What is Clarithromycin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Clarithromycin is an antibiotic that helps your body fight bacterial infections. It belongs to a group of medicines called macrolide antibiotics, which work by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying in your system.

This medication is commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and certain stomach infections. Your doctor might recommend it when other antibiotics aren't suitable for your specific condition or when the bacteria causing your infection responds well to this particular treatment.

What is Clarithromycin Used For?

Clarithromycin treats various bacterial infections throughout your body. It's particularly effective against infections in your lungs, throat, sinuses, and skin.

Here are the main conditions your doctor might prescribe clarithromycin for, starting with the most common:

• Pneumonia and bronchitis (lung infections)
• Strep throat and tonsillitis
• Sinus infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Ear infections
• Helicobacter pylori infections (stomach ulcers)
• Mycobacterium avium complex infections (in people with weakened immune systems)

Your healthcare provider will determine if clarithromycin is right for your specific infection based on the type of bacteria involved and your medical history.

How Does Clarithromycin Work?

Clarithromycin works by blocking bacteria from making proteins they need to survive. Without these essential proteins, the bacteria can't grow or reproduce, allowing your immune system to eliminate the infection.

This antibiotic is considered moderately strong and effective against many common bacterial infections. It's often chosen because it stays in your body longer than some other antibiotics, which means you typically need to take it less frequently than other treatments.

The medication concentrates well in your tissues, particularly in your lungs and throat area. This makes it especially useful for respiratory infections where the medicine needs to reach deeper into your airways.

How Should I Take Clarithromycin?

Take clarithromycin exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually twice daily with or without food. You can take it with milk or a light meal if it upsets your stomach.

Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Don't crush, chew, or break extended-release tablets, as this can affect how the medicine works in your body.

If you're taking the liquid form, shake the bottle well before each dose. Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine rather than a household spoon to ensure you get the correct amount.

Try to take your doses at the same times each day to maintain steady levels of the medication in your system. This helps the antibiotic work most effectively against the infection.

How Long Should I Take Clarithromycin For?

Most clarithromycin treatments last between 7 to 14 days, depending on the type and severity of your infection. Your doctor will give you specific instructions based on your condition.

It's crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better after a few days. Stopping too early can allow bacteria to survive and potentially develop resistance to the medication.

For stomach ulcer treatments involving H. pylori bacteria, you might take clarithromycin for 10 to 14 days along with other medications. Some complex infections may require longer treatment periods.

Never save leftover antibiotics for future use or share them with others. Each prescription is specifically calculated for your particular infection and body weight.

What Are the Side Effects of Clarithromycin?

Most people tolerate clarithromycin well, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The good news is that serious side effects are relatively uncommon.

Here are the most common side effects you might experience, listed from most to least frequent:

• Nausea and stomach upset
• Diarrhea
• Altered taste (metallic taste in mouth)
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Headache
• Dizziness

These mild side effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Taking clarithromycin with food can help reduce stomach-related side effects.

Less common but more serious side effects require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor right away if you experience severe diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, or signs of liver problems like yellowing of skin or eyes.

Rare but serious side effects include severe allergic reactions, hearing problems, and a serious intestinal condition called C. diff colitis. While these are uncommon, it's important to be aware of them.

Who Should Not Take Clarithromycin?

Certain people should avoid clarithromycin due to safety concerns or potential interactions with other medications. Your doctor will review your medical history before prescribing this antibiotic.

You should not take clarithromycin if you're allergic to macrolide antibiotics or have a history of severe reactions to similar medications. People with certain heart rhythm problems should also avoid this medication.

Those taking specific medications like pimozide, ergot alkaloids, or certain cholesterol medications should not use clarithromycin due to dangerous interactions. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you're taking.

People with severe liver or kidney disease may need dosage adjustments or alternative treatments. Pregnant women should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider, as clarithromycin may not be the safest choice during pregnancy.

Clarithromycin Brand Names

Clarithromycin is available under several brand names, with Biaxin being the most commonly recognized. You might also see it sold as Biaxin XL, which is the extended-release version.

Other brand names include Klacid in some countries and various generic formulations. The active ingredient remains the same regardless of the brand name, so generic versions work just as effectively as brand-name options.

Your pharmacy might substitute a generic version unless your doctor specifically requests the brand name. This is perfectly safe and can help reduce your medication costs.

Clarithromycin Alternatives

Several other antibiotics can treat similar infections if clarithromycin isn't suitable for you. Your doctor will choose the best alternative based on your specific infection and medical history.

Common alternatives include azithromycin (Z-pack), which is also a macrolide antibiotic with a shorter treatment course. Amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate are often used for respiratory infections, especially in people who can't take macrolides.

For more serious infections, your doctor might recommend cephalexin, doxycycline, or other antibiotics depending on the bacteria causing your infection and your individual circumstances.

The choice of antibiotic depends on factors like the specific bacteria involved, your allergy history, other medications you're taking, and how severe your infection is.

Is Clarithromycin Better Than Azithromycin?

Both clarithromycin and azithromycin are effective macrolide antibiotics, but each has unique advantages depending on your situation. Neither is universally "better" than the other.

Clarithromycin often works well for respiratory infections and has good tissue penetration. It's particularly effective against certain bacteria that cause pneumonia and bronchitis.

Azithromycin offers the convenience of shorter treatment courses (often just 3-5 days) and typically causes fewer stomach side effects. It's often preferred for travelers or people who have trouble remembering to take medications multiple times daily.

Your doctor will choose between these medications based on the specific bacteria causing your infection, your medical history, and other factors unique to your situation.