Antibiotics & You
← All antibiotics
Macrolides

Clarithromycin

Chest and throat infectionsSkin infectionsAlternative if allergic to penicillin
Start a diary for this antibiotic
Usually prescribed for:Sore throat (tonsillitis)Ear infection (otitis media)Chest infection and coughPneumoniaSkin infection (cellulitis)Insect bites and stingsDental infection and abscessImpetigoInfected eczema

Information follows NICE antimicrobial prescribing guidance and the BNF.

Common side effects

  • Feeling sick
  • Being sick
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach pain
  • Change in taste (metallic)

How often each one happens varies by medicine and product, so check your leaflet. Many are mild, but ask your pharmacist or doctor if they are troublesome or do not settle.

Less common side effects

  • Headache
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Vivid dreams
  • Thrush

Get medical help straight away if you notice

  • Irregular or fast heartbeat, fainting
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Severe allergic reaction, or a blistering or peeling rash with mouth or eye sores: stop the medicine and call 999 or go to A&E

Taking it safely

  • Can be taken with or without food.
  • Interacts with several medicines including statins and warfarin — tell your pharmacist what you take.

Report a side effect

You can report any suspected side effect to the UK Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.