There are 852 ratings for the drug: BIAXIN in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for biaxin: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken and Dosage		Date Added
				F  M
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1	Sinusitis	insomnia, itching, general weakness some intestinal looseness.	Took 500mg twice daily. Did not resolve sinus problem. December 2007 article in JAMA. Antibiotics and topical cortisone [I assume inhalers] DO NO BETTER THAN NOTHING for sinusitis. So may be viral. Biaxin may work on some things, but this was a waste of $ and my energy	M	77	28 days		12/7/2007
5	chronic bronchitis	metallic taste the first day -self shortness of breath the second day- husband no other side effects.	My husband and I are taking Biaxin XL together. Day 3 I could no longer swallow the pills, had to change to the liquid form. Trying to eat yogurt daily (which I hate) because I believe it is important. Powerful drug, you can feel it working.	F	74	7 days		10/11/2005
1	bronchitis	Made my wife wacky. She was hallucinating. I couldn't sleep	Both my wife and I had bronchitis and were given Biaxin. My wife started to hallucinate after the second day and then got a little crazy. She wasn't making much sense, and our children were very worried. I couldn't sleep and felt like I was on speed.	M	74	4 days		2/2/2009
5	infected throat	dry mouth metalic taste. ate yogurt to prevent diarrhea. had no problem	It worked great - my sore throat was feeling better after one day. coughed up yelllow mucus for about 5 days.	M	72	10 days 500mg 2X D		7/11/2010
2	sinus infection	Had no side effects except slight metallic taste. After the 10 day treatment (Biaxin XL 500 mg : 2 tabs every morning WITH breakfast) I had no relief at all...EVEN WORSE...it turned into a very bad bronchitis. As a retired pharmacist (age 71) I conclude that I did not give any chance to the product, since my breafast consists of : cereals & 1 heaping tablespoonful of ground linseed or flaxseed, plus one toast, often with 1 or 2 tsp of that ground seed sprinkled on it. Conclusion : ground linseed aborbs the Biaxin and prevents it's normal absorption by the system and the product cannot do its job. I have to see my doctor to discuss about this fact. Medecine users should beware of ground seeds taken with medication. Please note that this is a personnal opinion.	Biaxin XL is a great product when used properly...	M	71	10 days		2/2/2007 Email
2	ear infection, bronchitis	Metallic taste in mouth, especially late at night and into the morning hours. 24-hour headaches that started on the 3rd day. Dry mouth at night while sleeping. Irregular heartbeat at times. Night sweats.	Does not seem to have much effect on the ear pain or the bronchitis. Going to call the doctor and ask to stop taking it.	F	68	7 days		3/19/2009
1	sinus infection//	Woke up middle of night with horrible bitter taste and dry mouth	Would never take again.Started Feb.22 and now its April 5th and still have terrible taste and my teeth feel llike they are coated with grub.While sick would get up at night to brush my teeth 2 o r 3 times a night.Could not sleep for more then a couple of hrs. My routine would to be awake between 1 ro 4 a.m. Didn't have stomach problem,but forced myself to eat and take on full stomach. So glad I found this site. I thought I was going crazy because I just could.t seem to get feeling better.Hope to feel strong enough to get back into playing golf in a few weeks.Just don't seem to have my same old get up and go.	F	68	10 days		4/5/2008 Email
1	SINUS INFECTION	TERRIBLE TASTE, NAUSEA, PAINS IN STOMACH AND DON'T THINK I WANT TO TAKE IT...		F	68	4 days		5/1/2006 Email
1	upper respiratory infection	terrible taste in mouth, indigestion, headache, body aches and fatigue	I took this medication 1 day and then due to side effects, my doctor reduced the prescribed dosage by half. I stopped taking the 250 mg. Biaxin twice a day after 14 days. That was about a week ago and I am still having problems, such as extreme fatigue, sinus congestion, weakness and am even finding it difficult to climb a flight of stairs. Has anyone else had these symptoms and if so, how long do they last? Should I be going back to the doctor? At this point, I don't have a great deal of faith in the diagnosis or treatment, but am getting concerned.	F	67	14 days		12/7/2005 Email
1	sinus infection	After a few days, shortness of breath, then a moving rash like hives flaring up at night. Insomnia which was helped by the benadryl I took to eliminate severe itching. General depression and malaise never experienced before. Scary stuff which should not be on the market!	I also had an allergic reaction to Zithromax - tinnitus - a few years ago and told my physician who recommended Biaxin. I now see that the two drugs are pharma cousins which my physician should have known, so stay away from the entire lot.	M	67	5 days		8/30/2009
4	bronchitis;sinusitis	Anxiety, paranoia, nightmares (Character- Spy vs Spy- from Mad Magazine which I haven't read for 50+ years slinking into my room to kill me), difficulty sleeping (early morning waking) & restlessness, abdominal muscular pain, fatigue, loopy thoughts, feelings of despair, not my usual self according to significant other, feeling she was going to die. SX begin after about 4 days.	It worked but emotional side effects would cause me not to take it again. I'm a retired nurse and have had problem finding correct antibiotic when needed. My MD usual is surprised by my reactions, but he believes me. The drug worked quickly on SX like stuffiness and post nasal drip, but I wouldn't take it again.	M	66	9 days		4/5/2008
1	sinus infection	terrible taste in mouth, extreme fatigue, indigestion, sweating, aching muscles and joints.	This, "cure" is worse than the ailment. I could not take the 1,000 mgs. per day, so the doctor recommended I take only 500 mgs. per day, 250 in the morning and 250 at night. Didn't help much. I took this medication for 14 days and even after stopping the medication, I still have side effects and still have sinus headache, runny nose and fatigue. Would never take it again!!	F	66	14 days		12/6/2005
1	sinus infection	redness & swelling on left side of face after 3 days; inflamed & painful eyes; hair loss after a month; facial redness & swelling all over now and hair loss about 50-60%; dry, scaly, extremely itchy skin on face; blood tests show high eosinophil count indicating allergic reaction	It has now been over 5 1/2 years since I took Biaxin. I have seen at least 10 doctors in as many specialties and have received many different diagnoses (including granulomtous vasculitis and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) and treatments (including Cytoxan, photopheresis, Targretin, etc.), none of which have worked. Doctors say Biaxin could not have caused these symptoms, but all I know is they began when I started taking it. Has anyone else had similar reactions?	F	65	3 days		12/4/2007
1	acute bronchitis	extreme anal inflammation due to repeated caustic bowel movements, loss of smell, loss of taste	It is 8 moths since I took Biaxin and my sense of smell and sense of taste are still disturbed... piercing laboratory type smell associated with cooking (especially onions) and deodorant... can barely taste anything at all. Was told by doctor, when I reported these effects, that all should return to normal in a couple months... that was 6 months ago. I was very ill with bronchitis, but really wish some other medication could have helped me. I needed two courses of Biaxin ... 20 days. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW OF ANYTHING I CAN DO TO REGAIN SENSE OF SMELL AND TASTE THAT HAS HELPED OTHERS. THANK YOU!	F	64	20 days		1/17/2010
5	broncial infection	medicine worked great except for the terrible bitter taste.	I guess it's worth the bitter taste if the medicine works as quickly as it does.	F	63	5 days		9/24/2006
1	pneumonia	The biggest problem for me is the buzzing in my head and the pounding in my ears. I do have stomach pains, anxiety, crying spells. The pnuemonia is gone, but I would try another antibiotic. Fatigue and muscle pain.	I would not take it again.	F	63	7 days		1/30/2007 Email
1	skin infection	After 2 pills, 500mg,(a 24 hr period) woke up with eyes almost swollen shut. It is now 36 hrs. after that last pill, and eyes swollen again this morning, stomach uncomfortable, very hyper legs and body. I don't react well with anti-histemines and it feels similiar with this esp. with the hyper-tension in body. Had several flashes yesterday of anxiety. Forty or so minutes after taking the first pill of Biaxin I could feel a strong tingling in my legs and feet. Now I have learned for myself, that if I feel this tingling with another pill, I shall not take it. Am just drinking all the water I can to flush my system and hope it is all out soon!!	Be Wary of this one!!!	F	63	1 days		3/22/2005
5	Pneumonia	Racing heart beat 1-5 hrs after each dose. Taste of crushed Aspiring in mouth 24/7.	To relieve the overpowering bitter taste in my mouth I intermittently chewed on black liquorice. I took the pill with peanut butter, crackers and a lot of fluids - helped as well. The patient reports of Biaxin side-effects on this site are to be noted as true and regrettable. However, I bless the scientists that provide us with treatment choices, and extend our lives. In not so distant past this exprience could have ended in a one-way trip to the cemetery for me.	F	62	10 days		2/11/2009
5	upper respiratory infection	The horrible metallic taste....always keep breath spray or tictacs handy.	My doc started me on Levaquin. Many side effects...and I specifically asked for Biaxin as a replacement. I've taken it before and knew how my body would react. But it's better than the respiratory stuff. As so many of you have stated, Biaxin is hard to tolerate. But in my opinion, it works for me.	F	62	7 days		4/19/2009 Email
1	Pneumonia	I had a metallic taste in my mouth which was most unpleasant. I experiencing light-headedness,dizziness and loose bowl movements. My sense of smell became totally impaired. I had constant dry mouth despite drinking lots of water.	I was prescribed Biaxin XL 500mg.,on the 11th of June/04 and took one tablet twice daily for a 10 day course of treament. My sense of smell has not returned and I suspect it will be permanent. I consider this to be a major drug-induced disability, as I spent much of my time cooking and baking. Not only that, but I am an avid gardener and raise fragrant roses and flowers. This has been a great blow to me as I am daily reminded of my loss.	F	62	10 days		1/7/2005 Email
1	very bad flu	Horrible, disgusting taste in mouth day and night, it woke me up and made me feel nausea. When treatment over, the taste persisted ,plus that I totally lost my sense of smell and taste except for the metallic bitter taste experienced when taking the medication. It here all the time but is milder than during treatment , that could be due to my loss of sensation ( three weeks have passed since my treatment was over, no change in condition , bitter taste and bitter feeling !!!!	Should not be allowed on the market.	F	62	5 days		2/3/2006
1	Sinus and respiratory infection	Crying,preceded by a down feeling mood; Bad taste in mouth.		F	62	3 days 500 mg 1X D		4/18/2010
5	h pylori	none	taking h pack, biaxin, prevacid, amoxycillin. surprising to see all the symptoms people have experienced. for me, NO bad taste, aches, pains, insomnia, dizziness - nothing, just feel normal. only 3 days into the ten day program, so it could change, or maybe the only ones who comment here are the ones who have a bad experience	M	61	3 days		11/1/2008
1	chest infection	Metallic taste. Nausea. Abdominal pain. After 18 hours started hyperkinesis and insomnia. Can't stop moving my legs so can't go to sleep. Not that I am tired--after 36 hours I am still frenetic. Physician has switched me to another antibiotic and I hope to recover soon.		F	61	2 days		1/27/2006
1	bronchitis and sinus infection	Truly AWFUL taste that grows worse each day. Just took my 5th dose and am going to quit. I wish I had read these comments before taking my last dose--I don't think I would have taken it, and instead of being up, walking the floor at 2:15am, I would hopefully be nicely asleep. This taste is making me sicker than I was before. Quite impressive diarrhea. And, obviously, sleeplessness, which is partially because of the overwhelming taste problem. Also, it doesn't really seem to be working at anything close to lightning speed. Some very slight improvement, but it makes a body wonder if the same improvement would have been accomplished WITHOUT the drug. I'll NEVER take this again if there is any alternative in the universe.		F	61	5 days		2/9/2005
5	Coughing up piles of phlem	not much	Just on it 3 days now, so far no problems	M	60	3 days		6/11/2004
4	bronchitis	terrible watery stools, awful taste in mouth, dizziness disgusting taste in my mouth and very thirsty all the time	though the symptoms cleared up the medication made me feel worse than the illness. I will definitely not take this again.	M	60			3/2/2007
4	Upper Respiratory	Metal mouth during the 10 day cycle. Worst part is dry mouth for two weeks AFTER i was done taking the drug. It was almost as if my tongue was ruined. Don't even try to eat anything spicey. I'm hoping this goes away. Any one else have this?		M	60	10 days 500 1X D		7/26/2010 Email
2	sinus infection & bronchitis	Very bad taste in mouth, especially in the morning. Weakness, fatigue, depression	I quit this drug after 6 days, was prescribed for 10 days. I am not sure I was diagnosed correctly. Before seeing the doctor I had a 24/7 headache for 5 days and a hacking cough. The day after starting this drug my headache finally went away, but the cough got worse every day. I saw no reason to continue to take a drug that was having no positive effect. I felt shaky and weak and a couple times I suddenly lost my balance. I was particularly annoyed with my husband and I think this might have been from the drug. From the beginning I took an acidophilus capsule every time I took the drug, and I ate 2 containers of yogurt (without artificial sweeteners) every day, so I did not have any digestive symptoms other than one day when I accidentally ate yogurt with Splenda, and that day I had horrible attacks of bloating and gas. Maybe an interaction?	F	60	6 days 500 mg 2X D		9/1/2010
1	Ear infection	Hod terrible taste in the night in mouth, very bad stomach. Twice almost vomited...	I took the drug, completet the duration, but the last 3 days were horrific. Was very ill, nausia, cramps, and a taste in my mouth all the time. As it turned out the ear infection reappeared 2 days after the pills ran out. I am now on another medication ......	F	60	10 days		4/22/2007
1	Strep Throat	After 2 doses of 500 mg...Blurred vision, daytime sleepiness, funky wierd dreams! Thanks to this website I easily linked my symptons to Biaxin. I am stopping this drug and calling my Doctor. He always listens to me and will give me something else for my infection!		F	60	2 days		10/27/2007
1	Clarithromycin for Bronchitis	Terrible bitter taste in my mouth. Took my second dose (prescription calls for 2 500mg. tabs per day) and within a few minutes got this terrible bitter taste in my mouth. Still have it this morning. A bit of an upset stomach, did not get much sleep. Do not intend to take another pill. Can't deal with the taste in my mouth.		F	60	1 days		1/24/2009
1	bronchitis	I found my mood changing after a few days on Biaxin...by day 7 I was fully depressed with uncontrollable crying and a sense of hopelessness. In addition, I experienced excessive sweating alternating with chills, gastro upset, headaches and awful vertigo. I discontinued the Biaxin after 7 days and will never take this drug again!! Was so glad to find this site because I felt pretty alone with what I was experiencing. A little bad taste in my mouth but nothing unmanageable. Hope this helps someone else. :)		F	60	7 days		11/17/2008
5	Sinus infection	Very strong metallic taste during the night and when waking up.	It's one of only a few antibiotics that work for me.	M	59	2 days		7/25/2004
4	sinus infection	Severe fatigue after 5 days on Biaxin	I had a sinus infection and took Augmentin. Infection persisted. Switched to Levaquin. Still resistant. Tried Biaxin. This did clear the sinus infection but side effects were limited to severe fatigue	M	59	8 days		11/29/2008
1	tooth and sinus infection	Hives and swelling on legs, arms, body and ears, Terrible itching, difficulty breathing and swallowing, swollen face and hands	I took only 2 tablets, one each 12 hours apart. The side effect started a couple hours after the second dose. I had benadryl allergy in the house so I took 2 tablets. I did not get worse after taken the benadryl but it took several hours for the hiven and swelling to go down. 12 hours after the initial swelling my hands were still swollen	F	59	1 days		4/13/2009
1	cellulitis	severe anxiety, shortness of breath, numbness/weakness of arms, chest burning, back pain (muscle spasms?), feeling of dread.	I have a history of depression. I was in the ER twice the same day, the second trip via ambulance. I had severe shortness of breath and back pain--thought I was having a heart attack. I made an absolute fool of myself in front of my family doctor. I thought I was dying. I missed 3 days of work. I cannot believe the charges I have incurred and all the anxiety I CAUSED my extended family.	F	59	7 days 2X D		2/20/2010
1	Chronic Lyme Disease	Mild loose stools, hives	The itching I experienced was unbelievable. I took this drug for only 2 days and it took 21 days for the hives and itching to clear up. It was just a horrible experience. Since I was prescribed Plaquenil as well, I don't know for certain which of the two caused the itching, but I very much doubt that I will take either one again!	F	59	2 days		5/12/2006
1	sinus infection	Hideous, bitter, metallic taste in my mouth. Taking a long time to clear up symptoms.	My medicals records will state I will never take this medicine again.	F	59	10 days		1/12/2006
1	sinus infection	I was terrified when I begasn to shake terribly. I could not stop, there was dizziness, and headaches that would not stop. I have seizures and take the medication Neurotin. We felt that may be the cause. Also became very sweaty at times and confused.	I stopped it and will never take this medication.	F	59	3 days		1/21/2006 Email
1	bronchitis/chronic cough	Within 2 hours of taking 1 Biaxin 500 mg tablet I had a strong, metallic taste in my mouth. The taste is nauseating.	I will not take this medicine. I will call the doctor for a substitution. Unacceptable side effect that is worse than the ailment I am trying to cure.	F	59	1 days		2/17/2006
5	bronchitis	nasty taste in mouth, nausea,trouble sleeping, headache.	Seems to be working really well. Breathing easier in only 24 hours. Another 7 days to go. Yuk! The side effocts are worth it i guess, but sue hate that awful metallic taste, especially in the morning when real strong.	F	58	3 days		2/4/2007
1	acne/rosacea	Painful speech, swallowing, choking off upon speaking. Incapacitated now because of symptoms.	First, it was an inappropriate drug choice for my condition. I took it with probiotics for several years without a problem, right before going to bed. When I ran out of the probitotics, I delayed buying more. I'm not sure how much time passed; maybe a couple of months. After singing a bit out of my range one night, (I'm a performer,) I developed serious pain upon any kind of vocalization, far longer than should have occured. Months went by without change. My ENT was confused, but said that voice strain couldn't have caused so much damage. (I saw a voice coach who couldn't understand it either.) The doctor tentatively diagnosed acid relux, which I'd never had before. I spent three months on Kapidex (now renamed Dexellent,) and was greatly improved. Then I sang out of range again and totally relapsed. Was improving on Dexellent when I was placed on doxycline for something else, and now my voice is worse than ever. That was several months ago. I haven't spoken in over 10 days; it's just too painful. Can't socialize with friends or go anywhere. I suspect Biaxin either burned my throat or created reflux or yeast problems. I just hope I can heal again, or my life is pretty much over. Never take any antibiotic without acidophilus/probiotics, and never take them before bed. Always drink a full glass of water.	F	58	3 years 250 mg. 1X D		5/2/2010 Email
5	Sinusitis & Strept throat	mild GI disturbance	Seemed to work fairly fast to treat infection	M	57	10 days		2/21/2007
5	Bronchitis / Ear Infection	Diminished sleep, tightness in the stomach	Generic, 1000MG daily (X 10days). Felt significantly better after first 24 hours, no metallic taste, slight sleep disturbance, overall seems very effective so far.	M	57	2 days		2/21/2007 Email
5	sinus infection...again	a little diarrhea and mild headache.	Biaxin XL 500mg X 2 Once a day for 10 days. I have suffered with sinus infection at least 1 -2 times a year for over 10 years. I have had a sinus operation and still suffered until I took this drug. This is my first time taking it and I am impressed....my sinus cleared in 5 days and I feel great after suffering for so long with the pressure and having to breath through my mouth. Now will my sinus problem come back ? I sure hope not...but if it does I will ask for this drug. I am very concerned about the side affects and how they effect others I have read about....if I need this drug again I will post if I have any additional side affects. I recommend the drug !	M	57	10 days		1/29/2009
3	Bronchitis	Terrible taste in mouth, headaches, sleeplessness, feeling of wanting to gag or vomit. Severe mouth watering on day 5.	The biaxin finally began to work on day four, I could take the bad taste and headaches, but the wanting to gag or vomit amd the severe mouth watering on day 5 was terrible. I could not sleep for it and felt I was going to drown in my own saliva.	F	57	5 days		11/24/2007
3	Pneumonia	I, too, have the bitter taste in my mouth but that is nothing compared to the disorientation I am experiencing. I am spacey, off balance and I am having a terrible time trying to concentrate enough to put this in writing. Not only the above but I have been awake all night long and it is now 9:00 am and I don't feel the least bit tired. With pneumonia, I should be getting as much sleep as possible but I was unable to even get 5 minutes of sleep. To top it off, my left jaw has started locking since I started this prescription yesterday. My ear is horribly sore, even though my doctor took a good look at it yesterday, he saw nothing. I was fine until I started the medication. It makes me wonder if I should be continuing. I'm putting a call into my doctor's office to find out for sure. This is the second prescription I have taken because I was not getting better on the other antibiotic. As a matter of fact, I was worse after a full week than when I started. I don't want to	By the way, I have taken it before with absolutely no side effects other than the bitter taste in my mouth.	F	57	2 days		1/3/2007 Email
1	Bronchitis	Different side effects from others: extreme thirst, unable to sleep, weird dreams if I happen to go to sleep, gas, couldn't think straight, couldn't remember words, spacey, dizzy, felt like I was on fast-forward: hurry up, hurry up, gotta go, gotta go, gotta get it done, faster, faster! BP up and pulse down	I've been on Biaxin for bronchitis for four days now, following a trip to the ER for breathing problems. I thought it was allergies. The first two days weren't too bad except for the extreme thirst and not being able to sleep (and the gas). If I happened to go to sleep I would have weird dreams and wake up again. I don't know if was the Biaxin or the hydrocodone cough syrup. With the third day, I couldn't think straight and I couldn't remember words. Could be lack of sleep, I guess. Conversations were difficult. I felt spacey. At the same time, I felt like I was on fast-forward: hurry up, hurry up, gotta go, gotta go, gotta get it done, faster, faster! This is the fourth day. I'm still on fast-forward and still dizzy and spacey. My blood pressure is up and my heart rate is down. My pulse is 55. It's time for another dose, but I'm not taking it. In fact, I'm going off all my meds except the blood pressure pills in case it's a drug interaction that's not mentioned. I'll call my own docto	F	57	3.5 days		11/9/2007
1	Sinus Infection and Bronchitis	On the first day....nausea, severe gas and stomach cramping. Pain went right through to my side and back. Dry mouth and insomnia too. Stuck with it for three days and that was enough for me.	I would never take this drug again, thought I would have to go to ER the pain was so bad!	F	57	3 days		1/19/2008
1	Chest infection	Biaxin was prescribed to my mother in June of 2002. While on the medication she experienced sleeplessness, paranoia, anxiety, confused thinking, and a horrible taste in her mouth. She also lost her sense of smell. After she had finished taking it, the side effects continued. We went on a weekend trip in October of 2002 and while travelling she became very ill with severe nausea. She began to vomit, and it was pure bile. When this began, instead of going to our original destination I took her to the nearest hospital -- I didn't think she was going to make it there. She was admitted, bloodwork was done (which showed impaired liver function) and diagnosed with several large cysts on her liver, three of which had burst and caused her symptoms. She still, at this point, had the awful taste in her mouth that had started when she was taking Biaxin. When the doctor asked me to list any recent, new medications she had been taking, I mentioned the Biaxin she had taken several months	I would never, ever recommend that anyone take this drug. Yes, some people may not experience side effects, but it seems as though those who do experience severe and lasting side effects that impact their lives, and health, in a majorly negative way.	F	57	10 days		3/8/2009
5	chronic lyme	metallic taste, strange dreams and I GOT MY LIFE BACK!!!!!	this drug has saved my life!!!! regularly using it has allowed me to function with chronic lyme that had me almost totally disabled before I found this medication.	F	56	4 years		9/15/2009
5	sinus infection	Nauseau, sweats, metallic taste, flatulence	After one day the horrible pressure from sinus infection was gone, and I could actually breathe from one side of nose. After 48 hours the nausea was gone, and my breathing was almost normal, sinus headache also gone. Had sweats off and on the entire time, but well worth it. I really liked this antibiotic.	F	56	7 days		11/13/2009
4	Lyme disease	The only side effects I have had are hunger in the mornings and a slightly bad after taste, mostly after I go to bed. I am on a coated version of the medication and it tastes like vanilla.	I know I come to this site when I am checking a drug that I think I might be reacting to. Not everyone has a bad reaction to a medication and I caution anyone that comes on here and warns people not to take a certain drug. You don't want to discourage someone of trying something that may help. I take 2000 mg of this drug a day and it seems to be helping with my Lyme disease.	F	56	58 days		5/7/2009
4	Sinus Infection	I tend to be very drug sensitive yet do quite well with Biaxin. I am extremely allergic to the whole fluroquinolone family of antibiotics (Cipro, etc.) and also don't do well with Bactrim and related sulfa drugs. Biaxin is the antibiotic that I tend to ask for, and it works for me. I do experience some lightheadedness, an increased appetite, and dizziness, but nothing distracting.		M	56	3 days		11/27/2007
4	h pylori	Stained teeth, discolored tongue.	I can live with the side effects better than I can live with h pylori. It was combined with Prevacid as I am allergic to Amoxicillin. The teeth staining took two trips to the dentist. The discolored tongue took a couple weeks to go away. I was thrilled it took care of the h pylori. No other effects.	F	56	10 days		11/16/2008
4	Upper respiratory/Sinus infection	Today is Feb 2, 2005 and I've been taking Biaxin XL for three days now. I have never had the metallic taste that many others have experienced. I have had bad nightmares on a regular basis since taking Biaxin. I'm drinking more water than normal to combat the dry mouth, but don't have any strong desire to eat. On my first night I experienced a mild headache and cough making it very difficult to sleep. I've noticed that my short-term memory does not appear to be as sharp while on Biaxin. I've also been experiencing some slight discomfort in my upper right jam for some unknown reason. Other than all these side-effect the Biaxin has cleared up most of my respiratory/sinus infection. Only four more days to go....	Appreciate all the comments that others have made pertaining to Biaxin. Sort of a comfort to know that others have some of the same side-effects.	M	56	7 days		2/2/2005 Email
3	pneumonia	dry mouth, horrible metallic taste -- licked off the floor type, insomia, nightmares, anxiety, some abdominable pain, chest twinges	Did seem to help the pneumonia, but the side affects are horrible	F	56	12 days		3/10/2009
2	sinus infection	Extreme nausea, very unpleasant taste in mouth , somewhat dizzy and tired, stomach pains, to the point of not being able to function in any kind of normal way.	I am taking the immediate release generic form of biaxin, clarithromycin. I have taken Biaxin XL in the past and do not recall having any problems. Sometimes a generic is just very different than the brand name drug. I would never take this particular drug again, nor can I bear to finish this prescription. I'd rather suffer the consequences of the sinus infection I have probably had for weeks, anyways.	F	56	2 days		8/6/2008
5	sinus infection	Just the bad taste in my mouth but cured my sinus infection right up.		F	55	7 days		5/13/2009
5	Sinus infection	Worst for me: fatigue, insomnia,(waking every 20-40 minutes)& vivid dreams Other: spacy due to lack of sleep, normal loose stools as on other antibiotics, possible achey feeling. (have CFS so hard to tell)	I LOVE this antibiotic. It saved my life in 1993--I was on it for 1 year. On it NOW because of sinus infection. Am surprised side effects worse now--had NONE for the year I took it. But will always love Biaxin & works GREAT!!!	M	55	5 days		8/3/2009
5	sinus infection, maxillary, frontal	Sleepy, slight metalic taste. No abdominal discomforts or GI distress. No other side effects.	This bad infection was unsuccessfully treated with Levaquin 500 mg for 10 days, then Zithromax 500mg for 10 days. I felt just awful. Thank God for Biaxin. This medication started clearing my infection within 24-48 hours although I was prescribed 14 days. I took the entire 14 days as my doctor explained not to stop it even though I was feeling better. This medication worked for me when no other medication would.	F	55	14 days		12/3/2009 Email
5	Sinus Infection	I have terrible sinus infections, after sinus surgery, only twice/year instead of previous 10 per year. Biaxin is the only drug that cures it-I would likely be dead by now if it wasn't for Biaxin. Yes, it tastes bad in the middle of the night but I've grown to appreciate it. It works, it is a miracle drug to me. One recommendation that might help with some of the symptoms listed on your website-take it during a meal. When they say "take with food" they mean it.		M	55	14 days		8/16/2007 Email
5	staph infection of left sinus areas	Problem here...drastic discoloration of two partial dental plates (tarnishing???) that are quite visible when I speak or smile; plates are removed at night. Suggestions? Typical metallic taste, strongest in morning; stools a bit loose but not much...eating lots of live culture yogurt which does help.	30 days on amoxocillin(sp?) was totally ineffective. So far ten days on Biaxin has shown a dramatic change for the better...drainage has decreased considerably, energy level and attention span much higher.	M	55	10 days		6/20/2005 Email
5	Chronic Lyme Disease	Mild, occasional metallic taste and mild diarrhea/loose stools.	Very good for Chronic Lyme. Expensive if no insurance ($280 for 60 500mg caps). Benefits most certainly worth the side effects. Currently taking 500mg Bid in conjunction with Plaquenil 200mg Bid and have just completed 1 mo. of a 4 month regimen.	M	55			5/24/2003
5	Acute Sinus and Bacterial Pheumonia	No side effects. This is a great medication, and I highly recommend it. Felt better within 3 days after starting Biaxin XL Pack.	Trust this one. Yes, there are good dreams, if you are a happy person - a few more than normal. But it works.	M	55	7 days		11/24/2006
4	Bacterial lung infection	Began taking Biaxin 500mg every 12 hours. After 6 doses no side effects other than a slight intestinal irritation common with most antibiotics. No other unusual feelings/symptoms.		M	55	3 days		5/24/2006
4	h-pyloric	Woke up with awful metallic taste on day 3. Will try the tart candy someone mentioned. Also have a full feeling all the time.	I'll gut it out *LOL* because the alternative wasn't pleasant. I know it must be helping as I don't have the acid reflux that I was having.	F	55	3 days		1/22/2005 Email
3	Sinus infection	metallic taste in mouth, vivid dreams, severe mood swings, depression	cleared infection, mood swings and depression severe, caution to persons who are prone to the above	F	55	10 days 1 gm 1X D		3/29/2010
3	sinus infection/bronchitis	strong metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, sleeplessness, vivid dreaming, loss of sense of smell, feelings of dread	It is more than 2 months since my prescription finished, and I am still experiencing loss of taste and smell. I suppose it helped prevent a secondary pneumonia, but these lasting side effects are difficult to deal with. I have an appointment with an ear-nose-throat doctor to see if there is anything else going on. I've read that biaxin can cause a secondary yeast infection, which may be the cause of the lingering dimished sense of taste.	F	55	10 days		5/5/2009
2	sinus infection	bloating; light headed; and I am constantly smelling smoke! I am not a smoker nor is anyone in the house. It doesn't matter where I go, I am smelling smoke (like cigarette or cigar). Very annoying!	Biaxin has not completely cured my sinus infection. I am just finishing a 10 day prescription and see my doctor tomorrow. It has helped, but the sinus infection is still there. And again, the smelling of smoke is driving me nuts!	F	55	10 days		2/26/2008
2	Sinusitis	I broke out in hives with terrible itching all over my body including my scalp and face and hands. I had to take prednisone in high dose for 5 days and use atarax and triamcinalone cream to get rid of the hives.	This reaction to biaxin now extremely limits what can be given to me for infection as I am allergic to almost everything.	F	55	7 days		1/9/2006 Email
2	ear throat sinus infection	itching in palms and feet upon waking, skin crawling		F	55	1 days		1/12/2006
1	Bronchitis	Very nauseous for hours after taking; terrible headaches and sleepy feeling; stomach distress; some diarrhea; acid reflux and throwing up a little, however, it was air and bubbles that kept coming up on me with that horrid metal taste.	It did seem to kill off my infection in about 2 days. I'm on day 5 and I'm stopping the drug because I have to go back to work and I can't have these symptoms while I'm trying to work. I can't tolerate the side effects and the taste and smell of it are weird and sickening.	F	55	5 days		11/6/2005
1	sinus infection	It made my heart skip, and I felt disoriented at times, the worst of it was that it caused pain in my lower legs and joint pain toward the end of treatment it started causing my tongue to hurt.	I would not take this drug again. It did help the infection but the scary heart episodes. The leg and joint pain that started just five days short of finishing the antibiotic is still bothering me and continues to give me some scary moments.	F	55	17 days		1/31/2010 Email
1	sinus infection	INTOLERABLE bitter taste in my mouth, and sudden onset of intense, unshakeable depression. I know you're supposed to finish the entire course of an antibiotic, but after 5 days of a 10 day prescription, I'm quitting.	My sinus infection did clear up - but the side effects were awful. I won't take Biaxin ever again.	F	55	5 days		7/31/2005
1	Pneumonia	Social detachment, paranoia, sensitivity to light and sound - even moderately, loss of appetite, sobbing, inability to write fluidly, increased time spent in bed until sundown, torturous nightmares (slept only 20 mins at a time), exacerbated visions of old traumas originally the cause of PTSD, inclination to view iminent death as just a quiet way to end the psychological trauma.	I called my PCP after only 3 days on the Biaxin to say I was experiencing the	F	55	10 days		7/18/2005
1	BRONCHITIS	Awful, gross bitter taste in my mouth after the 1st day of taking biaxin. Short, restless sleep at night.	It seemed to help my bronchitis condition but the constant bitter taste was always on my mind. Kept trying to eat or snack on foods to get rid of the taste but nothing worked. Called doctor to change medication after 2 days.	F	55	2 days		5/24/2005
1	Sinus/fluid in inner ear/cold	Metal taste in mouth, I have never ever in my life experienced something so awful. Not sure why a doctor would give this RX, when the side effects are not good. I was feeling nausea and when I coughed I would gag and almost throw up due to that metal taste. I started the second day/night to have heavy chest, did have bad dreams. My arm left one started to feel funny, so that night I got up I decided this is not good for my system. I was on 2 500mg once a day for seven days. I only did two and flushed the stuff down the toilet. Glad this site is here, the first day after I took this I looked it up and then I knew it was not me it was the pills. Felt light headed, did some silly things.	I am doing the snorting of water/salt now for the sinus cavity and also a neti pot now to keep sinu clear. This drug is not good. Rated Take something else I am feeling the third day MUCH better no heavy chest and as mentioned keeping sinus clear. I still have some metal taste in mouth YUCK I got this on March 5, 2008 Thanks for this web page.	F	55	2 days		3/8/2008
1	bacteria infection	Stomach pains, diarrhea constant( all day and part of the night)ssleppnesness. Tired all the time, bad mood, not feeling social horrible taste in my mouth. Taste buds are weird. Not hungry	I hate it! I cant stand the bad taste in my mouth. Any suggestions?	F	55	30 days		4/12/2009
1	sinus infection	Horrible insomnia, nightmares, really bad metallic taste in my mouth.....awful!!! Dosage: 500mg 2x per day.....this is the 6th day of taking it and I will never take it again--have a call in to the doctor--I refuse to take anymore	will never take it again	F	55	6 days		8/4/2009
1	Bronchitis	Dry mouth and terrible bitter taste starting about the third day on the prescription Woke up often during the night.	I just tossed the last pill of my 7 day run in the trash as I absolutely can't handle the taste. Although this medication worked to clear the infection, I would rather take something maybe less effective for a longer time and avoid the bitter taste. As I write this, it's really annoying.	F	55	7 days		6/10/2009
5	Sunus Infection	Bad taste in mouth; drowsiness, sleepiness in daytime; lethargy; heightened depression symptoms.	2x per day for 10 days; Dr. said I needed something stronger this time. I am under Dr.'s care for depression, so the side effects were confusing - I slept a lot, but it did take care of the infection.	F	54	10 days		5/25/2009
5	Sinus Infection	Thanks for this website. I believe I discovered why I had a great experience with Biaxin 3 years ago and why I am having a horrible taste in my mouth, coated tongue and just unpleasantness this time. I'm using the generic! I'm going back to the pharmacy to exchange--I don't care if it costs more money. Biaxin is the only antibiotic that knocks out a bad sinus infection for me.	Try to avoid generic if you can. I think this is a very good antibiotic, so put up with the effects if you can. They are temporary!	F	54	1.5 days		3/8/2009
5	Immune Deficiency-Chronic Sinusitis	Yes, metallic taste goes with this drug! I alternate it with Bactrim, 2 weeks on each. I have never had any side effects except for the taste.	Most antibiotics will no longer work for me. Biaxin has dramatically improved the quality of my life. Before alternating this drug with Bactrim, I had severe sinus infections constantly!	F	54			10/20/2007
5	couph, chest pain, horseness	Awful bitter taste worse during first couple of nights, but I decided to stick with the medicine and got used to the unpleasant taste.	I was suffering from voice hoarseness, post nasal drip, and later couph, chest pain and shortness of breath for over 6 months. The doctors first treated me for GERD, then for allergies, but the symptoms persisted in spite of the treatments. Finally, I was prescribed Biaxin 500mg twice a day for 10 days. I started feeling better after 3 days on the medication, but my symptoms cleared completely two weeks later. It was a miracle drug for me, since I almost lost hope that I could be cured.	F	54	10 days		12/26/2006
5	Sinus Infection/Post Nasal Drip	Dry eyes,headache,fatigue,gas,bloating,blurred vision body aches,disoriented	Works	M	54	7 days		12/12/2006
4	Post Nasal Drip	I have been taking it for 6 days now, no bad taste in mouth some stomach cramps but not too bad. Slight headache but again not too bad. The toilet and I have become close friends but that seems to come and go. I also seem to have slight pain in my legs but not sure if it is from the Biaxin. I am taking 2 500 mg tablets a day for 14 days	I had constant mucas in my throat the doctor said it was post nasal drip. We tried allergy medicine and a couple different antibiotics done worked. He then prescribed Biaxin after about 3 days I did notice some improvment and now after 6 days things seem to be getting better but not gone. We will see. Also I do have an apointment with a specialist just in case there is another problem that we may not be aware of.	M	54	6 days		11/25/2006
4	Sinus infection	1.5 days into therapy, feeling dizzy, palpitations, metallic taste (tolerable), limbs feel weak and heavy, discomfort in legs during sleep, headache subsiding, but feel general body aches still.	I will keep it up for the full 10 days so I can shake this.	F	54	1.5 days		1/15/2008
3	bronchitis	Strong metallic taste in mouth.		M	54	7 days		9/3/2002
1	bronchitis	I just spent the worst night of my life. I never experience side-effects from any medication an this has been the scariest experience I have had. The first two days were ok, but on the third day, I starting having chest pain, difficulty breathing, metallic taste in my mouth and tongue felt like it was on fire. I was shaky and weak, could not eat and experienced severe diahrrea. The worst effect, because afterall one is not feeling well to begin with, is the insomnia. Even when you finally "fall asleep" you are not really sleeping as you can still feel your surroundings. I'm not sure if I had hallucinations or not, but I was sensitive to light, which seemed to emanate from under my blinds as if an aircraft had just flown close to my window. I know it all sounds strange, but this drug gives off strange effects. I spent most of the night with the phone on the bed in case I had to call 911. I don't know how much longer I will have to cope with this situation. I've stopped the d	I would never, ever take this drug and recommend to others to please, please ask questions first, have a back-up plan.	F	54	3 days		5/19/2007
1	sinus infection & bronchitis	Abdonimal pain, gas, bloating, depression (really severe), dizziness, "spaced out," disconnected feeling, fatigue, unable to concentrate. This drug has really messed up my week--I can't get anything done, just walk around in a daze. And my sinuses & cough aren't all that much better.	This is a horrible drug! Don't take it! I'm sick of these new "wonder" drugs (like Levaquin, even worse than Bioxin) that just make you worse than your illness, and I'm sick of doctors who prescribe them and then don't believe you when you have unbearable side effects. It should be taken off the market.	F	54	4 days		7/8/2007
1	acute sinusitis	metallic taste, intense dry mouth (I need to sip water constantly but it doesn't help much), dry eyes, feeling of being dehydrated	I have taken Biaxin, brand name, several times before and experienced the metallic taste. This time I'm taking the generic and the side effects are more severe.	F	54	3 days		3/9/2006
1	for a sinus infection	Bad bitter taste, all food tasted bad, started diahrrea, then threw up for about 5 hrs. just bitter bile, nothing else. Stool became bloody water. VERY VERY SICK FOR 24 HOURS OR LONGER.	Called the dr. and they said very likely reaction to Biaxin. Not to take anymore! once it got out of my system I am beginning to feel better. Had taken it before with no reactions, except bitter taste(in Feb. 2006)	F	54	4 days		5/16/2006 Email
1	sinus infection, bronchitis	Within 2 hours of first dose, experienced stomach pain, searing headache, horrid taste. By 2cd dose (500 mg/2xdaily) I was lethargic and dizzy. Evening of 3rd dose, heart palpitations, nitemares, hallucinations, anxiety, throat constrictions. I STOPPED taking it. Only helped marginally w/bronchitis. Have asked Dr. for something else less lethal		F	54	2 days		11/13/2007
4	strep throat and conjunctivitis	metallic taste, vivid dreams, lethargy, sadness	although the side effects were unpleasant, I felt it was important to finish the medication as it was making me better.	F	53	7 days		5/22/2009
4	bronchitis	I have experienced loss of taste and smell. Was on RX for 10 days @ 250 mg. 2x/day. It has been about 10 days without taste and smell (at all!) and am hopeful that it returns soon! Worked great to get rid of the bronchitis but am hating the side effects.		F	53	10 days		8/26/2004 Email
2	Sinus and Lung Infection	500 MG twice daily in a 53-year-old male generic version: sulfur or metallic taste was there from the start, and through the treatment. Loose pale stools – diarrhea, stomach pains, cramps – any caffeine would light up the cramps and gas, hunger – but unable to eat regularly, enough gas, to float the Hindenburg – and boy did it stink, always tired – took many naps, no psychological issues, have slept full nights and dreamed, but no nightmares.	I would avoid this one if possible due to the multiple side effects - It would take a life threatening issue to make me take this one again.	M	53	7 days		4/19/2007
2	bronchitis/pneumonia	heart arrhythmia, recurrent and lingering	I have finally tracked down the heart arrhythmias that started over a year ago to Biaxin! I took huge doses for a bad pneumonia for 6 weeks in spring 2004, and shortly thereafter developed a heart arrhythmia (no history, none in family). It went away after 45 days or so, then came back this fall, right after taking Biaxin for 2 weeks. I ended up in the emergency room this time, where they could find no heart problems, but discovered my blood potassium was a bit low--after getting potassium, no more arrhythmia. But it came back very strongly 2 days after starting Biaxin this week for bronchitis. After another two days, I finally made the connection and checked the web. I quit taking it yesterday and took some more potassium (only about 400 mgs), and the arrhythmia quit by this morning! So, I won't be taking Biaxin again (too bad, because it always kills the germs!) If someone has lingering symptoms of arrhythmia or muscule cramping (same mechanism, really) from this drug, t	F	53	4 days		2/18/2006
2	sinus infection	Increasing nausea, dizzy, lightheaded feeling. Extreme tearfulness and inability to concentrate and focus. Depressed mood. Blood pressure was elevated with ringing in my ears. All of this lead to an ER visit where my high blood pressure was treated with clonidine. Within 30 minutes the ear ringing had lessened considerably. I had also developed a severely painful herpetic ulcer deep in my throat and am now being treated for that. The anxiety and psychiatric symptoms are intense and frightening with this drug. I have never experienced a reaction like this with an antibiotic.	I will never take this drug again. I have been off of it now for 2 days and still am exhausted from what I went through.	F	53	6 days		3/23/2009

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Average rating for drug: 2.4. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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