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.