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.

Clarithromycin 500mg Tablets | Antibiotics for Sore Throat

Suitable for people with penicillin allergies
Easy to take twice daily in tablet form
Used to treat bacterial sore throats

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Delivered in secure, plain packaging with tracked delivery from just £2.99
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Clarithromycin 500mg Tablets - Available Online

from £24.99

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.

Who Is Clarithromycin for Sore Throat Suitable For?

Suitable for age: 18+

Suitable for pregnancy?No

Suitable for breastfeeding?No

Maximum per order:1

Consultation required?Yes

This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.

Generic Treatment?Yes

This is a generic medicine and the manufacturer of the treatment supplied may vary from the treatment image above, depending on availability. Please contact us once you've placed your order if you require a specific brand and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Clarithromycin Tablet Summary

Type of medicine: Antibiotic
Active ingredient: Clarithromycin
Works by: Killing this bacteria responsible for the infection
Pack size: 14 tablets
Strength: 500mg
Use with alcohol: In moderation

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.

For the most up-to-date list of ingredients, please check the Patient Information Leaflet inside the box.

Generic product disclaimer

The ingredients provided on this page refer to a generic version of the product. Ingredient lists may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer of the specific treatment you receive. However, the active ingredient and its therapeutic effect will remain the same across all manufacturers.

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 for Sore Throat reviews

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.

We’re a Fully Regulated Online Pharmacy

As a UK-based pharmacy, we follow the same strict regulatory standards as any physical pharmacy. Our expert clinical team and services are overseen by multiple regulatory bodies to ensure your care is always safe, secure and confidential.

General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
The Independent Pharmacy premises and all pharmacists are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the UK regulator for pharmacies and pharmacists. Their standards ensure the highest levels of patient safety, professional practice and quality care.
GPhC: 9012559
View Our GPhC Registration
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The Independent Pharmacy is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care services in England. The CQC carries out regular inspections to ensure healthcare providers meet the standards required to deliver safe, effective care.
CQC: 1-10976213225
View Our CQC Registration
General Medical Council (GMC)
The Independent Pharmacy’s doctors are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), the UK regulator for doctors. The GMC ensures doctors meet strict professional standards and keep their training and knowledge up to date to provide safe, high-quality care.
Visit The GMC Website
NHS Prescriptions
The Independent Pharmacy provides all Essential Pharmacy services as part of the NHS pharmacy contract. As with any local high street pharmacy, this includes the dispensing of NHS prescriptions and delivering pharmacy service in line with national NHS standards.
NHS: X153808
View Our NHS Listing
National Pharmacy Association (NPA)
The Independent Pharmacy is a member of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), the UK’s non-profit representative body for independent community pharmacies. The NPA supports pharmacies in maintaining high professional standards and delivering safe, high-quality patient care.
Visit The NPA Website
Digital Clinical Excellence (DiCE)
The Independent Pharmacy is part of the Digital Clinical Excellence (DiCE) network, an organisation dedicated to improving quality, safety and standards in digital healthcare. DiCE works with providers to drive continuous clinical excellence across online healthcare services.
View The DiCE Network
LegitScript
The Independent Pharmacy is certified by LegitScript, an organisation that verifies the legitimacy and compliance of online healthcare providers. This voluntary certification helps ensure online pharmacies operate legally, safely and transparently.
Test Our LegitScript Certification
NCSC Cyber Essentials
The Independent Pharmacy is certified by NCSC Cyber Essentials, a government-backed scheme that protects against the most common internet-based cyber threats. This ensures that our systems are safe and your personal information is protected.
Cyber Essentials: GBLTD08515600
View Our Certification
Living Wage Employer
The Independent Pharmacy is an accredited Living Wage Employer, committed to paying staff a fair wage that reflects the real cost of living. This ensures our staff feel supported and valued while delivering the highest standards of care.
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We think accessing healthcare should be easy. Whether we’re fulfilling NHS prescriptions or helping people find the right treatments, we aim to offer our customers dependable, economical and convenient access to medicines with a personal and discreet service.

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60 years combined experience
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Mariagina Granese
Pharmacist
Christian Kupich
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Miranda Wright
Pharmacist
Zynab Meakin
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Yuvika Rampal-Barclay
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Malgorzata Chudzik
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Meet The Team

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Written by Scott McDougall

Co-Founder

MPharm

GPhC 2079324

Scott is a co-founder and GPhC-registered pharmacist at The Independent Pharmacy. With 14 years of experience, Scott leads our digital strategy and is dedicated to ensuring online healthcare adheres to the highest safety standards. His areas of expertise include understanding digital healthcare delivery in the UK, particularly the regulatory frameworks, and how technology can be used to increase access to healthcare while reducing risk. Scott believes care should be individualised to meet the needs of the patient. He is also highly experienced in the digitalisation and automation of pharmacy dispensing and fulfilment.

Reviewed by Daniel Hurley

Clinical Governance Lead

MPharm IP PgDip Pharm Pract

GPhC 2078790

Dan is a GPhC-Registered Pharmacist and Clinical Governance Lead at The Independent Pharmacy. Dan is committed to making healthcare more accessible and helping patients feel confident, informed and supported when navigating decisions about their health and wellbeing. An extensive professional background allows Dan to provide clear, practical and patient-focused advice, helping people cut through jargon and feel more confident in their care.

Published 12 January 2026

Updated 18 February 2026

Reviewed 12 January 2026

Next review 12 January 2028

Clarithromycin for Sore Throat