Indications
- Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
- It can be combined with anti-ulcer medications for certain stomach ulcers.
- Additionally, it may be employed to prevent specific bacterial infections.
- The medication works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
- It is effective only against bacterial infections and does not treat viral infections.
- Misuse of antibiotics, such as taking them when not needed, can reduce their effectiveness for future infections.
Dosage and administration
- Take clarithromycin by mouth, with or without food, every 12 hours as prescribed by your doctor.
- If stomach upset occurs, it can be taken with food or milk.
- Take the antibiotic at evenly spaced intervals for the best effect.
- To help remember, take it at the same time(s) daily.
- Dosage and duration depend on your medical condition and response, and in children, it may be based on weight.
- If treating an infection, complete the full prescribed course, even if symptoms improve early.
- Stopping early may lead to the return of the infection.
- For prevention of bacterial infections, take it exactly as directed, and do not stop without your doctor’s approval.
- Report any signs of infection, such as fever or night sweats, to your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side effects
- Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and changes in taste.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if these effects persist or worsen.
- This medication is prescribed because its benefits outweigh the risks for most people.
- Report serious side effects promptly, such as persistent nausea/vomiting, hearing loss, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness, eye problems, trouble speaking, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of eyes/skin.
- A severe intestinal condition (C. difficile) may rarely occur, leading to persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood/mucus in stool; seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms arise.
- Avoid anti-diarrhea or opioid products if experiencing symptoms of C. difficile.
- Prolonged use may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection; contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, changes in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
- Seek immediate medical help for severe dizziness, fainting, or fast/irregular heartbeat.
- Very serious allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention; watch for symptoms such as persistent fever, lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This list does not cover all possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist for any unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Before taking clarithromycin, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies or other medications you are taking.
- Discuss your medical history, especially if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, or myasthenia gravis.
- Clarithromycin may affect heart rhythm and can cause serious symptoms.
- Inform your doctor if you have certain heart problems or a family history of heart problems.
- Low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood may increase the risk of heart rhythm problems.
- Clarithromycin may affect the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines.
- Inform your doctor or dentist about all the medications you use before undergoing surgery.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to side effects.
- Use this medication during pregnancy only if necessary.
- Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medication.
- This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.