Clarithromycin

[sunny-dave]

I'm taking this to try to sort out a persistent middle ear infection.

It's the 'second line' antibiotic recommended for this problem - Amoxycillin improved it a bit, but it returned within a few days of ending the course.

I'm getting the (routine it seems) side-effects of a disgusting taste in the mouth (think 'gorillas armpit' and add a bit) plus mild nausea after meals, buggered up sense of taste and a bit of 'tired all the time' too.

I'm not complaining - the infection does seem to be improving and I only have another three or four days to go to complete the course.

I was just wondering if anyone who had taken this antibiotic (or indeed one of our tame health professionals) knew any tactics for reducing the side effects.

Cheers (but not with red wine as that seems to taste vile)

Dave

[pixie373]

Sorry, Dave. Only know they are all common side-effects. Have simple meals. Hope you feel better soon :-\ x

[anneasquith]

ive had it a few times, horrible side effects, but it does work. towards the end of the course ive only taken a half tablet instead of one, but I did finish the course.

[sunny-dave]

Thanks pixie/anne

I can see why it's not used routinely as a first line drug - many people just wouldn't finish the course once they started to feel better.

[anneasquith]

you will finish the course dave I hope ?

[sunny-dave]

Yes - of course

[Sqad]

\\\I'm taking this to try to sort out a persistent middle ear infection.\\\

Unusual in a person of your age, what are you symptoms and did a Dr.make the diagnosis?

Odd side effects from the antibiotic and i am wondering if the "disgusting taste in the mouth" is perhaps discharge or pus behind the nose.

[pixie373]

"unusual taste in the mouth" is on the leaflet as "common side effects". Although if sqad is right - the antibiotics should clear that too?

[anneasquith]

'' disgusting taste in the mouth '' very common side effect .

[sunny-dave]

Hi sqad - yes - diagnosed by (two different) GPs

Strange 'pinging' noise as drum responds to hiccup/burp. Visible (to GP) fluid behind eardrum, slight inflammation of that side of face, red/sore eye in morning (I tend to sleep with that ear facing down).

It got much better with the Amoxycillin, but relapsed a few days after the end of the 1 week course. Is now improving quite quickly with the Clarithromycin.

[pixie373]

Keep going with them, sd. If i were you, I'd finish the course and if everything hasn't settled a couple of days after finishing them, contact the GP again x

[sunny-dave]

Don't worry pixie - I never give up on an antibiotic course - and they do seem to be working, so I might just go to bed for the day to let them get on with it :)

[pixie373]

G'night:-) xx

[anneasquith]

oh a duvet day,dave?

[Sqad]

mmmmm! right.

thanks Dave