Clarithromycin
Information about Clarithromycin
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).
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, Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Anxiety, Hypersensitivity, Asthma, Vertigo, Esophagitis, Cholestasis, Dermatitis, General discomfort, Dizziness, Sleepiness, Hearing impairment, Prolonged QTc interval, Pseudomembranous colitis, Agranulocytosis (deficiency of granulocytes in the blood), Psychotic disorder, Pancreatic inflammation, Liver failure, Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Taste change, Abnormal liver function tests, Bronchial cellulitis, Candidiasis, Gastroenteritis, Infection, Cardiac arrest, Atrial fibrillation, Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, Stomach inflammation, Constipation, Dryness in mouth, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Red spots or bumps, Increased creatinine level in blood, Increased blood urea nitrogen, Muscle damage, Increased prothrombin time, Urine discoloration
Available Medicine for Clarithromycin
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
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.