stomach or other problem?

[bonijokrauss]

ever since I took zithromax a month ago, I haven't felt well. Upset stomach, loose stool,etc.. I have GERD and a hiatal hernia and I am prone to chest pains, etc. Have had many tests and they say there is nothing wrong with my heart. However, ever since I took the meds, I have been having back, shoulder, arm, stomach and chest discomfort. The pain travels and is short lived, and sometimes it gets worse when sitting. I have had mild pain that shoots up from the stomach area and goes into my left shoulder, right up the front of my chest. Often, after experiencing the pains, I end up in the bathroom with the loose stools. any suggestions? I am a 59 year old female.

[bonijokrauss]

Thank you for your comments. I apologize for not responding sooner. I am new to this site and just learning how to navigate it. I have been back since my post, but didn't find your responses til now. Again, thank you.

I am feeling much better and this is what I did. A friend from work told to take probiotics because of zithromax had probably destroyed all of the good bacteria, along with the bad. I bought some good quality ones and started feeling better within an hour of taking the first pill. I stayed on the probiotics for a week, taking them every day, and now I am taking them every other. It has been like a miracle.  Thanks again for your responses.

[Londres70]

If you are off the Zithromax and still having having problems I wouldn't say your problems are side effects, however, I would say that the Zithromax did a number on your GI tract.  

All your symptoms sound GI related.  Do you still have your gallbladder?  

[selmaS]

Zithromax

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Zithromax:

Diarrhea or loose stools; headache; mild stomach pain; nausea; upset stomach; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Zithromax:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue; unusual hoarseness; wheezing); bloody or watery stools; changes in hearing or hearing loss; chest pain; eye or vision problems; irregular heartbeat; muscle weakness; pain or inflammation at the injection site; pounding in the chest; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizure; severe or persistent diarrhea; stomach cramps or pain; symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; pale stools; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite; unusual itching); trouble speaking or swallowing; unusual vaginal itching, odor, or discharge.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.