Zithromax Z-Pak and sore throat

Just took the first dose of the Z-pack (the two pills) on a full stomach and I feel like I'm going to die. I've been through the pain of childbirth and this can almost compare...the stomach cramping is severe and the diarrhea is immediate (you know, the "peeing your poop" kind of thing). When the cramping began, I got cold sweats...I'm still up, unable to sleep, because the stomach pains are SO bad. I know you're supposed to keep taking the pack but I am so ill I can't even imagine doing so right now. I had a similar reaction to Z-pack in 2004 but thought it was because I took a dose on an empty stomach. This confirms that it can happen anytime.

I'm taking the Z-pack to get rid of a sore throat. This is terrible. I'm almost in tears. :( I wish I could just throw up but my throat hurts too bad. I'm allergic to penicillin, so this was what the doctor prescribed. :(

I was given 6 tablets to cure a sore throat. After the first 2 tablets, I suffered severe abdominal pain and was told to take Imodium to relieve the pain. When the pain went off, I continued taking the third and fourth pill but stopped taking it when I felt unwell. Then the chills and the crying started. I couldn't sleep and thought I was going crazy. I didn't make the connection until I read this website. It has been almost a month since I stopped taking the medication and like most of those who had suffered similar symptoms, I have never had any emotional or mental problems and this is scary. Someone should tell the drug company to post a serious warning on this awful side effect which can really destroy lives. Can someone who have found a solution tell me how long will this last and if there is any way to expedite relief of symptoms because I cannot even concentrate on work, sleep and carry on effectively with daily activities. Thank you.

Day 2 (took double dose yesterday, single dose today) -- have developed pretty constant diarrhea and stomach cramps. This week has sucked. I have suspected strep, fever, bronchitis and some kind of flu? I just spoke with my doctor who says that it can't be the drug since it's only the second day. Well, your comments here and other web research offers a different opinion. The doc is blaming in on my flu, but I didn't have any stomach distress at all until now. I'm hypothyroid, hypoglycemic and very sensitive to medication. The last thing I need is to have to deal with diarrhea. It sucks because my sore throat has improved, and so has my breathing, but I get dizzy when loosing fluids, no matter how fast I replenish. Female, age 35.

I've taken Zpak twice in my life. Once for bronchitis, it was helping right away.(within a few days). Second time for a sore throat and ear pain I was having for 2 weeks. By the 3rd day I was felling good again. I have nothing bad to say about the drug. I think it is the BOMB!!! Though I never had any side effects to the drug,
I would take a little diarrhea and nausea over bronchitis ANY DAY!!!

Extreme nausea whether eating or fasting on this medication. Plan to discontinue it now on day three. It seems to be making me feel worse than the original ailment which was the flu with sore throat and fever.

I was given z pak for my sinus infection,after the 3rd day just before my last dose i started getting a sore throat. I thought it was just dry. The next day it was worse & over the next 3 days got so bad i coulkdnt eat & my ear hurt so bad i thought i had an ear infection.Well i went back to the dr. I now have sores in my throat on the left side way in back,like canker sores & they hurt .I never have had anything like it before. I was not having any throat problems till i took z pak not i dont know what's going on it's weird.I dont think i'll take it again.