About clarithromycin
Macrolide antibiotic
Used for
- Treats certain bacterial infections, including respiratory, skin, and ear infections.
- Used with other medicines to treat Helicobacter pylori ulcers.
Usual adult dose
Usually 250–500 mg every 12 hours for 5–14 days, depending on infection.
Usual dose in children
Usually 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours; maximum 500 mg per dose. Duration depends on infection.
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
- Taste changes
- Headache
- Rarely, liver problems or abnormal heart rhythms
Important warnings
- Does not treat viral infections such as colds or flu.
- Can prolong the QT interval and cause serious abnormal heart rhythms.
- Seek urgent assessment for severe diarrhea, allergic reactions, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Dose adjustment may be needed with kidney impairment.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; a clinician should weigh potential benefits and risks.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter breast milk; infant diarrhea or thrush may occur.
Interactions
- May interact dangerously with simvastatin or lovastatin.
- Can raise levels of warfarin, colchicine, and some heart or seizure medicines.
- Avoid with certain QT-prolonging medicines; interaction checks are important.
- Rifampicin and some other medicines can reduce clarithromycin levels.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.