Does a long-term bitter taste in the mouth when using Klacid require a medical consultation?

A bitter or metallic taste in the mouth (called dysgeusia) is a very common and typical side effect of clarithromycin, the active substance in Klacid. This is due to the fact that this antibiotic is partially secreted with saliva and irritates taste receptors, which usually does not pose a health risk and passes spontaneously after the end of the treatment.

In this situation, please do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to the development of bacterial resistance. To alleviate this discomfort, it's a good idea to rinse your mouth with water more often, suck sugar-free mints, or eat foods with a distinct flavor (if your diet allows). A doctor's consultation is only indicated if the bitter taste is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, such as severe nausea, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or dark urine, which could suggest a strain on the liver.

When using an antibiotic, it is worth remembering about the probiotic drug. This will protect you from unpleasant ailments from the digestive tract such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain. We wrote more about it here:

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/artykuly/probiotyki-czy-warto-stosowac-leki-oslonowe

Probiotic that will be the right choice: https://www.gdziepolek.pl/produkty/42092/lacidofil-kapsulki/apteki

If you need more personalized advice, you can use the teleconsultation here:

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/telekonsultacja/

The advice is held in Polish.

You can check the current availability of Klacid in pharmacies in the country here:

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/produkty/40214/klacid-tabletki-powlekane/apteki