Clarithromycin for infection

About clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as les infections respiratoires, infections de l'oreille and skin infections.

Clarithromycin is also given to get rid of Helicobacter pylori. This is the bacterium believed to cause ulcères d'estomac. If you are prescribed it for this reason, you will also be prescribed other medicines to take alongside it.

Il fonctionne en empêchant les bactéries responsables de l'infection de se multiplier.

Clarithromycin can be taken by adults and children.

Common side effects of clarithromycin are:

• Se sentir mal.

• Vomir.

• Maux d'estomac.

• Farting (wind).

• Indigestion.

• Diarrhée.

• Changes to taste and smell.

• Bouche douloureuse.

• Maux de tête.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Les effets indésirables s'améliorent souvent à mesure que votre corps s'adapte au nouveau médicament, mais parlez à votre médecin ou pharmacien si l'un des effets suivants persiste ou devient gênant.

Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes que vous pensez être dus à ce médicament, parlez-en à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before starting clarithromycin it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• Si vous êtes enceinte ou si vous allaitez.

• Si vous avez des problèmes avec le fonctionnement de votre foie ou de vos reins.

• Si vous savez que vous avez un rythme cardiaque inhabituel.

• Si vous avez un trouble musculaire appelé myasthénie grave.

• If you are taking any other medicines. In particular, if you are taking a 'statin' medicine for high cholesterol or colchicine for gout as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.
  

• Read the leaflet in the pack before starting clarithromycin. It explains how to take it and lists possible side effects.

• Take exactly as your doctor tells you to and always check the label for the correct dose.

  • It is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and evening.

• If you’re given a modified-release (XL) tablet, you only need to take one dose a day as it releases the medicine slowly throughout the day.

• Standard tablets, liquid, and sachets can be taken before or after food. Modified-release (XL) tablets should be taken after food. Swallow whole, don’t chew or break them.

• When clarithromycin is prescribed for a child, the dose will depend upon the child's weight. Make sure you read the label carefully so that you measure out the correct amount of medicine.

• If you have been given clarithromycin sachets to take, open the sachet and mix the granules into a small glass of water before taking.

• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one.

• Treatment usually lasts 5-14 days. Keep taking the antibiotic until you finish the course, even if you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise. This helps stop the infection from coming back.

• Certaines personnes développent le muguet (oral ou vaginal) after taking a course of antibiotics. If this happens to you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice about how to treat it.

• This antibiotic may stop the oral vaccin oral contre la typhoïde from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

• If you are taking a 'statin' medicine for high cholesterol your doctor may advise you to stop taking the statin whilst being treated with clarithromycin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

• Clarithromycin usually doesn’t affect the contraceptive pill, but diarrhoea, vomiting, or breakthrough bleeding may reduce its effectiveness. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if this happens.

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking clarithromycin.

• Si vous achetez des médicaments, vérifiez avec un pharmacien qu'ils sont compatibles avec cet antibiotique.

• Si vous ne vous sentez toujours pas bien après avoir terminé votre traitement antibiotique, prenez un autre rendez-vous pour voir votre médecin.

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

• If you have been given liquid medicine, it will have been made up by the pharmacy and it lasts for a limited number of days only. Check the expiry date on the bottle and do not use it after this date.

How long does it take for clarithromycin to work?

Clarithromycin usually starts to improve symptoms within 2-3 days. Full recovery can take 7-14 days, depending on the type and severity of the infection.

Is clarithromycin safe to take during pregnancy?

Clarithromycin is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative antibiotic if needed.

Can you drink alcohol with clarithromycin?

It’s best to avoid alcohol while taking clarithromycin, as it can increase the risk of side effects like nausea, stomach upset, or dizziness. Limiting alcohol helps the medication work more effectively and keeps you comfortable.

What should you avoid when taking clarithromycin?

You should avoid alcohol and certain medications that can interact with clarithromycin, including some statins and heart medicines. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking new medicines or supplements.