About clarithromycin usp
Macrolide antibiotic
Used for
- Bacterial sinus, throat, and chest infections
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Skin and soft-tissue infections
Usual adult dose
Usually 500 mg once daily with food for 7–14 days; duration depends on infection.
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Taste changes
- Headache
- Liver problems or abnormal heart rhythm, rarely
Important warnings
- Does not treat viral infections such as colds or flu.
- Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.
- May prolong the heart’s electrical rhythm; risk is higher with certain conditions or medicines.
- Seek medical attention for severe diarrhoea, jaundice, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Pregnancy
Use only when considered necessary by a clinician; safety evidence is limited.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk; may cause diarrhoea or thrush in the infant.
Interactions
- Some statins, including simvastatin and lovastatin
- Warfarin and some other blood thinners
- Colchicine
- Medicines that prolong the heart rhythm
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.