How does clarithromycin work?
Clarithromycin is from a group of medicines called macrolide antibiotics. They work by stopping the growth of bacteria causing the infection.
When will I feel better?
For most infections, you should start to feel better within a few days.
It's very important to keep taking clarithromycin until your course is finished. Do this even if you feel better. This will help to stop the infection coming back.
What if I do not get better?
Tell your doctor if you do not start feeling better after taking clarithromycin if your symptoms:
- get worse
- do not start to improve after 2 to 3 days
If your symptoms do not start to get better in 3 days, or you notice any new problems, like losing weight, ask a pharmacist's advice as soon as possible.
How does clarithromycin compare with other antibiotics?
There are other macrolide antibiotics that work in the same way as clarithromycin. They include azithromycin and erythromycin.
Most macrolides can be used to treat chest and skin infections. But azithromycin and erythromycin can also be used to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Clarithromycin can also be used to treat Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers.
Clarithromycin and other macrolide antibiotics stop the growth of similar types of bacteria to penicillin antibiotics, such as amoxicillin.
If you're allergic to penicillin antibiotics you can take clarithromycin instead.
Will it give me thrush?
Some people get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics like clarithromycin. This is because antibiotics stop the growth of the normal, harmless bacteria that help to protect you against thrush.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice if this happens to you.
Will it affect my contraception?
Clarithromycin does not stop any type of contraception from working, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
But if clarithromycin makes you vomit or have severe, watery diarrhoea or any diarrhoea that lasts for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.
Find out more:
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Clarithromycin can make you feel dizzy. If this happens to you, do not drive, ride a bike or operate machinery until the dizziness stops.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking clarithromycin.
Can I drink alcohol while taking clarithromycin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol with clarithromycin. However, if clarithromycin makes you feel dizzy, do not drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
You can eat and drink normally while taking clarithromycin.