

Clarithromycin 500mg Tablets
- Suitable for people with penicillin allergies
- Easy to take twice daily in tablet form
- Used to treat bacterial sore throats
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Clarithromycin 500mg Tablets - Available Online
Clarithromycin 500mg tablets are a prescription antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including those that cause a sore throat. If you’re allergic to penicillin, prescribers may consider clarithromycin as an alternative. It works by stopping bacteria from growing, allowing your immune system to clear the infection. Complete a short online consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers to find out if clarithromycin is right for you.
Clarithromycin 500mg Tablets Information
What Are Clarithromycin Tablets?
Clarithromycin tablets are a prescription antibiotic used to treat bacterial sore throats, including infections such as tonsillitis. They work by stopping bacteria from growing and spreading. Clarithromycin will not work for sore throats caused by viruses, such as those linked to colds or flu.
Can I Use Clarithromycin Tablets?
Clarithromycin might be suitable if your sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection and you can’t take other antibiotics, such as in the case of a penicillin allergy. A quick and easy consultation will determine whether clarithromycin is right for you.
How Do Clarithromycin Tablets Work?
Clarithromycin works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to survive. This prevents them from multiplying and spreading, which slows the infection and gives your immune system the chance to clear it.
Alternatives to Clarithromycin Tablets
If clarithromycin is unsuitable for you, other options might be more appropriate.
These include:
- Erythromycin
- Azithromycin
- Amoxicillin
- Doxycycline
Your quick and easy consultation will enable your prescriber to make personalised recommendations for you.
How to Use Clarithromycin Tablets
Always take clarithromycin exactly as your prescriber instructs. The usual dose for severe infections is 500mg twice a day, once in the morning and once in the early evening. Swallow each tablet with at least half a glass of water, and always finish the full course, even if you start to feel better.
Ingredients
Active ingredient: Each film-coated tablet contains 500mg of clarithromycin
Other ingredients are:
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Croscarmellose sodium
- Colloidal anhydrous silica
- Magnesium stearate
- Povidone
- Hypromellose
- Propylene glycol
- Titanium dioxide (E171)
- Hydroxypropyl cellulose
- Vanillin
- Sorbic acid
- Iron oxide yellow (E172)
For the most up-to-date list of ingredients, please check the Patient Information Leaflet inside the box.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, clarithromycin tablets may cause side effects.
Side effects may include:
- Changes in sense of taste
- Diarrhoea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling or being sick
- Headache
- Increased sweating
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Widening of blood vessels
Many side effects are mild and temporary, but some can be serious. Seek urgent medical advice if you experience severe reactions.
Warnings
Tell your prescriber about any health conditions you may have and any medicines or supplements you take. Clarithromycin may not be suitable for you if you have problems with your heart, liver, or kidneys, are prone to fungal infections, or are pregnant. Many different medications can interact with clarithromycin, so a quick consultation can make sure it’s right for you.
For all warnings and side effects, please see the Patient Information Leaflet.
Clarithromycin FAQs
Is clarithromycin a strong antibiotic?
Clarithromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. This means it can treat a range of bacterial infections. Prescribers often use it as an alternative for people with a penicillin allergy.
What should I avoid while taking clarithromycin?
There are certain medications you should avoid while taking clarithromycin. These include some blood thinners, cancer medications, HIV medicines, blood pressure treatments and many others. For the full list of potential interactions, please check the Patient Information Leaflet included with your tablets.
Is clarithromycin safe during pregnancy?
You should talk to your prescriber before using clarithromycin if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or you’re breastfeeding. Your prescriber will weigh up the benefits and risks of using clarithromycin during pregnancy.
What Is the best alternative to clarithromycin during pregnancy?
The best alternative to clarithromycin during pregnancy depends on your medical history and the specific circumstances of your infection. Erythromycin is the most commonly preferred alternative, as it has the most extensive safety data.
How long does it take for clarithromycin to work?
You may start to feel better within two to three days, but you should complete the full course of clarithromycin to make sure the infection is fully cleared. If you stop taking your medication before the course is finished, you risk the infection returning.
When is the best time to take clarithromycin 500mg?
Your prescriber will tell you when to take your clarithromycin tablets. Usually, this will be twice a day – once in the morning and again in the early evening. Swallow each tablet with at least half a glass of water.
Does clarithromycin make you tired?
Although uncommon, clarithromycin can cause tiredness, drowsiness or dizziness in some people. If this happens, avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel better. If you’re not sure how clarithromycin will affect you, wait until you know before carrying out these activities.
Can clarithromycin affect blood pressure?
Clarithromycin doesn’t usually affect blood pressure unless you take it alongside certain blood pressure medications. In these cases, it can cause dangerously low blood pressure due to an interaction between the two medicines.
Can clarithromycin affect mood?
Mood changes are a rare side effect but can sometimes occur. You may experience confusion, panic, depression or even mania (feelings of elation or over-excitement). If you notice any side effects, speak to your prescriber.
Can I buy clarithromycin tablets over the counter?
No, clarithromycin is a prescription-only antibiotic, so you must have approval from a UK-registered prescriber to obtain it. This ensures that clarithromycin is safe and suitable for you.
What if I forget to take a dose of clarithromycin?
If you forget to take a dose of clarithromycin, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed tablet and continue as usual. Never take two doses to make up for a missed one.
Can I take clarithromycin tablets with other medications?
Some medicines can interact with clarithromycin and may affect how each other works. These include statins, blood thinners, heart medicines and some sedatives. If you’re taking any medications or supplements, tell your prescriber so they can check for interactions and ensure clarithromycin is safe for you to use.
Can I buy clarithromycin online?
You can get clarithromycin from a licensed online pharmacy by completing a short, easy consultation. A registered prescriber will review your information before determining whether clarithromycin is the right treatment for you.
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