There are 668 ratings for the drug: ZITHROMAX in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for zithromax: 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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5	sinus infection	none whatsoever	worked great for me	F	50	5 days		5/29/2005
5	broncitis	none	on day two i feel as good as new	M	22	5 days		5/28/2005
5	sinus infection	Never had any side effects at all.	Worked great	F	50	5 days		3/28/2005
5	Strep Throat	No Side Affects...always have loved the z-pack!!	My son had it too (he's 17yrs) his Dr gave him amoxicillian..which I think is one of the useless antibiotics on the market today.	F	46	5 days		3/7/2005
5	Sinus Infection	Minimal stomach pain. Mininmal Diarrea.	VERY effective and almost no side effects. Probably the best antibiotic I have ever had the option of taking. I wish they were all this nice.	M	35	5 days		2/25/2005
5	Strep Throat	No Side effects	Did it's job	M	21	5 days		2/23/2005
5	pneumonia	stomache upset	great stuff. stopped a nasty case of pneumonia in a few days	M	38	1 weeks		2/9/2005
5	strep throat	it was amazing. i took the first dose in the afternoon and by the next morning i felt as though i never had any strep throat problems. i experienced no side effects.		M	25	5 days		1/30/2005
5	cold that made sinus infection	I didn't notice any, but I tolerate antibiotics well	I love this medicine because it works so fast, and only takes three doses. It's great for sinus colds.	F	43	3 days		12/15/2004
5				M	39	5 days		11/24/2004
5	Strep throat	Loose stools	No pain associated with swallowing after the firts day	M	39	5 days		11/17/2004
5	Strep Throat	None	Best thing since slice bread! Cure for the lazy man. Take one pill a day for three days and you are done. Usually feel better within 6-10 hours from first dose.	M	29	3 days		11/8/2004
5	bronchitis	No side effects for me.	Every time I get bronchitis (about 3 times a year) I take this. It works wonders for me. It eases the pain in my chest about 12 hours after the initial dose. After the second dose, the pain is almost gone in my chest. ER Dr. wanted to argue not to take anything for bronchitis, said it was a viral thing. I told him, without Zithromax, I will be in the hospital with pneumonia. He wrote it reluctantly. And now I am WELL! Maybe I should stop by the ER and show him how much better I can breathe!	F	33	5 days		9/6/2004
5	sinus and chest infection	none	I am allergic to a number of antibiodics. I have taken this several times with no ill effects.	F	70	5 days		10/30/2003
5	strep throat infection	mild diarrhea and brief stomach pains within an hour of taking it. No other side effects.	Overall, I was pleased with the drug. Taking 6 pills in 5 days is much better than 20 pills in 10 days! And I did feel better within the first 24 hours.	F	32	5 days		7/30/2002
5	sinus infection	skin sensitivity	Very effective to clear sinus blockage while taking the drug. Symptoms reappeared shortly after I stopped taking it.	M	34	6 days		6/21/2002
5	Sinus infection/Bronchitis			F	22	4 days		5/2/2002
5	throat infection	none	symptoms cured within a couple of days.	F	34			12/29/2000
4	yes	i had mild stomach pain and some problems with going back and forth to the bathroom but over all these went away after taking the 2nd dose after the 2nd does i proceeded to get better i think the drug is great it		F	16	5 days 250mg 1X D		8/24/2010
4	Sinus Infection	Adult acne was the only side effect	After reading several comments about Zithromax on this site I opted to pay extra for the brand drug over the generic. I had no side effects other than a case of adult acne on my forehead that took me three months to figure out the cause (I took Amoxicillin recently and had the same acne problem).	M	44	5 days 500mg 1X D		7/27/2010
4	bacterial throat infection	OMG ITCH..and mouth sores	Drink plenty of water, but explosive diahrea and an itch and soreness	F	68	5 days 250 1X D		5/31/2010 Email
4	Ear infection	Diahrea/lethargy....increased appetite..has anyone else experience increse in appetite???	HAS ANYONE EXPERIENCE INCRESE IN APPETITE??	F	26	5 days 500 mg 1X D		5/23/2010 Email
4	Bronchitis	None so far	Its been over 24 hours since the first dose and I was expecting to have horrible side effects as described by other users but I have not even had any stomach discomfort. I did have a horrible anxiety attack after taking it last night but I suspect it was generated by my fears of taking this medication. One thing I don't like about this medication is the length that it stays in your system, and the relatively long half life. I'm not on a high doseage but someone taking 500mg each day might have horrible side effects due to the addition of more medication.	F	20	3 days 200 1X D		5/22/2010
4	Low grade fever/sinus infection	Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, loss of appetite, brain fog	I had a low grade fever. It worked immediately, after the first dose, I was already better the next day. However, this medicine gave me diarrhea, not bad, but still annoying. I had a major loss of appetite; I had to force myself to eat meals, because I am not hungry what so ever. I lost about 5 pounds this week. And about 2 hours after taking the medicine, I would get horrible, terrible abdominal pain for about an hour, but then it would go away. I would say this medicine certainly does a number on your stomach, so take alot of food with it. Otherwise, it did get rid of my fever.	F	19	5 days 250 1X D		5/17/2010
4	Bronchial Infection	anxiousness, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite	Had a sore throat for two weeks and a cough that followed, for about a month. Didn't have insurance, so I dragged my feet when it came to seeing a doctor. The cough got worse so I saw one, and he prescibed me a z pak. On the first two days, I experienced mild diarrhea and anxiousness. Reading the reviews on this site and others probably added to the anxiousness. The first night's sleep was very vivid and weird. I think that's because I took two pills that day. By day 3, I started feeling much better, and started coughing up all the mucus that was making me cough. I vomited in the morning a few times, but it wasn't substantial and mostly had to do with my coughing. I highly recommend taking a pro biotic 2 hours after taking a z pak pill, because the antibiotic gets rid of the good bacteria you need to digest things properly. It could help prevent stomach pains and diarrhea. Also, eat yogurt regularly. Especially AFTER you're done with the z pak cycle, to help get your digestive system back to normal. At least for the first week after your cycle. I also highly suggest chamomile tea for the anxiety, it helped me. Good luck to those taking the medicine, it was definitely frustrating to get used to but I felt much better after.	M	23	5 days 250 mg 1X D		5/17/2010
4	Inner ear infection	I had some extremely intense stomach pains the first day of taking the medicine, but after taking a nap for a few hours, they went away.	After having to be rushed to the ER from a horrible reaction to another medication I am thankful for my z-pak. Sure I had some bad stomach pains for a few hours but they were absolutely NOTHING compared to the effects from the other medication. Also, the inner ear infection that was causing dizziness/ severe headaches for 3 weeks is now gone! WOOHOO! (the doctor at my University is a moron and couldn't figure out what was wrong with me and just put me on some random medicine she hoped would work so I got stuck with the ear infection for weeks + the worst pain of my life from the other medicine). I would take zithromax again in a heartbeat!!!	F	19	5 days 1X O		5/14/2010
4	Ear Infection		Update: It has now been a week since I was put on one large dose of generic Zithromax. I still have had no negative side effects beyond what I shared earlier.	F	32	2500 mg 1X D		4/19/2010 Email History
4	infection			F	25	5 days 30 1X D		4/13/2010
4	infected tooth	diarrhea, muscle pains, weakness, flu like symptoms, tiredness	I was originally on Amoxicillin but switched to azithromycin because of stomach issues. At first, my stomach was okay, but after three days, the pains started. I am now taking acicopholus. I feel so sick from this medication. But it did make my toothache go away.	F	39	3 days 250 mg 1X D		4/7/2010
4	Sinus Infection	Some stomach cramping/bloating, totally lost my appetite!	Well, it gets rid of the sinus infection, but it effs up my appetite.	F	25	5 days 1X D		3/15/2010
4	sinus infection	Anxiety/panic, loss of appetite, moderate stomach pain	When I took the 2nd dose of this drug I had panic attack after panic attack. My anxiety was 100 times worse. I thought I was crazy until I read other comments. I don't have an appetite and after the 4th dose I have moderate stomach pains. However, it did clear up the sinus infection.	F	31	5 days 250MG 1X D		3/1/2010
4	sinus infection	Nightmares, awakening in the middle of the night	I initially began taking Ceflex and had an allergic reaction complete with hives and rash. I discontinued immediately and switched to Zithromax. I've taken it many times with very few problems - no dizziness or gastro issues like many report. However, I've awakened twice from heart-pounding nightmares and every night since beginning the dosage, I awaken around 3am and can't go back to sleep. While this sounds life disturbing (and it is), I got relief in only 2 hours from facial pain that was so severe, I couldn't chew. ALL drugs have side effects. I think it's a matter of finding the one that has the fewest for you. We're all different and there is no way one antibiotic will work for everyone.	F	55	5 days 30 mg 1X D		2/23/2010
4	dental infection	dizziness,headaches,tired feeling and some stomache cramps the normal side effects u should have with this medicine i took 2 whole 5 packs of the zithromax cuz my infection wasnt completely gone after the first 5 dosage. so extended 4 more pills.	i dont understand all this bad stuff zithromax has always helped me the only thing i had going on is aniexty, feeling tired, headaches contisouly that lasted up to 15 min. out thru the day, and some dizzy spells. but all that is normal for this med. it has always helped in the long run. sorry for who those have didnt think so.	F	20	1 weeks 250mg p 1X D		2/12/2010 Email
4	sinus infection	terrible gas pains but the medicine seems to be working.		F	54	3 days 1X D		2/10/2010
4	Chronic Sinusitis	Abdominal Pain, weird dream, headache	This was actually really helpful. The first day was the only bad day I had and it was because it was double the dose and I did not eat much with the pills. After reading these forums, i was really scared to keep taking them, but this is the ONLY drug that has cleared up my sinusitis. I was amazed that it worked!	M	18	5 days		1/28/2010
4	Pneumonia/Strep Throat	moderate stomach pain that subsided. some moderate dizziness that also subsided.	it cleared up these concommitant bacterial infections, it worked.	F	40	5 days		1/22/2010
4	taking it for ear infection/sinus	I am taking the zpack for a middle ear infection and also have a sinus infection. i have also noticed in the past it really helps my pimples. i am not sure what the difference in the drugs are but for some reason my system handles the kind from cvs, VERY well, but when I try to take it from walgreens I can't stand it, and it just seems way to harsh. Although it helps every single time. YOU yourself, need to decide if your going to take it or not. do you really think a lot of people will come here and say it worked great? of course not! this place is really gonna scare people out of taking medicine they need. Don't read the side effects until you think youve had them. most people tolerate this drug well.		F	27	5 days		12/22/2009 Email
4	sinus infection/bronchitis	trouble sleeping	DO NOT TAKE THE GENERIC!!!! I've taken this in the past and had been fine. Two years ago I took the generic and had horrible stomach pains for 24 hours and did not finish the dose. I got a really bad sinus/ bronchitis infection and was perscribed the zpac again recently. I had reservations about it but I did some research and found that generic drugs have different effects on the body. Generic drugs may have the same active ingredients, but are not time released or absorbed in the blood stream the same way as the name brand. There are also different buffer ingredients and they are not tested the same. There is an artcle on people's pharmacy.com that you should read, they also have over 1200 stories of patients that have had horror stories about generic drugs. I have a very sensitive stomach with IBS and I didn't have any problems with the name brand of this drug. Just take it with a meal.	F	31	5 days		12/17/2009
4	Respriatory Infection	Brain fog and constant headache	This is the first time I have taken this medication. I am very sensitive to all sorts of drugs and I am pretty satisfied so far. I have had wierd brain fog and a medium headache constantly that I have been dealing with. I am taking a probiotic with this so may have helped with stomach issues since I have had none yet but this is only my third day on a five day pack. It has helped my infection but I am just feeling the effects today on the third day. I have heard this stays in your system and works up to two weeks after your finished with the pills. I would take it again unless worse symptoms appear.	F	38	5 days		12/13/2009
4	Bronchitis	Dizzy; Nausea; Diarrhea; Racing heart; strange taste in mouth; loss of appetite; nighttime panicky thoughts	Add me to the chorus of those who are relieved I'm not dying/going crazy. I had an extremely uncomfortable episode yesterday after exerting myself slightly after a week in bed. I got a gripping head pain across the back, a wave of strong nausea and anxiety. It passed after about an hour, but I'm still nauseous, and slightly dizzy. Also have an unpleasant odd taste in mouth reminiscent of cooked onions that won't go away. And I haven't eaten any onions. Gross. Diarrhea pretty bad - stomach ravaged. I am taking high-end probiotics too. On the plus side, I will say that my violent cough is slowly improving and my week long fever went away after the first dose.	F	49	4 days		12/7/2009
4	sinus infection	none	Took the brand NOT generic and also took probiotic Culturelle and ate yogurt while taking it. Two years ago I took a generic form of a different antibiotic and had similar side effects that have been posted here, lack of appetite, diarreah,weight loss, severe anxiety, fatiguefelt like I was poisoned. It took 18 months to feel better. I had never had a reaction to any med before. I strongly believe it was from a generic drug. My suggestions never take a generic drug and always take probiotics with antibiotics.	F	56	5 days		11/28/2009
4	Mycoplasma (walking pnuemonia)	Stomach pain (always eat a small snack if this happens), fatigue.	Works great, and you only have to take it for 5 days.	F	22	5 days		11/26/2009
4	For MAC/ NTM lung infection	I experiended a lot of the same side effects, especially severe cramps, that people have listed until I started taking Jarro-dopphilus (a probiotic) twice a day. I have to stay on a 500 mg dose of zithromax every day for the next 2 years(!) for this mycobacterium infection but with the probiotics I have no side effects. Absolutely none. And the lung infection shows that it's almost cleared up on my chest CTs. You have to continue with 500mg dose at least one year after no sign of infection to make sure it doesn't come back. This is a non-communicable form of TB like organism and you don't want to get this if you can help it.	Make sure to take it with a strong probiotic like Jarro-dophilus.	F	65	180 days		11/7/2009
4	Swine Flu Pneumonia	Ok, I gave it a 4 because I am getting over the Swine (H1N1) pneumonia because of the generic z-pack made in isreal. I am happy to have the medication, and believe it probably saved my life!!!! HOWEVER, I have had more anxiety and this strange pressure around my eyes with an odd blurred vision problem. I have sweats and dizziness. I have one more day to take this medicine...tomorrow and I hope I make it.	On day 4 - I have to take it one more day. I am thankful that it probably saved my life by helping me get over pneumonia but man, it has not been easy.	F	41	4 days		10/25/2009
4	Strep throat and bronchitis	Heavy gas after taking it. On day 6, received an allergic reaction (Rash all over chest and back).Helped by lanacaine and yougurt? Previous antibiotics for ths problem and pneumonia never bothered me	I will ask my Dr to go back to amoxycillin when I have these problems again	M	77	5 days		10/19/2009
4	upper resp. infection	On the first day I had some sharp pains in my stomache. They were severe for about 20 minutes. I also had a little diarrhea.	The side effects I had were much better then the illness I was experiencing. I am allergic to omoxycillin and therefore have taken many z-packs in the past. I am overall satisfied with the product	F	23	5 days		8/29/2009
4	mumps	mild diarrhea, stomach cramps	I was diagnosed with the mumps caused by a bacterial infection. The doctor originally prescribed Augmentin but it made me extremely sick to my stomach (nausea, stomach cramps, gas, the worst case of diarrhea ever). I could only stand the side effects 2 days before I called the doctor back and asked for something else. He prescribed azithromycin this time. While I do have some of the same symptoms as I did on the Augmentin, they are much milder and more tolerable.	F	32	4 days		5/17/2009
4	sinusitis/ear infections	Mild stomach upset & diahreea. Slight increase to my normal back pain. Seems to have cleared out the sinus/ear infection very quickly. 3-dayy zpak.	I typically experience really really severe stomach cramps with Emycin - so was worried about taking this drug. It did cause mild stomach upset & diahreea, but nothing terrible. I also did experience an increase to my normal back/hip pain, but nothing unmanageable. So though I totally believe everyone who has had horrible side effects from this drug (as I have from other antibiotics -namely Keflex), some people can apparently take this drug without terrible problems. Happily, hopefully, I'm one of them.	F	48	3 days		5/4/2009
4	Pneumonia	Stomach upset, gas, promotion of GERD problems such as acid reflux, and because of bloating and stomach pain - and increase in breathlessness and overall shallowness of breath which made the pneumonia worse at times.	You have to weigh pain on pain. If taking the drug is worse than the problem it is solving then stop - find another way. That being said pneumonia is just one of those long, dragging, miserable illnesses that just goes on forever and ever. Weeks and weeks go by and it just takes forever to go away. Zithromax helps by targeting the rather unique micro-organisms (that are not bacteria). How can this not help you? It shortens the duration of pneumonia for most people - but there is a price. Everything has a price. For me, it is upsetting other GI problems I have and it is painful at times. It is even making breathing worse at times because my stomach is pressing up against my diaphragm due to bloating and this is making the breathing harder. But I would rather suffer a few days with this with the possibility that the pneumonia could be wiped out. Theres a reason why people have a strong reaction to the word "pneumonia" - it sucks plain and simple. Zithromax seems to be helping.	M	32	5 days		4/24/2009
4	Possible sinus infection	Mild nausea on the first day, minor fatigue	I had the generic z-pack. The side effects were VERY mild, and it did seem to help what was only a "possible" sinus infection. I'm usually very sensitive to medication, and don't have the strongest stomach, but my side effects were minimal. I'm astounded at all the horror stories listed here! I'm glad I didn't read them BEFORE taking the z-pack!	M	32	5 days		4/22/2009
4	strep throat	Might be experiencing mild headaches due to z-pak, but maybe it's because my throat hurts so bad I haven't been able to eat or sleep very much. Other than the tolerable head ache, no other side effects noticed.	Just took 2nd dose 4 hours ago. Throat still hurts like heck and neck is still sore, but I think the uvula and tonsil swelling is starting to get a little smaller. Neck glands are still sore too.	F	40	2 days		1/26/2009
4	bronchitis and sinus infection	none	Currently taking the 6 tablets x 250mg that is taken over a 5 day period. Took 2 tablets, as directed, the first evening, and slept for most of the next day...which could have been due to the drug or just the fact that I needed the extra rest. Symptoms are much improved, and I will finish taking the balance of the Rx.	F	55	3 days		11/23/2008
4	flu turned into pneumonia	I am feeling better after 24 hours. I have bad reactions from Bactrim and know that Zithro is in the same drug family. I am hoping day 2, 3,4 and 5 are ok. so far, so good. no diarrhea yet, but I do feel a bit jumpy and wakeful. I am happy to be losing this pneumonia .	I haven't taken any antibiotics for 8 years. I usually use vitamins and homeopathy but I picked up this bug while in the hospital with my husband who had ruptured appendix. It took 2 weeks to incubate and I fought it for a week until it was evident the green crap from my lungs and pain on coughing and fever was coming back again	F	58	2 days		11/5/2008 Email
4	lyme disease and other infections	Never had a problem with it. Took it for 35 days straight and as long as I took probiotics, my stomach was okay. Did not cause any mental problems or headaches, like doxy did. While it helped my lyme, it unfortunately did not cure me.		F	38	35 days		10/20/2008
4	sinus Infection	Burning,swollen,painfull lips.	satisfied with the way it cleared my infection quite rapidly,noticed improvement within 2 days	F	39	5 days		8/24/2008
4	Bronchitis	racing heart, insomnia, thirst, frequent urination	yesterday i finished a Z-pack (azithromycin) 3-day treatment. my heart started racing about 24 hours after finishing the treatment. 12 hours more, and it's 4am and i'm searching the web to see if others have experienced similar symptoms. thanks to others who shared their experiences so i know i'm not alone.	F	34	3 days		8/7/2008
4	Pnumonia / Bronchitis	No side effects what so ever!	It had no side effects, and was very easy to swollow, however didn't completely kill the bacteria in lungs. Definently made an improvement, but didn't kill it. Doctor may recommend Biaxin, read my article on that too. =)	M	15	5 days		7/23/2008 Email
4	Sinus and Chest congestion	Fatigue, nervousness, thought changes, altered mental state, sleeplessness, depression, stomach pain.	This drug works extremely well on the bug but can put the host through the wringer. 1 % experienced severe reaction in trials including anaphylaxis and a few deaths have been related to its use.The only thing I can think of that may predispose a person to this sensitivity is a previous reaction to penicillin, allergy to mold or mold products (ie. penicillin). I take allergy shots for mold and tried penicillin last year for the first time, was weak and shaky, dizzy for 2 days and finally vomited on the 3rd day, had to stop taking it. I had a definite and significant change in mood 24 hours after starting the regimen that I can only attribute to this drug. Had a very difficult time concentrating for work and even reading, very common words did not seem familiar, had to really concentrate. Physical symptoms included joint pain from very old hockey injuries (13 years old, knee, patella and I am now 45). I last had pain from these when I was in my very early 20's. It was arduous to contin	M	45	5 days		7/11/2008
4	Pneumonia	Overall was very pleased with the effectiveness of Zithromax, but after last dose (5th day) experienced side effects.	After 5th day (last dose) I broke out in hot, itchy welts on my thighs, and was tired and ached overall. Welts lasted about 3 days, and then began to feel more "normal."	F	45	5 days		6/17/2008
4	Acne	None. My facial skin was dry and itchy, but I believe that this was caused by a facial cream prescription (Benzaclin) to be used with Azithromycin.	I was on this medication for cystic acne (600mg), as a last step before Accutane. It worked fine for clearing up my skin, but after 4 months, acne returned. Rather than try another dose, I'm opting for Accutane.	F	26	4 months		3/31/2008
4	Strep Throat	Took the five-day Z-Pak. Diarrhea, but not intolerable. I have an itchy rash, but I had a rash with the strep. I can't tell if the rash is still from strep, or if it's from the Z-Pak. Joint pain in my knees and burning leg muscles. I can't think of what else would cause this, so I'm blaming the Z-Pak. Tonight I take my last dose.	Worked like magic on strep. I think I would ask for an alternative antibiotic in the future, but I'm allergic to Sulpha and Amoxicillian, so I think I'm running out of options.	F	33	5 days		2/5/2008
4	sinus infection	Started with 1000mg/week taken all at once. Skull-crushing headache for the first 2 days. Physical anxiety symptoms (increased heart rate and blood pressure, palpitations, sweats, cold hands and feet) but not psychological. I feel calm, almost sedated. Feel feverish at times but temperature is normal. Foggy head. Decreased appetite. Increased thirst. Second week I changed to taking 250mg every other day. No more headaches. Still some anxiety and chills but not as bad. No digestive problems but I take probiotics so I think that helps.	I get frequent sinus infections and am usuall prescribed Augmentin. It works but takes 3-4 weeks' worth and symptoms take a week or more to improve. With azithromycin my sinus infection seems to have cleared up within the first few days. Noticeably improved sense of smell and easier breathing through my nose.	F	45	14 days		1/19/2008
4	Pneumonia	Extreme nausea, vomiting, explosive diarrhea. Stomach cramps.	Did the trick in stopping the pneumonia; was great to breathe full again! But the nausea and vomiting are absolutely horrific. Couldn't eat for five days.	M	44	5 days		1/19/2008
4	sinus infection	nausea, dizziness, hot flashes	I have taken this many times for sinus infections. It works quickly and effectively cured me every time. However on the 4th and 5th day I get the symptoms of nausea, dizziness, and hot flashes usually in the evenings, severe enough that I nearly pass out.	F	23	5 days		1/14/2008
4	Sinus Infection	Thirty minutes after taking the first pill I experienced a "pins and needles" feeling in my stomach which subsided after about and hour. On days 2 and 3 I also had the "pins and needles" feeling after taking the pill. Would have moments where I felt swimmy-headed, but the feeling never lasted long, maybe three minutes at a time. I did have diarrhea several times while I was taking the Z-Pak, but this could have been from something I ate. After completing all 5 days of the Z-Pak I woke up in the middle of the night soaked in a cold sweat. I had to change my clothes and flip my pillows over. I noticed my chest and neck beginning to break out. It is now 5 days since I finished the medication and I have a pimply rash all over my neck and chest which seems to be getting better. Other than that, I feel fine.	The side effects were not a huge deal, but I will let my doctor know about them if I ever need an antibiotic again. There are so many alternatives. I would not want to take Zithromax again, just incase my pains, diarrhea, rash, and swimmy-headed feelings were all caused from taking the Z-Pak.	F	30	5 days		1/12/2008
4	Ear - upper respitory infection	Two days after finishing the Z-pack, painful red lumps appeared on hands, fingers and mouth interior, including tongue. Twenty minutes after taking each dose - I had to RUN to the toilet. Explosive doo-doo ensued. On the last day of the pack, I had an upset stomach for about three hours after clearing my bowels (and that end of the house). Other than the rash, it seems to be working quite well. However, the rash is a sign of an allergic reaction and my doctor banned it for future use on me.	Zithromax is a powerful medicine and works well. Care should be taken to monitor your body's reaction to it. You should expect SOMETHING to happen, like the loose stool, but if unusual stuff crops up, notify your doc as soon as possible. From what I understand (I am NOT an expert or even in healthcare), allergic reactions can pop up days after you finish the medicine - it is still in the bloodstream several days later doing its job.	M	39	6 days		12/17/2007 Email
4	Strep Throat	Nausea, strange thoughts/dreams	I am glad you have this website so I can see how other people are reacting. Right now the side effects seem tolerable. I do remember taking this antibiotic years ago and not having any mememorable problems, so maybe it is harder on your body when you are older. Or maybe you just don't relate what is going on in your head to a drug. I took Cipro a few months ago, and had very strange thoughts/anxiety. I am just going to not get sick anymore!!	F	45	3 days		12/2/2007
4	lyme disease/bartonella	abdominal cramping/mild pain, loose stools. some anxiety. i take this 2 days a week.	while i have had some (tolerable) side effects from zithromax, my 13 year old daughter took it for 5 days last month for strep throat, and reported NO side effects, even from taking it on an empty stomach. i guess when you are younger you can handle these things better :-)	F	50	2 months		11/17/2007
4	sinus infection	little stomach sensitivity, little tired.	This is my 2nd time using this drug. The first time was awesome, the magic bullet. I am on day 2 and much slower recovery/results. I am eating yogart to help restore my digestive tract.	M	39	5 days		10/9/2007
4	GENERIC	Stomach cramps and diarreha 30-40 minutes post dose (common). EXTREME extremity itching once antibiotic course was finished (ears, fingers, ankles, face and genitals).	Some research on generics in general leads me to believe that some of the fillers used inthe generic vs. the branded medications have this very common itching side effect. I have taken the Z-pak 4 or 5 times (branded) and never had this side effect. It is brutual itching	M	35	5 days		8/22/2007
4	Strep Throat	I took a 3 day regimen, two 250mg tablets by mouth once a day for 3 days. My throat felt better on day 3, all pain gone on day 4 but today is day 5, two days OFF and I have broken out into a horrible rash all over my neck, chin and chest and upper back/neck. So, I was pleased with the relief from the strep but now I got another problem. I have taken Benedryl, I hope that helps!!		F	35	3 days		7/26/2007 Email
4	Sinus Infection	None -- while taking the medication	One week after finishing a five-day perscription of Zithromax I experienced vaginal bloody discharge.	F	46	5 days		7/8/2007
4	Bladder infection	I've taken zithromax 3 times and each time I get severe stomach cramping and diarrhea about 2-3 hours after the first dose. This last time I was given just 4 pills to take and a shot of antibiotics - and this time was the worst. 2 days later and I still have an upset stomach... UGH!!!	I have to say it does work though!	F	35	1 days		6/14/2007
4	Sinusitis	Fatigue. I just didn't want to move or get out of bed while on the drug; it was a bit hard to figure out that this was an effect of the medication rather than the sinusitis. Otherwise I was fine.	I took this drug (generic azithro 500 mg bid) to get rid of an 2+ week old sinus infection that did not clear with decongestants and antihistamines. The drug made a substantial difference within 2 days. I'm a physician and needed to return to work, and the tiredness was just excessive, so I stopped the drug after 48-72 hours. The infection did not return. I would take this drug again if I needed to kill off an infection. I don't expect to feel good all the time. If a drug is making me healthy in a particular way, it's up to me to weigh that benefit against the cost of side effects.	M	45	2 days		6/13/2007
4	strep throat; sinus infection	None, so far	I started taking the 5 day z-pack yesterday (2 pills 1st day), and today I already feel much better. Yesterday, my throat was so sore I could hardly swallow. Today there is no pain.	F	40	2 days		6/5/2007
4	Sinus Infection	Fatigue - but this is most likely due to the sinus infection itself, not the drug.	It amazes me that people think that drugs should be taken off the market because they had side effects from it. ALL DRUGS come with side effects. It is up to YOU, the CONSUMER to consider the benefits vs risks and make an informed choice as to whether or not you want to take the med. There will NEVER be a SIDE-EFFECT-FREE drug, people. Antibiotics save lives. And for heavens sake dont just stop taking them mid-course. That's what is creating all these drug-resistant strains of bacteria.	F	37	5 days		6/1/2007
4	Severe sinus infection	Extremely effective, but anxiety.	I get severe sinus infections every year or two. Other antibiotics never clear them up, and they progress to where they are quite painful and approaching the life threatening stage. Zithromax knocks them out great, it's very effective. Like others, I am experiencing heightened anxiety... while it's really unpleasant, I can't complain too much - the pain is gone, the sinus infection is clearing up, and the anxiety will pass. Oh, also like others I'm dealing with the GI issues with a lot of yogurt (which I make at home anyway).	M	37	5 days		4/19/2007
4	sinus infection	I took the first two pills just today and it started out working very nicely. I felt considerably better after just a couple hours. Right now, however, I'm experiencing so much emotional distress. I'm starting to feel really paranoid and scared. My heart has started to beat irregularly. It's a really scary feeling.	It did the job on my sinus infection. However, the side effects have become rather difficult to handle.	F	17	5 days		4/13/2007
4	Sinus Infection	Have taken two doses of 5-day dose so far, and have experienced gas and constant diarrhea, along with constant ringing in the ears. I have taken this medication before, but never had severe side effects as I am now. I know they say that generic is no different from brand name, but I never had these problems when I took the brand name.	Don't know how I'm going to go to work with this constant diarrhea!	F	44	5 days		3/6/2007
4	earache	bright green stool		M	3	5 days		3/1/2007
4	ear/sinus infection	After first dose of two pills, two hours later had a weird chest feeling. Irregular heart beat and lower heart rate for 5 days. Some diareaha, but inconsistant.	After the first doese, called the office and the nurses said to keep an eye on things and drink fluids. Contiue to take it, but stop if it gets worse. Ear ache and swollen glands have gone away, but still have unusual chest feeling, especialy while resting. Am taking Zoloft, but Doc said ok to combine. Although I've read zpack not good with antidepressants. Feeling better, but hope chest feeling is not permanant. Will follow up with doctor if continues for few more days. Zpack has 68 hour half life.(2.5 days to get out of your system) Would only take again if I really really had to, Alergic to penicillin/amoxicillian and get rash... However, zpak only dry skin and tiny redness around neck.	M	36	5 days		2/21/2007
4	Walking Pneumonia	Extreme drowniness, and in a "daze"	It got rid of simptoms by day 2, however, cough is still present.	F	18	5 days		1/31/2007
4	Bronchitis	None, so far.	Seems to have improved my condition 24 hours after first dose....	F	17	5 days		1/17/2007
4	sinus infection	stomach pains, cramping, nausia, dehydration for all 5 days that I took it, and on the second night of taking the medicine, I felt very out of my mind as if I were hallucinating.	My infection cleared up, but it's not something I would take again. Too many side effects for me.	F	24	5 days		1/6/2007 Email
4	Chlamydia	The worst diarrhea ever for about 2 hours. It calms down and flairs back up. My stomach is now in knots.	My doctor prescribed Zithromax for the common bacterial infection. She said to take 2 pills immediatly and then 2 hours later take one more and one more 2 hours after that. I forgot the time frame and ended up taking all four at one time. I think that is why my stomach is killing me. But the one day dose is very convienant and i would recomend it to anyone who can do it. If you are given the 4 pills in one dose, definatly do the timed intervals, it will be easier on your stomach	F	23	1 days		12/16/2006 Email
4	throat infection-- maybe strep	intestinal cramping and diarrhea beginning 1-3 hours after taking on empty stomache.	Swollen neck glands began subsiding within 12 hours after taking first dose. Felt back to normal by the time I took the 4th dose. I took my first, 2-tablet dose on an empty stomache 5:30 PM, 1/2 hour before dinner. Starting 45 minutes after the meal, I experienced bouts of diarrhea that went on all evening. I had been feeling run down for 3 weeks, so I did not connect it to the medicine. Took next dose 9AM on an empty stomache, ate 1/2 hour later. Intestinal cramping began 3 hours later, finally culminating in diarrhea 6 hours later; intestinal "irritation" continued until 13 hours after dose. Did a little internet research, learned it stimulates gut motility. Decided to dilute the medicine by taking the next dose on a full stomache. No problems with 3rd dose.	F	42	5 days		12/4/2006
4	Sinus infection/bronchitis	A little nausea but that is all.	I felt better the 2nd day but still have tooth pain and it's been about 12 days now...	F	24	5 days		9/24/2006
4	Cellulitis	Took the 3-Pak treatment. About the 3rd day, felt like I had the flu...feeling like crap, run down, mild sweats and always sleepy. Occasionally had slight abdominal pain. This went on for 3 or 4 days. Weird thing was that I didn't have a temperature.	Took this in conjunction with Bactroban. So I'm not entirely sure it was just the Zithromax. Also, I expected some diarrhea...nothing...as a matter a fact, my dumps were pretty healthy size. Infection stopped spreading and began clearing up. Overall I'm satisfied.	M	45	3 days		9/2/2006
4	dental infection	While taking the medicine I had some abnormal bowel movements which isn't unusual for any antibiotic but by day 5 I had developed an acne like rash on my face and neck which lasted @ 2 weeks, and also by day 5 an ache in my right hand that has developed into a persistant, unpleasent, and miserable pain: pinching, burning, itchy, needlepoint pain in fingers and palm, gripping is nearly impossible, even 4 weeks later.	I feel the drug works good to treat the infection it was prescribed for but an acne rash and horrible hand pain seem like odd side effects from an antibiotic	F	34	5 days		8/18/2006 Email
4	sinus infection	really bad stomach pains, then get sweaty and crap my brains out. It is a horrible feeling. I am pregnant, so it made me worry about the health risks for my baby. But they say it is safe.	My congestion and cough started clearing up the first day of taking the med.	F	26	5 days		8/9/2006
4	sinusitus	First day, good bowel movement. Next 4days, constipation. But each day, tremendous fatique. First time in one year and 9 months I had to call in sick. Too tired for my demanding sales job. Some agitation also. The medicine, combined with Nasonex, has made me feel as if I am well. Nasal congestin cleared immediately but still sound, when speaking, as if I am stuffed up. The overwhelming fatique, has been the only problem I can't handle well, but I only have one more day to be on this med. Feel as if I cannot even think straight. Unusual for this gal, who is seldom ever sick with anything.		F	65	4 days		7/8/2006
4	bronchitis	Had 1 bigtime run and hour after taking and thats it	MD gave me new oral zithromax, powder in plastic bottle and add 1/4 c water then drink the whole thing in one shot. Yucky fruity taste. 1 hour later, I have one big run and thats the only side effect. This one shot deal is supposed to last 10 days. Felt better after 3rd day, then seem to have some sort of relapse on 7th day. Cough, fatigue, pain.	F	71	1 days		5/30/2006 Email
4	bronchitis	Abdominal pain/loose, green stool after first dose. Moderate lethargy.	Symptoms started to clear up after second day. All in all I am pleased so far.	M	41	5 days		3/16/2006
4	Sinus Infection	Continuous headache - no meds have helped my headache. Skin itching mildy on first day ... 2nd day, I want to rip my skin OFF! Very dehydrated, too.	I'm taking a generic version & this could be the reason for my reactions. I took Zithromax 4 months ago & didn't have any problems. But, this generic started working almost instantly - so that's good! I'm taking a 3-day dose ... one more day!! Woo-Hoo!	F	28	2 days		1/24/2006
4	Urinary Tract Infection	My UTIs tend to be stubborn to treat (and sometimes progress to kidney infection), and although Zithro isn't usually proscribed for this, it works really great. The Z-pack.	I've had zithro before without any side effects at all. I also have no allergies. This time (after the third dose) I ended up in the ER with a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, tingling in my fingers, tight throat, and a strong feeling I was going to pass out. The doctors there said I was NOT having an allergic reaction, although I MAY be having some side effects from the zithro because I also took some period pain medication that contained aspirin, acetomeniphine and caffeine in it. Apparently caffeine and zithro doesn't mix so well for some people (not on warning label). They refused to give me an alternate antibiotic, so I'm still taking zithro (unless I want a serious kidney infection), and I'm feeling ok. Upon doing more research I learned some things. Zithro is known to cause anxiety attacks in some people (same symptoms as described above). I'm a really mellow person who's life is going extremely well right now, so there is no reason for such an attack except	F	29	5 days		12/15/2005
4	Bronchitis	Wow, umm lets just say that I have never had so much loose stool in my entire life...and I am lactose intolerant!	It did make the pain in my chest from the bronchitis go away, but the diarreah was horrible.	F	16	5 days		12/11/2005
4	sinusitis	Moderate stomach pain that sometimes persisted or returned in milder form hours later.	Give the drug time to work. I was actually worse the morning after starting the drug. Fever began to diminish in 24 hours, though, and in a few days I was much better. For me, stomach side effects were less severe (though more persistent) than with erythromycin. Taking food with the drug helps a great deal. Dairy products seem especially soothing. Try ice cream.	M	50	5 days		11/21/2005
4	Pneumonia	Sharp stomach pains that were most severe on the first day. Red, dime sized circles all over shins that feel like bruises; the rash has a minimal itch, mostly just painful when standing.		F	22	5 days		10/30/2005
4	bronchitis	extremely loose stools and more frequent bowel movements than normal, horrific gas for now going on my 6th day, very unpleasant, other than that it worked great	took for 3 days and cleared up all symptoms	F	46	3 days		10/27/2005
4	ear & sinus infections, bronchitis	Ringing in ears that intensified as the days went on. Very dry and itchy skin that was painful, especially on my hands. Fatigue. Mild stomach cramps.	I had ringing in my ears before taking the z-pack supposedly from the ear infection. But as the ringing just got louder and louder to the point I was not hearing well, I looked up side effects. My skin just gets worse no matter how much lotion I use. Everything has pretty much cleared up except for my throat. The pain is more tolerable but still there. Hopefully the side effects will fade soon since I just took day five. Also, was never told to not take it with antacid until I saw it on the Internet. Does that include Prilosec? And totally forgot about the effect it has on oral contraceptives...uh oh.	F	35	5 days		10/19/2005

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Average rating for drug: 2.6. 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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