Clarithromycin vs Clindamycin

Prescribed 500mg twice daily for seven days. Flu symptoms improved, only min or chest infection evident. However, side effects unpleasant; constant bitter taste; ulceration of gums; most worryingly ringing in ears consistent with tinnitus (listed as rare side effect - less severe). Completed course of clarithromycin two days ago and trust tinnitus symptoms will dissipate, otherwise this side effect not an acceptable health risk to ease flu symptoms.

500mg twice a day. I lasted 3 days then had to stop (I haven't told my doctor). At first, I thought it was the symptoms of the infection. However, I realized that on day two the terrible side-effects were occurring shortly after taking the pill. Side effects: Day 1: Ringing in Ear, Sensation of trembling, Pressure inside skull / headache, anxiety and panic. I can't function at all for an hour or two after pill. Day 2: Same as day 1, but in the evening I had the most vivid disgusting dream I've ever had (I won't get into details). Day 3: Same as Day 1. As I type this my ears are ringing. Enough. I won't take again. Ever.

I was prescribed this med due to chronic sinus infections for 21 days (after being on a different antibiotic for 7 days) once they isolated the bacteria from a culture. The first several days were bad - feelings of nervousness, blues, irritable, woozy, nauseous, strong metallic taste that lasts all day and is horrible while sleeping (wake up in the middle of the night and tastes like I have a mouth full of pennies) and now my knees and knuckles have shooting sharp pain and lingering dull pain. I have 8 days left but thinking about asking to stop before it causes lasting joint damage!

This cleared up my sinus infection, but with terrible side effects. I experienced anxiety, depression, vivid nightmares, and one auditory hallucination. I also experienced extreme irritability. I was unable to finish the whole course due to the side effects, but my infection was cleared by then. I will not take this medication again.