This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia (especially atypical pneumonias associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae or TWAR), skin and skin structure infections, and, in HIV and AIDS patients to prevent, and to treat, disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex. In addition, it is sometimes used to treat Legionellosis.

How to Take

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Clarithromycin tablets can be taken with or without food, do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet.

Warning and Precautions

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Clarithromycin is usually given for 7 to 14 days (or longer when treating stomach ulcer). Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Clarithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Storage

Store Clarithromycin at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a well-closed container. Store away from light, heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Clarithromycin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Most common side-effects are gastrointestinal: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting, facial swelling. Less common side-effects include headaches, dizziness/motion sickness, rashes, alteration in senses of smell and taste, including a metallic or acidic taste that lasts the entire time one takes it. Dry mouth, anxiety, hallucinations, and nightmares have also been reported. In more serious cases it has been known to cause anaphylactic shock, jaundice, other liver disorders, and kidney problems including kidney failure. Inform your doctor immediately if side effects are extremely bothersome or serious.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Clarithromycin. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.