Clarithromycin

Last updated 25 Nov 2025 | 09:34 AM (UTC)

Clarithromycin Uses

Clarithromycin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is used in infections of tonsils, sinus, ear, nose, throat, skin and soft tissues and lungs (pneumonia).

Available generics for Clarithromycin

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How Clarithromycin works

Clarithromycin is an antibiotic. It works by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Thus, it stops the bacteria from growing, and prevents the infection from spreading.

Common side effects of Clarithromycin

Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Rash, Injection site phlebitis, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Abnormal taste, Dyspepsia, Taste change, Abnormal liver function tests

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Medicine brands for Clarithromycin

Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Zydus Healthcare Limited

Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹144 to ₹332

5 variant(s)

cRIXan

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

VASU Healthcare Pvt Ltd

Expert advice for Clarithromycin

Your doctor has prescribed Clarithromycin to cure your infection and improve your symptoms.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
Take it 1 hour before or two hours after food.
Do not take antacids 2 hours before or after taking Clarithromycin.
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
Stop taking Clarithromycin and inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or breathing difficulties while taking it.

Frequently asked questions for Clarithromycin

Q. Can the use of Clarithromycin cause diarrhea?

Yes, the use of Clarithromycin can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic which kills the harmful bacteria. However, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If you are experiencing severe diarrhea, talk to your doctor about it.

Q. How long does Clarithromycin takes to work?

Usually, Clarithromycin starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better.

Q. What if I don't get better after using Clarithromycin?

Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.

Q. Can the use of Clarithromycin cause infertility?

There is no firm evidence to suggest that the use of Clarithromycin will cause infertility in males or females.