Uses of Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is used to treat various bacterial infections.

Therapeutic Category

Clarithromycin: Macrolide Antibiotics

How Clarithromycin works

Clarithromycin prevents the growth of bacteria by interfering with its protein synthesis and binds specific proteins present in the bacterial ribosomes, thus stopping the growth of the bacteria inside the body, which helps to reduce the infection and its symptoms.

Common side effects of Clarithromycin

• insomnia (difficult to fall asleep)
• taste disturbances
• headache
• diarrhoea
• vomiting, nausea
• indigestion
• stomach pain
• abnormal liver function results
• excessive sweating

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• severe or prolonged diarrhoea, with blood or mucus
• skin rash and irritation
• difficulty breathing, fainting
• swelling of the face, tongue, lips, eyes, and throat
• yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• tender abdomen, loss of appetite
• pale stools, dark urine
• severe skin reactions with painful blistering of the skin, mouth, lips, eyes, and genitals (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• red, scaly rash with bumps under the skin and blisters
• muscle pain or weakness (rhabdomyolysis)
• severe ulceration of the mouth, lips, and skin associated with illness
• inflammation of the internal organs

Health Tips for Clarithromycin

• Clarithromycin can be taken with or without food, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions
• Avoid alcohol and smoking while taking this medicine, as they can increase its side effects
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking