Clarithromycin is categorized under a class of antibiotics called macrolide antibiotics. Clarithromycin stops the growth of bacteria that cause infections related to chest (bronchitis and pneumonia), throat and sinus infections, Helicobacter pylori infections (associated with duodenal ulcers), and skin and soft tissue infections.
Do not take Clarithromycin if you are allergic to Clarithromycin or any ingredient contained in the product, or if you are allergic to macrolide antibiotics.
If you are pregnant or lactating, inform your doctor before taking the medicine.
Clarithromycin may cause some side effects although these side effects may not be seen in everybody.
Stop using this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if any of the below symptoms appear;
Allergic reaction, characterized by shortness of breath, difficulty in swallowing, and speaking
Severe dizziness or fainting
Severe and itchy skin rash, with blisters, and sore eyes, mouth or genital organs
If you notice common side effects like insomnia or reduced sleep, headache, change in taste, skin rash, excessive sweating or nausea and vomiting, inform your doctor as soon as possible.
Always inform your doctor if you notice any other side effects such as diarrhea with abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, dark urine and pale stools, palpitations, pancreas inflammation.
You should take Clarithromycin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You should take this medicine with or without food, as instructed.
The usual recommended dose for adults (including the elderly, and children above 12 years) is 250 mg twice daily. If the infection is severe, your doctor may increase the dose. The treatment duration is usually 1-2 weeks (7-14 days). You should not stop taking the medicine without your doctor’s advice.
Clarithromycin is not recommended for children under 12 years under 30 kg body weight while those children with above 30 kg body weight are given the same dosage as adults.
Overdose should always be reported to the doctor immediately. You can take the missed dose if you forgot to take the tablet. However, you should not take the missed dose if it is time for next dose. This could lead to double dosing. Do not stop taking this medicine until you doctor asks you to stop. Infections will become worse if Clarithromycin is stopped suddenly without informing your doctor.
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic which acts on the site of infections by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause such infections.
Talk to your doctor before taking Clarithromycin if you have a history of heart arrhythmias or QT prolongation, or if you have liver or kidney problems, and have low potassium levels, or are on any other treatment.
