Before taking clarithromycin

Before taking clarithromycin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have heart rhythm problems.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take clarithromycin

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Take clarithromycin exactly as your doctor has told you. If you have been told to make more than one dose a day, space your doses evenly throughout the day.
• For most forms of clarithromycin, it is not important whether you take your doses before, with or after food. If however you have been given Klaricid® XL or Clarie® XL, you should take these just after a meal or snack.
• If you have been given clarithromycin sachets, mix the granules from the sachet into a small glass of water before taking.
• Keep taking this antibiotic until the course is finished unless you are told to stop. It is important to take the full course (even if you feel your infection has cleared up) to prevent the infection from coming back.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue as before. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you still feel unwell after completing your course of this antibiotic, make another appointment to see your doctor.
• Some people develop thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• If you are using oral combined hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking clarithromycin.
• This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this antibiotic.

Can clarithromycin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store clarithromycin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not use clarithromycin after the expiry date shown on the label.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Clarithromycin 250mg & 500mg Tablets, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2011.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Klaricid® Paediatric Suspension 125mg/5ml, Abbott Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2011.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Klaricid® Adult Sachet 250 mg, Abbott Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2011.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Klaricid XL 500mg tablets, Abbott Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2011.