Should i stop taking clarithromycin

It'll help to stop the infection coming back. Tell your doctor if you don't start feeling better after taking clarithromycin for:. If you have a Helicobacter pylori infection, your doctor will arrange a follow-up test 6 to 8 weeks after you started clarithromycin. They'll also usually give you a medicine to reduce stomach acid, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole. If your symptoms don't get better in that time or you notice any new problems, like losing weight, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

There are other macrolide antibiotics that work in the same way as clarithromycin. They include azithromycin and erythromycin. It's usual to take clarithromycin twice a day. For azithromycin it's once a day, and for erythromycin it's usually 4 times a day.

Clarithromycin and azithromycin are less likely to cause diarrhoea than erythromycin. Azithromycin and erythromycin can also be used to treat sexually transmitted infections. Clarithromycin can also be used to treat Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers.

Clarithromycin and other macrolide antibiotics kill similar types of bacteria to penicillin antibiotics, such as amoxicillin. Some people are allergic to penicillin antibiotics - they can take clarithromycin instead. Some people get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics like clarithromycin.

It happens because antibiotics kill the normal harmless bacteria that help to protect you against thrush. Clarithromycin doesn't stop contraception from working, including the combined pill or emergency conraception.

But if clarithromycin makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea 6 to 8 watery poos in 24 hours for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Read more about what to do if you're on the pill and you're being sick or have diarrhoea.

There's no firm evidence to suggest that taking clarithromycin will reduce fertility in either men or women. But speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant. Page last reviewed: 6 December Next review due: 6 December Clarithromycin On this page About clarithromycin Key facts Who can and cannot take clarithromycin How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.

About clarithromycin Clarithromycin is an antibiotic. Clarithromycin is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets, granules, or a liquid that you drink. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today?

It's usual to take clarithromycin twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. Some people take slow-release clarithromycin tablets. These are taken once a day. For most infections, you should feel better within a few days.

The most common side effects of clarithromycin are feeling or being sick, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. You can drink alcohol while taking clarithromycin.

This can occur as late as 2 months after your last dose of this medication. If you have loose, watery bowel movements especially if they are green, foul-smelling, or bloody and accompanied by fever, either during or after taking clarithromycin, get medical attention as soon as possible.

Dizziness, confusion, and disorientation: This medication can cause dizziness, confusion, or disorientation. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are certain that this medication does not affect your ability to perform these tasks safely. Kidney function: Kidney disease or reduced kidney function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver problems: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

This medication should not be used by people with severe liver problems. If you develop symptoms of liver problems e. Myasthenia gravis: This medication can worsen or cause symptoms of myasthenia gravis. If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms such as double vision, drooping eyelids, muscle weakness, or difficulty chewing or swallowing, contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: Clarithromycin should not be used during pregnancy, especially the first 3 months of pregnancy, unless there is no other appropriate therapy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor. Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking clarithromycin, it may affect your baby.

Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Children: The safety and effectiveness of using clarithromycin oral suspension have not been established for children younger than 6 months old. For pneumonia, the use of clarithromycin oral suspension has not been studied for children younger than 3 years old.

The safety and effectiveness of using clarithromycin to prevent MAC infection has not been studied for children younger than 20 months old. The safety and effectiveness of using clarithromycin tablets have not been established for children younger than 12 years old. If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them.

Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed. Medications other than the ones listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter non-prescription , and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date.

However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. If you've ever been prescribed antibiotics, you've likely been told that it may make your birth control less effective.

Here's what the research says. A metallic taste in your mouth is a type of taste disorder. The unpleasant taste can develop suddenly or over longer periods of time. There are many…. Antibiotics are prescription drugs that help treat infections. Some of the more common infections treated with antibiotics include bronchitis….

You may not need to head to your doctor's office the next time you need antibiotics. Here are five natural antibiotics you can try at home. Though conventional treatments for H. Stomach ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach. They are often extremely painful. Read on to learn about easy stomach ulcer home remedies….

Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can all cause skin infections. Infections can range from mild to severe. Learn what to do if you have a skin…. An ear infection occurs when a bacterial or viral infection affects the middle ear — the sections of your ear just behind the eardrum. They can be…. Boils are caused by bacteria building up in a hair follicle and pushing up to the surface of the skin.

Recurring boils happen for a number of reasons…. Certain E. Learn about other bacteria and parasites like pinworms and how to prevent…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Clarithromycin, Oral Tablet. Clarithromycin oral tablet is available as a generic drug and a brand-name drug.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to clarithromycin. The extended-release tablet does not dissolve in the stomach after swallowing. It slowly releases the medication as it passes through your digestive system. You may notice the tablet coating in the stool. This is normal and does not mean that you did not get the full dose of medication. Do not let anyone else take your medication.

Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the clarithromycin, call your doctor. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital.

It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Generic alternatives may be available.