Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is an antibiotic commonly prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections. As a macrolide, this medicine works to stop bacteria from growing and multiplying in the body by decreasing the bacteria's ability to make protein. Clarithromycin is typically taken once or twice a day and comes in several forms. Side effects may include nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea.

 

What Is Clarithromycin?

Clarithromycin (Biaxin®) is a prescription antibiotic approved to treat a variety of different infections. It is also approved to prevent Mycobacterium avium, a complex disease (a serious bacterial infection) that can develop in people who have advanced AIDS. A long-acting form of clarithromycin is also available.
 
(Click What Is Clarithromycin Used For? for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with clarithromycin. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Some of the common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Clarithromycin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Clarithromycin?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • An arrhythmia known as long QT syndrome
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Clarithromycin to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Dosing Information

The dose of clarithromycin your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The type of infection and bacteria
  • Your age and weight (for children)
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you are currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Clarithromycin Dosage for more information.)
 

Drug Interactions

Clarithromycin can potentially interact with several other medications (see Drug Interactions With Clarithromycin).
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Clarithromycin?

People who take an overdose may experience effects such as:
 
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea.
     
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Biaxin Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your clarithromycin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of the medication. Try not to miss doses, as this increases the risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection.
 

How Does It Work?

Clarithromycin belongs to a group of medications known as macrolides. It works by binding to bacterial ribosomes, which are protein "factories" inside bacteria. By binding to these ribosomes, the medication interferes with the production of proteins, inhibiting bacterial growth and multiplication.
 

When and How to Take Clarithromycin

Some general considerations for those taking clarithromycin include the following:
 
  • The medication comes as regular (immediate-release) tablets, extended-release tablets, and an oral suspension.
     
  • The regular tablets and oral suspension are usually taken twice a day (sometimes three times a day for certain infections). The extended-release form is taken just once a day.
     
  • Make sure to shake the oral suspension well before each dose.
     
  • You can the tablets or oral suspension with food or on an empty stomach. However, the extended-release tablets must be taken with food, as they may not work as well if you take them on an empty stomach.
     
  • Clarithromycin can be taken at any time of the day; however, make sure to take the medication at the same time(s) each day: every 12 hours (if you take it twice daily) or every 24 hours (if you take it once daily).
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Clarithromycin will not work if you stop taking it too soon.
     

Generic Availability

This medication is currently available in generic form (see Generic Biaxin for more information).
 

Who Makes Clarithromycin?

Brand-name clarithromycin is sold under the name Biaxin and is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. Several companies manufacture generic clarithromycin.
 

Available Strengths

Clarithromycin comes in the following strengths and forms:
 
  • Clarithromycin 250 mg tablets
  • Clarithromycin 500 mg tablets
  • Clarithromycin 500 mg tablets (the extended-release version)
  • Clarithromycin granules, which are mixed by your pharmacist into an oral suspension with a concentration of 125 mg or 250 mg per teaspoonful (per 5 mL), depending on the strength.
     

How Should Clarithromycin Be Stored?

Store clarithromycin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children. Do not keep the oral suspension in the refrigerator. This must be discarded 14 days after it is mixed, even if there is some left.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;