Clarithromycin is an antibiotic and is used to treat wide variety of bacterial infections. This medicine is also used in combination with certain anti-ulcer medicines to treat types of stomach ulcers. It is a macrolide antibiotic which works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats bacterial infections only and not viral infections Introduction How To Use Take this antibiotic by mouth with or without food or as prescribed by your doctor. In case of stomach upset, you may take it with food or milk. For best results, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. For dose adjustments and length of treatment please consult your doctor. Expert Advice Store clarithromycin at room temperature away from direct heat and sunlight. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Do not flush or throw away the medicine when not is use please ask your pharmacist to guide you about disposal of this medicine. Primary Uses Bacterial Infections Indications Clarithromycin is used in lower and upper respiratory tract infections, Bronchitis (inflammation in lungs), skin and soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments etc) infections, acute otitis, pharangitis, tonsillitis, helicobacter pylori infections. Side Effects Some patients might experience stomach upset, Paraesthesia (tingling sensation due to nerve damage), Stomatitis (inflammation of mouth or lips), or Glossitis (inflammation of tongue). Please consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Warnings Pregnancy Pregnant females are advised to consult their doctor before taking this medicine. Lactation Lactating females are advised to consult their doctor before taking this medicine. Driving It is safe to drive after taking clarithromycin. Liver Patients with liver problems are advised to use this medicine with caution, better to consult a doctor. Kidney Kidney patients are advised to use this medicine with caution, better to consult a doctor. Alcohol Alcohol is prohibited. Please avoid consuming alcohol while using clarithromycin. Precautions For oral use only. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicine constituents. Please tell your doctor about your past medical history. Contraindications Clarithromycin should not be used in following conditions: Diarrhea from an infection with clostridium difficile. Low amount of magnesium in the blood. Myasthenia Gravis disease. Coronary artery disease. In case of rapid ventricular heartbeat. FAQS Can I face a serious allergic reaction after using clarithromycin? A very serious allergic reaction is rare. However, please seek medical help if you notice any symptoms getting worse like rash, itching or swelling.It is also used for treating skin and soft tissue infections, acute otitis media (ear infection), and mycobacterium avium infections (type of bacteria). Can I refrigerate clarithromycin? Please store clarithromycin at room temperature away from direct heat and sunlight, do not refrigerate it. Do I have to take clarithromycin with or without food? Clarithromycin is an extended-release tablet and should be taken with food. In how many days clarithromycin shows effects on skin infections? Clarithromycin can take around 7 days to have a noticeable change on skin infections. What is the major advantage of clarithromycin? Clarithromycin has a longer serum half-life and better tissue penetration than other antibiotics.