Clarithromycin for Middle Ear Infections User Reviews

• Tas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2020

"So I got put on clarithromycin for a week, twice a day, 500 mg tablets for an ear infection. First tablet, I was fine, then the 2nd, I was so ill! Being sick, feeling weak, just awful. The Dr. refused to change them and give me anti-sickness tabs to help. I’m on my last 2 tablets, and I can’t believe I made it this far, as right now they have made me so weak I feel like I can’t do anything. Drinking with a glass of milk does help. Anyone being put on these, it’s a hard slog getting through it. I’m at the Dr.'s in a few days, if my ear infection hasn’t cleared up, I will be refusing these as I’ll NEVER take them again. I've actually cried, and I feel that rubbish on them."

• Bil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2020

"I might as well have been prescribed POISON!☠️ than clarithromycin. On day two, my earache got worse, and by day three, I couldn’t sleep a wink. Moreover, I experienced stomach cramps, anxiety, panic attacks, groin pain, nausea, a metallic zinc taste in the mouth, nightmares, and finally, suicidal ideation. My doctor then prescribed me flucloxacillin, and only after one day, it kicked in and my earache started to ease off. After reading the other reviews on clarithromycin, I realize I am not alone in my experience. I think this ‘medication’ should have its license withdrawn and be banned in the UK."

• Mad...
• August 23, 2014

"I'm in the third day of taking Clarithromycin 500 mg (1 pill 2x/day) for a double ear infection. I've been experiencing on and off pain, fluid drainage, poor hearing, and just plain annoying sensations in my ears. I had a lymph node the size of a golf ball in my neck and neck pain. Now, the lymph node has shrunk, no more fluid or pain or annoying feelings. I can't sleep at night, though. No stomach problems or pain, but instead, I'm starving. It seems to have sped up my metabolism, and though I'm eating more than I ever have before, I'm actually losing weight for the first time in years. I'm a normal, healthy woman, 5 ft 5 in and 130 lbs. Did someone switch my medicines with a miracle pill?"

• Har...
• March 24, 2016

Clarithromycin "I was put on Biaxin because of an inner ear infection. I'm on my fourth day of taking this medication. Sure, there were some side effects, but it worked. I couldn't hear out of my left ear for almost 3 weeks, and on day four of taking this med, I'm seeing results. The results outweigh the side effects, that's for sure. I didn't think anything would work, so I'm very pleased that Biaxin did!"

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2019

"Doctor put me on this for an ear infection after swabs came back with a bacterial infection. I’m fine with amoxicillin, so he must’ve thought this drug would treat it better, who knows. Anyway, it worked great. My only gripes were the disgusting metallic taste, which kept me up at night, and it’s left me with thrush (I’m presuming...as 2 weeks after finishing the course). I wanted to leave a review as there are so many scary ones on here, it frightened me reading them, but I’m glad I continued treatment. My side effects were bearable, as probably most people. Don’t forget we are all quick to complain and not as quick off the mark with positivity."

• Dun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2013

"Started taking for a sinus infection. By day three, the searing ear pain was gone totally, my facial swelling was gone, and my acne really improved! There is a really funny taste in my mouth, but I notice it got better when I drink a lot of water. Great experience overall."

• Oti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2019

"I am a bit surprised by the comments that I have read here. I have had numerous ear infections as an adult, and a course of clarithromycin has been the only antibiotic that has been able to fully clear the infection. My ENT specialist was even entertaining the thought of permanent stents, which would have decreased my hearing by 10%. Yes, I was completely nauseated and flat on my back for 10 days, but the infection, thankfully, did clear. “Foul taste”? “Could not smoke”? Wait until you find yourself in a situation where nothing works."

• Cla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2023

"I am currently battling a middle ear infection and was given clarithromycin as I am allergic to penicillin. It has worked quickly and after two days (four x 500mg tablets) I have noticed an improvement already from the searing and excruciating ear pain. I am really surprised at how many people have had side effects as it is not the first time I have taken this antibiotic and for me the only side effect is the bad taste, which I can definitely put up with as it is so effective in doing its job."

• VFR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2016

"Have been taking for 2 and a half days now for treatment of severe ear infection. Seems to be helping the infection now, however, side effects are unlike any antibiotics I've had before. First tablet caused almost instantaneous diarrhea and nausea. Every time I take a tablet, my stomach gurgles, however (thankfully) no more toilet issues. The worst effect is the taste. I was paranoid I had terrible breath, asked a friend, and she said she couldn't smell anything, so after reading other comments, I've deduced it's just me dealing with it! But overall, I feel...weird. I'll be glad when I have completed the course!"

• Sof...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2020

"Clarithromycin is honestly the worst drug I have ever taken. Anxiety, restlessness, the worst taste in my mouth, and unquenchable thirst. I am only on my third tablet, I have 10 to take in total (2 x 500 mg per day). I dread having to take it. Last night was the first night, and I must have slept for a max of 2 hours. I kept waking up with this horrible taste and feeling as if I was going to vomit. Taking this feels like I’ve been poisoned and so far has done nothing to alleviate my ear infection or the pain it’s causing me. Never taking this stuff again."

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2019

"Suddenly had severe otitis media after a course of amoxicillin for sinusitis, which didn’t work. After one tab of clarithromycin 500 mg, my hearing improved, and pain improved after a second tab, but so far, very good response. It’s important to drink plenty of water, which minimizes side effects. I do have a bit of a strange taste."

• Gos...
• April 3, 2014

"I have had an outer ear infection that was well advanced by the time I started taking clarithromycin. The pain I experienced up until I started taking the antibiotics was searing. My doctor gave me a course of clarithromycin 250 mg to be taken for one week, two tablets twice a day (4 tablets a day). I took the first two tabs together in the morning of the first day and then separated the next two. By the next morning, the pain had reduced enough to the point that I didn't need to take pain relief medication. By lunchtime, I felt considerably better, and now as I text my review, I would have to say that the pain has gone from extreme when I first started taking the medication to a mild sensation in my ear on day two. It has worked well and quickly."

• Amo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2021

"I can’t believe how quickly this has worked, I have suffered from ear and sinus infections for years now. It’s early days, but I am sure nothing has worked as fast. Swelling down, temp down, and I don’t feel like I’m dying!"

• Kac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2017

"Clarithromycin is extremely effective, but unfortunately, it tastes horrid and leaves a disgusting taste in your mouth. To get rid of the taste, I recommend eating a banana and gargling some water. Though it is effective, there are many side effects, e.g., diarrhea, nausea, sickness, and others. I am still taking clarithromycin. I suffered from multiple symptoms, motion sickness, diarrhea, and nausea are the ones I suffer from, but it could be different for someone else. If you do take clarithromycin for otitis, the symptoms are added to the side effects. I still had a full feeling in my ear, problems with balance, earache, and a headache, so be wary of that. I recommend resting and not moving your head fast/too much."

• Spu...
• May 2, 2020

"Promised myself I'd write a review of this medication if I survived the week on it! Was terrified to take it, having read the negative reviews and expected horrendous side effects. The brand name was Clonocid. It was the second antibiotic prescribed for an ear infection. It didn't solve the issue. The side effects for me weren't as bad as others reported. They do put an unpleasant taste in your mouth. I always took a glass of milk or yogurt after taking mine, which helped. They are big tablets, and I couldn't wait to be off them, but side effects were manageable. Did have a little insomnia and occasional headaches, so I wouldn't be keen to take them again. Having said that, if they've been prescribed, I wouldn't let the reviews here frighten you too much. A pharmacist advised me that the bad side effects are rare and sometimes be a result of interaction with existing medications. Discussing my fears with them helped put my mind at ease, so if you're still concerned, maybe chat to yours."

• dma...
• February 5, 2010

Clarithromycin "I was put on Biaxin 3 days ago for a sinus infection, bronchitis, ear infection, and upper respiratory tract infection, and have the most horrible taste in my mouth. The 1st night, I got up several times just to brush my teeth to get rid of the taste. I called the doctor today, and he is calling in something else."

• Xta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2023

"I found the frankly bizarre list of side effects made this intolerable. I feel they should be listed here for anyone who is told that antibiotics cannot influence psychological state or induce deep anxiety. I felt initially a build of gastric issues, dryness of mouth, headache - all okay things if a medication works. This progressed to blurred vision, awful confusion, and a concentration-destroying anxiety, making rational thought difficult. I then experienced a series of physical tremor-like symptoms, dizziness, muscle weakness, with the anxiety building to what felt like severe panic attacks, short bursts of arrhythmic-type tachycardia, and complete insomnia, coupled with an intensification of gastric issues and nausea. I hope these symptoms are rare and that most patients do not experience them at such intensity, but it can happen. With a little research, you may find in rarer cases it has induced mania. I am still feeling the symptoms (less so) despite finishing the drug. 2x500 mg, 7 days."

• hor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2019

"I was put on clarithromycin for a horrible middle and outer ear infection... was fully deaf in my right ear for a week and had excruciating pain. I'm allergic to penicillin/amoxicillin, and another drug they tried first made me violently ill, so they tried this one... clarithromycin worked, but I had really bad side effects like a lot of others are mentioning... lightheadedness, awful anxiety, insomnia, racing heart, dizziness. I just felt so weak and could barely do my job at work. And that awful taste in the mouth!! There was just this nasty lingering bitterness for days. 4/10 because it was the best for me personally out of the antibiotics I've tried, but it's still bad. If I need antibiotics again, I'll be sure to avoid this one."

• mis...
• November 20, 2015

"I had the flu, which turned into sinusitis and congested ears. First, they put me on cefuroxime and steroids. My ears got worse. Double ear infection. Finally, after 8 days, I had them switch to clarithromycin, and it always knocks out my sinus issues. Immediately, my fatigue and eyes felt better, but the regurgitation is horrible. Racing heart when I am sleeping is a side effect as well. I definitely have more energy, though thank God. Also, my ears are starting to pop finally. Only 3 days out of 10, so I'm hoping I don't have to go get an antibiotic shot. I have an apt with ENT for a cat scan in 2 wks. Really hoping this clears up."

• kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2022

"I had this antibiotic last week and also 4 months ago. Brand name 'Klacid.' The first time I had it, I had zero side effects. Age 50 and have had a lot of antibiotics before and usually have no side effects, so I didn't really think about it too much this time. It was fine for the first 3 days, except the third night I had a dream we were kidnapped by the mafia, and it was very distressing. On the 4th day, during the day, I had depressive 'what's the point of anything' thoughts and felt jittery with an erratic heartbeat. That night, I was trying to go to sleep, and as soon as I almost nodded off, my throat would close off and wake me in a fright. This went on for hours, and I got no sleep. Of course, now I see online that breathing issues are a side effect. 5th night, the same thing happened. I am currently delirious today. Rang the doctor, and she said to discontinue. Am currently hoping I get some sleep tonight, and it's made me very anxious."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2022

"I have never felt better in my entire life. This drug has helped me with my ear infection, but I also noticed on day 3 of taking it that a skin rash I’d had and ignored for 10 years, my cavity, and my loose stool have all gone away. I had brushed all these things off, but thanks to this drug, I feel so good. Also, never had any side effects, not even the metallic taste. I’m almost sad the 7 days are almost over, haha."

• Tor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2017

"A frequent ear infection victim who is immune to anything in the penicillin family. BIAXIN works amazing, within 2 days of treatment, the pain and balance are drastically improved, and by day 5, symptoms are resolved. The only drawback is the metallic taste, so I tend to keep to soups and lighter fare."

• 123...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2020

"I've been on clarithromycin twice, I knew the first course was brilliant after day one. However, my infection didn't clear up straight away. Afterwards, I was still experiencing a leaking ear and smell. I rang and told my doctor, and she prescribed me the same antibiotics. However, this time around, I am suffering from so many side effects. After 3 days, I have diarrhea and feeling sick, my anxiety attacks have gone through the roof, and I'm feeling tight-chested. On top of all of that, I am asthmatic, hot and cold sweats, and feeling really tired. I thought I was the only one, so it has helped me reading everyone else's reviews."

• Col...
• August 17, 2019

"In one word, clarithromycin is horrendous. I've never been so ill on an antibiotic in my life. Severe cramps in my stomach, hallucinations that were no joke. By the 5th day, I could not stand up from dizziness and weak muscles. My heart rate was ridiculously high, also, I've never been so sure I might die, so never again for me. Good luck to those who sail through with it, you're the few, not the majority. Just consider yourself lucky it wasn't you that had the bad side effects from this stuff like me and many others for whom it is pure poison."

• Cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2016

"I have been on clarithromycin for 2 days. The first day I took the medication, I experienced voracious hunger pains to where I had to eat a snack every 30 mins to an hour. The next morning, the hunger pains returned; thankfully, I had brought a variety of snacks to work, or else I would have been in trouble. Terrible anxiety; I am not sure if it has exacerbated an already existing anxiety disorder or if I am nervous about being on the medicine. I am awake now in the middle of the night because of an irresistible cough. I am wondering if this is allergies or a side effect of the medicine. This is a horrible antibiotic, and I am just praying I don't get the metallic taste in my mouth or the nightmares."