Clarithromycin
Pronounced klah-rith-ro-MY-sin
Brand names: Biaxin
Type: Macrolide antibiotic · All Antibiotics & Infection Medicines
What Clarithromycin is used for
- Pneumonia and bronchitis
- Sinus infections
- Part of stomach ulcer (H. pylori) treatment
- Certain mycobacterial infections
◆ Kidney note
Dose is lowered when kidney function is significantly reduced.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Metallic or unusual taste
- Stomach pain
Important cautions
- Interacts with very many medicines, including some statins and blood thinners — a full medication review is important
- Can affect heart rhythm in susceptible people
How it comes
Tablets, extended-release tablets, liquid. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.
Toxicity lists: Clarithromycin also appears on Medicines That Can Harm the Liver.
Related medicines — Antibiotics & Infection Medicines
Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.