Clarithromycin
Also sold as: Klaricid, Biaxin
Prescription neededMacrolides
Comes as:TabletSuspension
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 250 to 500 mg twice a day, usually for 7 to 14 days. Finish the full course.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- stomach pain
- diarrhoea
- metallic or bitter taste
- headache
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe allergic reaction
- fast or irregular heartbeat or fainting
- yellow eyes or skin
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Allergy to macrolide antibiotics
- Heart rhythm problems (long QT)
- Severe liver disease
- Taking simvastatin or colchicine
- Pregnancy (only if a doctor decides it is needed)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious14 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Alprazolam
Clarithromycin raises alprazolam levels and sedation.
- Amiodarone