Clarithromycin is a prescription antibiotic that is commonly used to treat bacterial infections of the ears, sinuses, skin, and throat, as well as pneumonia and bronchitis. It is part of an antibiotic drug class called macrolide antibiotics, which work by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause infections.

Clarithromycin is currently available under the brand names Biaxin, Biaxin Filmtab, and Biaxin XL, and comes in the oral dosage form of a tablet, extended-release tablet, and powder for suspension.

Clarithromycin is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. This includes upper respiratory infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, and infections of the ears, sinuses, skin, and throat. It can also be used to treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), a type of lung infection that can occur in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as ulcers caused by H. pylori bacterium.

It is important to only use antibiotics like clarithromycin when prescribed, as taking antibiotics when they are not needed can increase your chance of contracting an antibiotic-resistant infection. Remember that antibiotics like clarithromycin are only effective against bacterial infections and will not work against viral infections such as the cold or flu.

Macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin work by inhibiting something called bacterial protein synthesis. Simply put, clarithromycin prevents bacteria from creating more bacteria by blocking a cell tunnel needed for replication. The bacteria are no longer able to make new proteins, and the bacterial growth eventually stops.

This mechanism makes clarithromycin extremely effective in killing the bacteria that can cause pneumonia, bronchitis, and other ear, sinus, skin, and throat infections. However, antibiotics like clarithromycin are only effective against bacterial infections and will not work against viral infections such as the cold or flu.

Common side effects of clarithromycin include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn, gas, changes in taste, and headaches. Clarithromycin can also cause you to feel dizzy, confused, or disoriented, so you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know what kind of impact it has on you.

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are among the most common. If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling, skin rash or hives, severe diarrhea, yellowing in the skin or eyes, or changes in your heartbeat, you should seek medical attention right away. These are signs of a serious adverse reaction and require immediate medical care.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with clarithromycin.

Clarithromycin can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. These medications and substances include certain anticoagulants (blood thinners), certain benzodiazepines, certain cholesterol-lowering medications, astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), lomitapide (Juxtapid), lovastatin (Mevacor), pimozide (Orap), simvastatin (Zocor), terfenadine (Seldane), certain ergot medicines (eg, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, D.H.E. 45, Ergomar, Ergostat, or Migranal), and herbal supplements like St. John’s wort. If you have kidney or liver disease, you should avoid colchicine (Colcrys) while taking clarithromycin.

In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication, as clarithromycin can harm the fetus.

Clarithromycin comes as a tablet, extended-release tablet, and powder for suspension. It usually is taken one or two times per day. The exact dosage and schedule will vary depending on the age of the patient, their diagnosis, and their body weight. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of clarithromycin without consulting with your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

If you are taking clarithromycin in tablet or extended-release tablet form, you should swallow the tablet whole with fluids and avoid chewing, crushing, or breaking the tablet.

If you are taking clarithromycin in oral suspension form, be sure to shake the liquid well before consuming and make sure to measure it out per your healthcare provider’s instructions.

To prevent your infection from becoming resistant to antibiotics, you should continue taking the clarithromycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. Do not skip doses or stop taking the clarithromycin, and follow your doctor’s instructions closely.

You should store your medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Clarithromycin is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not clarithromycin is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for clarithromycin to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.