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Clarithromycin for Pneumonia User Reviews (Page 2)

Brand names: Biaxin XL

Clarithromycin has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 54 reviews for the treatment of Pneumonia. 56% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 15% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Clarithromycin

  • Anonymous
  • November 26, 2008

Biaxin (clarithromycin) "Hard for treating my 20mos old daughter as the granules are gritty and the whole suspension isn't very exciting to taste. It works, but make sure your baby does not spit up medicine or get something else if they do."

5 / 10
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12 Report
  • Adamk
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 15, 2013

"I went to the doctor having hard breathing, weakness, aching, headaches, and a nasty cough. I had it 3 days before going in. I was prescribed Clarithromycin "Biaxin XL" 500mg x2 per day. Taking it with my morning meals I started feeling better after 2 days. The cough and 100 deg temp stayed until day 4 I woke up soaked in sweat. Here I am 8 days later, I feel better but the cough still remains and I'm hacking up clear thick liquid. I have enough pills for 4 more days so I will write a re-review once it has taken its course. It most defiantly helped. I did not taste any metallic taste nor did I get diarrhea. I do get a loopy sensation about an hour after taking it witch lasts for approximately 10 hours. They also prescribed me a cough syrup and codeine."

9 / 10
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9 Report
  • Millie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 4, 2019

"I'm on my 5th day of clarithromycin for pneumonia and I can't wait to finish it. I'm on 500mg twice daily. I have no drastic side effects but the dreadful taste it leaves in my mouth is overwhelming. It tastes like the sap out of a dandelion stem. It's very unpleasant and makes me feel sick. I'm diabetic but to mask the taste I've had to start sucking sweets to try and stop myself throwing the tablet back up. To be fair the drug is doing its job and it's making me better but it's a pity the manufacturers can't do something about the God awful taste"

4 / 10
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5 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Tinki...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 8, 2018

"Went to the drs after picking up a bug on a long haul flight, which led to a bad chest infection. I was a total mess. How I walked to the drs I have no clue. Sat almost weeping in the waiting room, dribbling, coughing, choking. Dr checked me over and prescribed these glorious wonder pills. Felt absolutely dreadful (just from the infection/possible pneumonia) for three days. Lay in bed unable to move. But day three came and I could breathe again and even managed 3 hours at uni! The taste in my mouth in the morning is utterly appalling and feel nauseous half an hour after taking them for a bit but no other side effects. I still feel a bit rough, low energy and lingering cough and generally under the weather however I don't feel like I've been through ten rounds with Tyson and am drowning at the same time. Brilliant pills"

9 / 10
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5 Report
  • Mjano
  • April 19, 2020

"Where do I start with this antibiotic? Got diagnosed with pneumonia got put on amoxicillin, finished course breathing got worse. Then was prescribed all I can describe as this awful meds\ clarithromycin. EVIL things, strongly advise against these. First day on them felt ill and slept all day and night, from then on I just felt worse. Had a severely upset stomach, metallic taste that doesn’t go, headaches from hell and insomnia.Only positive is I’ve lost weight, apart from that I would not choose to be on these meds again."

2 / 10
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4 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • 72jules
  • October 13, 2016

"On day 3 of these antibiotics as was previously given 2 weeks doxycycline but didnt work. Disgusting taste mouth, tired, weak but think doing something...the crackling in my left chest is slowly lessening and coughing more as i didnt have a cough stubborn phlemgn and noises chest on breathing..temp up n then down."

4 / 10
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6 Report
  • Yoano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 30, 2019

Biaxin (clarithromycin) "Slightly improved symptoms with first does. Every dose: Stomach pain left side, fullness feeling, bloated. Stiff neck for an hour or so. Tired for an hour or so. Horrible taste in the mouth. Drinks taste bad."

8 / 10
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4 Report

More FAQ

  • Ozzy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 6, 2019

"Amoxicillin wasn’t working for pneumonia so was given clarithromycin twice daily 500mg for 10 days. Having hard time getting deep breath, can’t sleep, nausea and weak, terrible taste in mouth. One more day to go and will not take this medication again. Still feeling terrible!"

1 / 10
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4 Report
  • Kathl...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 7, 2020

"I've been on clarithromycin a few times because I keep getting pneumonia every year. I was prescribed it again on Monday due to another vicious attack by pneumonia that had me off work and laid up for 10 days. The first night, I woke up with a super dry mouth and that disgusting metallic taste. It gradually got worse, to the point that it was like I was burping and coughing up the medication, it felt like it was sitting in my throat even though I had taken it with lots of water hours ago. I also experienced a debilitating headache Wednesday evening, probably the worse headache I've had. A couple days ago, I noticed a pain in my cheek, back by my wisdom teeth. I poked around in my mouth, didn't find any lumps or bumps, but my cheek is sore and it hurts to chew or yawn. I also seem to be experiencing some spells of dizziness. I really don't like clarithromycin, its side effects are less than ideal, but it gets rid of the pneumonia so I'll suffer through!"

5 / 10
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3 Report
  • SickT...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 28, 2018

"!!IMPORTANT INFOMATION!!! - DO NOT SPLIT OR CRUSH THIS TABLET, this antibiotic is a slow release medicine it travels through the gastrointestinal tract and slowly dissolves. A broken tablet will lose it's integrity and in turn it's intended effect can be lost entirely or severely undermined. started the course after a night of high fever and severe trouble breathing: day 1 12:00AM: x2 250mg Tablets day 1 9:00PM: x1 250mg Tablet day 2 9:00AM x1 250mg Tablet repeat 12 hour cycles 14 units to be completed Notable side effects current day DIRECTLY attributed to Clarithromycin (day 3): require minimal sleep without fatigue EXTREMELY bloated and mildly uncomfortable belly. Ensure you take Pro-biotics with ANY Anti-biotics, come on people it's in the name!"

10 / 10
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4 Report
  • Maxt
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 30, 2017

"I was prescribed this for bacterial pneumonia, the first pill spaced me out made me jittery and gave me terrible stomach pains, I have never felt so unwell in my life! I am on day two and had three pills so far and just feeling awful, have a vile bitter taste that's very strong and ache all over especially in my back and legs, my head has started to hurt and I feel very tearful. I am a mum of five children and I'm used to just getting on with it but the side effects have knocked me for six, the only good thing is I have started to cough less. Be warned they are very strong, I hope I start to feel better tomorrow or will be returning to hospital."

2 / 10
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4 Report
  • MissL
  • December 30, 2017

"Started taking this 500mg x2 a day on Thursday for pneumonia narrowly avoiding hospital and IV antibiotics. Now Saturday and my chest has cleared up and temperature gone. Thank goodness for these tablets!! The side effects are pretty grim but nothing compared to how ill I would have been without them. I had a nasty taste in my mouth, everything tastes different even drinks, I have a painful stomach, not being able to sleep, feeling spaced out and sick most of the time but beside that feeling better!!"

7 / 10
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4 Report
  • Puffin
  • October 19, 2019

"Thank goodness for Clarithromycin I am starting to feel and look better! After two months of awful chest pain, two courses of different antibiotics and steroids these antibiotics actually seems to be working. For the first time I am able to breathe more easily when I walk and and the pain is diminishing. I've been lucky not to suffer too many side effects."

10 / 10
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3 Report
  • Hazel
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 28, 2023

"This antibiotic began working 24 hours into starting it. I’m on 500mg twice a day and yes it leaves a mild strange taste in my mouth, but it has rid me of a very serious infection so I’m really pleased."

9 / 10
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1 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 30, 2017

"Day 1 was rough. I had a very hard time falling asleep. About 8 hours after taking it the stomach pains start and that horrible taste, oh Lordy that horrible taste. I must say, by Day 3 I felt waaaay much better. Only the fatigue is lingering. I will confess I was close to stopping but their benefit outweighed the cons. I also don’t want to become resistant to the antibiotic so il power through the course! 3 more doses!!!!"

7 / 10
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3 Report
  • Clari...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 15, 2022

"Most of my side effects are insomnia which is very disturbing, dreaming stressful situations, feel nauseous and excessive sweating all night and morning. I hope to finish the treatment as fast as I can and never take it again."

2 / 10
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1 Report
  • Anony...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 16, 2018

"Changing to another antibiotic due to side effects. Haven't slept in 48 hrs, anxiety, heart racing and nightmares. The upset stomach and bitter taste are ok, but the other side effects and night sweats are not. I can feel it working but another 8 days is too much."

8 / 10
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2 Report
  • inapp...
  • July 2, 2021

"This drug is great. My infection and breathing improved dramatically within 24 hours of taking this medication. My Dr prescribed 250mg twice per day. I have had no side effects except a mild metallic taste. The people who are getting really bad reactions to this medication might be on the wrong dosage. Worth discussing this with your Dr."

10 / 10
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1 Report
  • Ditsy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 2, 2018

"2x 500mg tablets 3 times a day for 3 days! 3000 mg a day!! I had pretty severe pneumonia after flu complications, and seemed to be resistant to amoxicillin so was prescribed these. The dose concerned me as it was very high and twice the usual dosage. I found these tablets almost impossible to swallow and they made me retch and gag. After 2 doses I had severe stomach pains which only eased after a hot bath. The stomach pains continued every time I took a dose. After the full course I have a vile taste in my mouth that nothing seems to get rid of! I certainly feel better, but all food tastes like acid right now and the pain was annoying."

5 / 10
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2 Report
  • josje
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 5, 2023

"I was prescribed this medication for pneumonia. I took it for 2 days and had a severe headache, insomnia, and an awful taste in my mouth. But the worst thing was that right after the first pill I got severe diarrhea. I stopped taking it and took amoxicillin instead."

1 / 10
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  • Sha
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 28, 2024

"I had a fever thinking it was a viral infection but I actually had a skin infection. Feeling awful for days, I was prescribed these and I felt better the next day. My sore throat went away, and my fever I had for 8 days went as well. I felt sick taking these and had a horrible taste in my mouth, and insomnia."

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  • Gramm...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 15, 2022

"I have a history of right middle lobe pneumonia and have had the lobe collapse before. I went to ER on a Friday and had a chest X-ray done The doctor said it didn’t look too bad My doctor called on Monday to say I did actually have pneumonia I have been on it for 3 1/2 days now The first couple of days I continued to get worse. Starting to feel a bit better but also still have fevers of 102 I phoned the pharmacy and they said keep taking it as it can take a while to clear out pneumonia Normally I respond to an antibiotic pretty quickly - I hope this does the job!"

7 / 10
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  • Tanco
  • April 13, 2016

"Been taking this for three days now for pertussis and pneumonia. Major changes are loosening of phlegm and improved breathing. Although metallic taste is awful, definitely worth it."

8 / 10
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16 Report
  • sunva...
  • February 26, 2011

Biaxin (clarithromycin) "Was one of the only medicines that worked for my pneumonia. It was administered via IV for 3 weeks 2x a day but it worked."

9 / 10
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20 Report
  • Katz
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 17, 2014

"The third day the pleurisy pain was gone. Very good antibiotic."

10 / 10
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15 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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Symptoms and treatments