare when you feel it is making you feel so sick. Just relax, eat some crackers, bread, and sip on some water. You’ll finally tackle this once and for all. And always remember safe sex from now on ❤️"

10 / 10
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30 Report
  • Nan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 5, 2021

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "Severe anxiety and nervousness, horrible diarrhea, awful stomach ache, intense nausea, freaky nightmare, horrific headache. I only took 2 pills, they were 250 mg apiece. Don't recommend whatsoever. Now I'm feeling like death, wondering when the effects will wear off."

1 / 10
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25 Report

More FAQ

  • Jee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 16, 2016

For Pneumonia "I had to write this review because everyone else's reviews freaked me out so much before taking this antibiotic. I have a very sensitive stomach, and if there is a side effect to a medication, I usually get it. I took this with food, and I had no problems at all. No nausea, no stomach pains, no diarrhea, no hives, nothing. The only reason I didn't give this antibiotic ten stars is that I was hoping to feel better at this point. I just took my last dose, and I definitely feel better, but I still have a ways to go. All in all, I would recommend this antibiotic and do not be so afraid of the other reviews. Take with food, and you will be fine."

8 / 10
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45 Report
  • All...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 21, 2015

For Sinusitis "My symptoms of sinusitis grew rapidly over 24 hours before taking this antibiotic. I started out with allergy symptoms, only on my left side. Eight hours into it, I had a pounding headache, and my face and nose hurt really bad. I suffer from anxiety and had a bad experience last year while taking over-the-counter cold/allergy meds, so this year I was definitely not going to medicate myself up and decided to go to the doctor. My doctor's visit was on the second day of being sick, and I was full-blown with what I thought had turned into the flu. Coughing was mild and mostly because I was dizzy, so I felt nauseous and would cough. Chills, sweats, shakes, worst headache ever, nose and face hurt so bad. Took 2 pills, felt better in 5 hours."

9 / 10
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46 Report
  • Kay...
  • March 3, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "Yep. Got the positive and took the prescription as soon as I could after getting it from the pharmacy. I ate a little before, but ate my lunch after taking it. Exactly 2 hours later, everything hit me like a wall. Stomach cramps, dizziness, nausea, and the dreadful stomach bubbles. Currently in bed waiting for it all to subside. Hopefully, this will work."

9 / 10
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26 Report
  • Ek9...
  • January 10, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "Took 2 500 mg tablets a few hours ago. Chronic stomach and lower back pain. Very nauseous, trying my very hardest not to throw up. Make sure you eat before this medication. It is very strong and temporarily weakens you. Fingers crossed it works."

9 / 10
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46 Report
  • Gre...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 14, 2020

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "I had to share my experience after seeing all of the negative reviews. I had to take Z-Pak for an abscessed tooth before a root canal procedure. I was freaked because of all the reviews I read, which were negative. I am sensitive to meds (which is why I read reviews for Z-Pak). I had 0 side effects, no nausea, nothing. Just maybe feeling hungry, but not really. If that makes sense. Took the full dose. 2 on the first day, then 4 the next 4 days. I would take it again, if needed. I am allergic to the cillins and had more side effects from when I would be prescribed erythromycin. Everyone is different with meds, but this did not give me a horrible experience."

10 / 10
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21 Report
  • Sky...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 17, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "Worst experience ever. Do not take it before bed if you want to sleep. Took 2x500 mg azithromycin pills at 9 PM. At 11 PM had worst cramps, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, and diarrhea 3 times. Managed to fall asleep at 1 AM. Suffering was horrible. Please use condoms and don't trust any guy that says he was tested. What everyone says is true and worse."

6 / 10
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27 Report
  • Use...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 30, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "I found out I had chlamydia after I was sexually assaulted. The first thing I did was read these reviews. I SHOULD NOT HAVE DONE THAT!!! I have a phobia of being ill, even the slightest headache or tummy ache and I'm having panic attacks! Anyway, I was prescribed four 250 mg tablets and was told to take them all at once, so I ate some toast and had a cup of tea just to line my stomach at around 10 a.m. Felt sick just taking them due to the reviews. Took all four tablets around 10:30 a.m. and waited for the inevitable, but nevertheless, two days later, I had NO SYMPTOMS. Very, very slight nausea about half an hour after taking them, but wouldn't even call it nausea, just the feeling as if you've eaten a bit too much! Nausea from anxiety is way worse than what I experienced with these tablets. Don't scare yourself with the reviews, some of the people on here just had very unfortunate reactions! But it's not the same for everybody."

10 / 10
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24 Report
  • Rac...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 7, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "First time ever having an STI, short story short, thought me and the guy were exclusive. Ahh, how wrong was I! Anyways, I went to my GP today after he told me he tested positive. Took Azithromycin, two tablets at once at about 5 o'clock, and an hour later my stomach made me feel like I'm gonna hurl, but I'm trying my best to not throw up because I am not going through this again. 7/10 for me. At the end of the day, it gets rid of this horrible bacteria living in my vaj. Just take it while you're at home because I feel like the devil is trying to dance in my stomach. Good luck, guys! I'm gonna go lie down and abstain from sex till I'm 30."

8 / 10
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33 Report
  • Jmn...
  • January 20, 2017

Azithromycin for Sinusitis "I was prescribed a five-day round with the Z-Pak after developing a severe flu-like upper respiratory infection with stuffed and painful sinuses plus aches, sore throat, diarrhea, muscle pain, nausea, and more. I had a Rituxan infusion, and all of this started the next day (common side effects or adverse events). I have rheumatoid arthritis, and my immune system is screwed to begin with, and the Rituxan infusions temporarily make it worse. So I picked up a bug; bam! Long story, short ending. The Z-Pak began working almost immediately, and two hours after my second pill of 250 mg (first was 500), I don't feel sick. My sinuses are still a bit clogged, but that's livable. I'm impressed."

10 / 10
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31 Report
  • alw...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 1, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "I recently got out of a relationship. It was a hard and painful breakup to endure. I started using sex as a coping mechanism, and it wasn’t long before I caught chlamydia. I compared my symptoms to a UTI. Please always use protection. I'm glad it was only chlamydia. It could’ve been worse. I took two azithromycin pills at the same time after dinner one night. I felt incredibly nauseous, sick, and irritable an hour or two later, but that just means it’s working on the infection. But, I’ll still have the symptoms until it’s been a full 7 days, then it should clear up. But, make sure you drink lots of water to get that infection out of your system!"

10 / 10
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19 Report
  • Pai...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 17, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "Well, this has definitely changed my mind about the use of condoms. :| First time I’ve been diagnosed with chlamydia and was given two 500 mg tablets. I took them about an hour ago (had eaten lunch 30 mins prior), and I have the most unbearable stomach pains, chills/fever, and my face is going bright red/heating up. Feeling extremely tired and extremely nauseous, but stomach feels worse every time I lay down, so the only thing I’m able to do is sit there while taking deep breaths and not moving. :("

2 / 10
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19 Report
  • net...
  • January 9, 2016

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "My first 2 uses of this drug, I had no side effects. 3rd time, I had moderate nausea. Pharmacist said to eat yogurt. Each time, within 2 days, tingling in sinuses as I felt them open up, and cured by the end of pills. Also, symptoms of Lyme disease in hips were cured, puzzled my doc. Just began new round! Advice to help nausea: Keep stomach full. Graze all day, like a cow! Oatmeal with banana, whole wheat toast with avocado, peanut butter sandwich. Something every 2 hours. Big dinner with lots of vegetables. And I eat 2 containers of tasty yogurt 2 or 3 times a day. I had light nausea the 1st day that lasted maybe 1 hour."

8 / 10
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26 Report
  • App...
  • September 24, 2014

For Chlamydia Infection "I was diagnosed after my ex called me and said he was infected (lesson learned: condoms are necessary). I took 2 pills at 1000 mg after I ate lunch (make sure to eat before you take them) and had diarrhea for a little while. Make sure you take them and don't have plans for the day, I ended up feeling nauseous, taking a nap definitely helped. But I feel the medicine definitely did its job and now I just have to wait and see if I'm all cleared up."

8 / 10
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28 Report
  • Sta...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 9, 2019

Azithromycin for Chlamydia Infection "The nurse gave me two Zithromax pills to take for chlamydia. An hour later, my stomach was killing me, and I had diarrhea! I can’t even finish my meals, halfway through my meals, I feel nauseous. I am also very bloated, and I get headaches, dizziness, discharge, and itchiness! Use a condom! You don’t want to go through this."

10 / 10
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17 Report
  • Jua...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 10, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "I never in a million years thought I'd be on a posting for an STD, but honestly, you probably didn't either. There's nothing to be ashamed of, people suck, but once you know better, you do better. Anyways.. I was prescribed two 500 mg azithromycin pills to take 20-30 minutes after a meal. I had a pretty dense meal of meat and potatoes and took my medication an hour after I ate. I felt nauseous 10 minutes later but didn't throw up. It also made me drowsy, but I didn't have any cramps, diarrhea, or other side effects others have. It's been two months since I took these meds, and I'm happy to say I am 100% STD free! Please don't let the negative reviews scare you away. If you want to be cured, this is necessary. Good luck!"

9 / 10
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20 Report
  • don...
  • January 10, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "This antibiotic is making me pay the price for not using condoms. I took it about 2 hours ago, and I’m having really bad nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. I’m eating small bits of crackers, and the nausea is slowly fading, but so far it’s not fun."

7 / 10
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15 Report
  • Alw...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 30, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "This is my second time having the infection, so as soon as it came, I knew what it was. Unfortunately, I have a $75 gynecologist co-pay, plus whatever extra bill that they end up sending afterwards. I bought my azithromycin online--no rx-- for $16 for 6 500 mg pills. I ate first, then I took 2 500 mg pills at once before bed. The nausea came within 30 min, and I spent about 3 hours fighting my body from throwing up. I experienced hot flashes too (I didn't have that last time). I fell asleep, and in the morning, the nausea was gone. Discharge and odor are gone."

9 / 10
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21 Report
  • bro...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 27, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "Just took the two pills today. I got the infection from a cheating ex. But 10 mins after taking the pills, I was blindsided by the side effects. Stomach pain was the worst I've ever felt, hot flashes, the feeling of having to throw up, and nausea. I was able to get to sleep, but as soon as I got up, I had a stool of watery diarrhea. The medication seems to have helped. No burning during urination now. Hopefully, everything is good and cleared."

9 / 10
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24 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.