Clarithromycin

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:  

Clacee, Claren, Clarihexal, Klacid, Klarithran

Drug group:

Antibiotic

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Clarithromycin is used in the treatment of:

• Upper respiratory tract infections - including middle ear infections, sinusitis, and pharyngitis
• Lower respiratory tract infections - including whooping cough, bronchitis, and pneumonia
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Helicobacter pylori (the bacteria that causes many peptic ulcers) - used in combination with other antibiotics and PPI’s (anti-ulcer drugs)

How does it work?

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic derived from erythromycin - it has similar actions and uses to erythromycin, but is slightly more potent.

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Taken once daily (XL preparations) or twice daily, for 5-14 days (depending on condition)
• Adults daily dose: 500mg–1000mg

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 1–4 hours
                

How long will the effects last?

1–12 hours (24 hours for XL preparations)
    

When should I stop using it?

Complete course as prescribed by your doctor

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Not usually prescribed for > 14 days, risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections if used for longer.

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion
• Less common: Hearing loss (rare, usually reverses on stopping the drug), altered sense of taste/smell
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: severe headaches, severe joint/muscle pain, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, hallucinations, rash, jaundice

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart problems, history of an allergic reaction to erythromycin/clarithromycin, porphyria
• Other medicines: Warfarin, midazolam, disopyramide, lovastatin, rifabutin, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sildenafil, ergotamine, valproate, carbamazepine, phenytoin, theophylline, digoxin, colchicine, pimozide, disopyramide, quinidine, statins, zidovudine
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: No known problems