Clarithromycin

Generic name: clarithromycin [ kla-RITH-roe-MYE-sin ]
Brand names: Biaxin, Biaxin XL
Drug class:Macrolides

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on May 17, 2022.

What is clarithromycin?

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that fights bacteria in your body.

Clarithromycin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections affecting the skin and respiratory system.

Clarithromycin is also used together with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.

Warnings

Take clarithromycin for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clarithromycin or similar antibiotics, if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking this medicine, or if you have liver or kidney disease and are also taking colchicine.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact with clarithromycin, and some drugs should not be used together.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clarithromycin or similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Pak, Zmax), erythromycin, or telithromycin, or if:

• you have had jaundice or ...