Z-Pak and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• ake...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "These bad reviews terrified me. I took this for strep throat, and within the second day, I was feeling better. I have one more day left and will be done with it. I’ve had no bad issues. The first day with the two pills made my stomach hurt a little and I got mild diarrhea, but after that, I had no more issues. Make sure to eat a full meal when taking it. And stop overthinking! Anxiety causes stomach pain and bathroom issues as well. If you’re freaking out due to the reviews, I would not be shocked if you end up in the bathroom. Please don’t let the reviews deter you. Everyone’s body is different."

• Cov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2020

For Pneumonia "Went to the hospital because of fever over a week and pain above my navel. They x-rayed my chest and told me I have double pneumonia and most likely COVID-19. I have finished the entire Z-pack (azithromycin) now and feel worse every day. Doctors ignore my complaints. Diarrhea, fever, dizziness, chills, and the worst pain in my chest I have ever had even when not breathing deeply. However, they still won’t test me for the virus. I don’t have any more meds and my doctor said not to come in for a follow-up because I could get others sick. I am in mandatory quarantine with my family. I hope I don't die."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2023

"I was prescribed a Z-Pak before a trip out of the country for potential strep throat. A family member had strep, and I was feeling off prior to the trip, so I called a teledoctor, and they prescribed the Z-Pak. I took the first dose. Within 45 minutes, I had diarrhea, and my heart rate shot over 120 bpm. I attributed these symptoms to anxiety prior to the trip. Went to bed and woke up around 2:30 am sweating, my heart racing, and my body shaking/jerking. Needless to say, the trip was canceled. Anxiety, headaches, and diarrhea lasted days after, along with sleeping hours upon end. Literally felt like I was hit by a truck. I will not be taking a Z-Pak again."

• hhl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Z-Pak works well for clearing up strep throat, however, it caused *severe* appetite loss. Loose stools 1x a day. I lost 7 lbs in 3 days on this. Obviously, weight can be gained back, and the strep is gone - but ask your doctor for a script of Zofran with this! & Diflucan. Increased my anxiety a ton at night as well. Could not sleep. Pros - works. Cons - you will never want to eat, also a lot of anxiety at night from this."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I love the Z-Pak! I am allergic to most every antibiotic out there, and so this is my go-to. I have three infections right now: double ear, sinus, and lung. I felt terrible two days ago, and now I am awesome. I am having the poops, and when I take it on an empty stomach, it hurts, but a bit of food and I am fine as wine. I have two days left of a five-day course, and I feel awesome. I love this antibiotic. Plus for me, as soon as I am done with it, I poop normally again."

• Ava...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "I was experiencing a tension headache off and on for close to two weeks. I suspected I had a sinus infection and went to the ER because I couldn’t get in to see my PCP for weeks. I took the Z-Pak as prescribed (my last dose was last Thursday). I still feel like I have a sinus headache in addition to dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, and anxiety. I felt worse after taking it, I ended up back in the ER and was told they didn’t find a sinus infection at all, and I need to follow up with a neurologist because they couldn’t find anything on the CT that could cause the headaches either! I had a horrible reaction to a medication last year (Lexapro), which increased my anxiety symptoms. I have been in therapy and doing well with no panic attacks in months. I feel like I possibly set myself back taking the Z-Pak. It was my first and last time taking it, I never experienced these side effects taking Amoxicillin. I had to take time off from work to recoup, I want this out of my system as quickly as possible!!"

• Nev...
• July 20, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "Took first dose of two tablets for bronchitis and lost all ability to taste food in a few hours, also had to leave work as I felt very tired. No change to bronchitis symptoms. Day two, continues to have no ability to taste food and headache (5/10) began after the second dose. Bronchitis symptoms mildly improving. Following the third dose, severe headache and earache, took tramadol, which made it manageable. Not taking the fourth dose, currently experiencing horrific stomach cramps and diarrhea. Still can't taste anything and have a significant headache. Felt much better with bronchitis symptoms, feel like death. Never again."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "I started taking this medication for my bronchitis, and I feel better already. I have bronchitis, and it has seemed to help. I have noticed that I have diarrhea and some stomach pains. I'm pretty restless at night. Overall, I think it's alright."

• Ani...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2024

"This medicine makes you extremely tired! As I’m not a very tired person and typically go to bed around 12-1 a.m. after working on my business. But I get so tired and start nodding off and sleep talking a whole bunch of gibberish, waking myself up laughing, you would think I had been drinking. It’s the wildest thing. I don’t drink, smoke, or ever do drugs, but this medicine makes me so tired. I doze off around 9-10 (so early for me) and start sleep talking gibberish and laughing. The first day, I did have cramping and diarrhea, but I have been good on that aspect the 2nd and 3rd day, probably because I had to take two initially. And I never take medicine aside from ibuprofen. Aside from the 1st day and sleepiness, it’s been good."

• l3x...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2025

For Bacterial Infection "Prescribed a 125 mg pack for a severe sinus infection (and possible pneumonia) and felt 95% better by the end of the second day. Had a tiny bit of stomach cramps and loose stool on the first day, but that’s to be expected with any antibiotic. I swear this stuff is magical."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2019

"I took the Z-Pak, 2 at first, then 1 a day for four days. Very little side effects, but once I stopped, I had severe diarrhea, then got a dry cough. Then just 2 days off this medication, like I said above, severe cough. I coughed so much that my sputum looked like old blood, it scared me. But I do have post-nasal drip constantly even now, so it could be from that. Hope this helps."