Clarithromycin is a prescription medicine. It's important to take it as advised by your doctor.
Dosage and how to take clarithromycin
Dosage and strength
Clarithromycin tablets come in strengths of 250mg or 500mg. The liquid comes in strengths of 125mg in 5ml or 250mg in 5ml.
The usual dose of clarithromycin is 250mg to 500mg twice a day, although the dose may be lower for children.
If your doctor prescribes slow-release tablets, the usual dose is 500mg once a day. Sometimes a higher dose of 1g once a day is used in severe infections.
These tablets release the medicine slowly through the day, which means you only usually need to take 1 tablet. If you need 2 slow-release tablets a day and have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist and read the instructions carefully.
How to take it
Clarithromycin comes in different forms and strengths, and there are different ways to take it.
Try to take your medicine at the same time every day.
How to take tablets
Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or break them. You can take them with or without food.
How to take liquid
Liquid clarithromycin may be made up for you or your child by a pharmacist. Sometimes, you may be given a powder you add water to so you can make the liquid yourself. Follow the instructions in your medicine to do this.
The liquid comes with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
Shake the liquid well before use.
Try eating or drinking something straight after taking it, to help avoid any bitter aftertaste.
How long to take it for
Your doctor will tell you how long to take clarithromycin for.
You should carry on taking clarithromycin until you've finished the course, even if you feel better. If you stop treatment early, the infection could come back.
If you do not start feeling better after taking clarithromycin for 7 or 10 days (depending on what you're taking it for), or you feel worse at any point, tell your doctor.
Important
Carry on taking this medicine until the course is finished, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, your infection could come back.
If you forget to take it
If you forget a dose of clarithromycin, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. If this happens, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you to remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
Taking an extra dose of clarithromycin is unlikely to harm you or your child.
Call 111 if you or a child has taken more than the recommended dose of clarithromycin and:
- has stomach pain
- feels sick or is being sick (nausea and vomiting)
- has diarrhoea
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the clarithromycin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.