About clarithro mycin
Macrolide antibiotic
Used for
- Bacterial chest infections, including pneumonia
- Sinus, throat, and ear infections
- Skin and soft-tissue infections
- Helicobacter pylori treatment with other medicines
Usual adult dose
Usually 250–500 mg twice daily for 5–14 days; H. pylori treatment is typically 500 mg twice daily with other medicines.
Usual dose in children
Usually 7.5 mg/kg twice daily, maximum 500 mg per dose; duration depends on infection.
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhoea, or stomach pain
- Altered or bitter taste
- Headache
- Rash
Important warnings
- Use only for bacterial infections; it does not treat viral illnesses.
- Seek urgent care for severe allergic reactions, severe diarrhoea, or yellowing skin.
- Can prolong the heart rhythm; risk is higher with certain conditions or medicines.
- Dose adjustment may be needed with kidney problems.
Pregnancy
Use only when a clinician considers it necessary; pregnancy-specific risks and alternatives should be reviewed.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter breast milk; monitor the infant for diarrhoea, rash, or thrush.
Interactions
- Do not combine with simvastatin or lovastatin.
- Important interactions include warfarin, colchicine, digoxin, and some heart-rhythm medicines.
- Can interact with certain seizure, HIV, and migraine medicines.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.