Book an appointment
Schedule a visit with a board-certified doctor at a time that works best for you.
Achieve your weight-loss goals with GLP-1 treatments like Wegovy® and Zepbound®, guided by licensed providers every step of the way.
Personalized care for women, with HRT and lifestyle support to ease menopause symptoms and restore balance.
Simple, supportive mental health care on your terms, including access to prescription medication when appropriate.
Care without the wait—connect 24/7 with licensed providers for same-day prescription refills and common concerns like colds, flu, rashes, and more.
Clarithromycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the macrolide class. Clarithromycin is commonly prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory infections (like pneumonia and bronchitis), skin infections, and certain types of stomach infections caused by Helicobacter pylori. It usually comes in tablet or liquid form, and the dosage depends on the type and severity of the infection.
Clarithromycin macrolide antibiotic, which means it has a special large-ring structure that lets it block bacteria from making proteins they need to grow. Without these proteins, the bacteria can’t multiply, and the infection can clear up.
Whether you qualify for clarithromycin depends on your specific infection, medical history, and other medications you take. Healthcare providers usually consider: Type of infection: Clarithromycin is typically used for respiratory infections, certain skin infections, or stomach infections caused by H. pylori. Allergies: People allergic to macrolides (like erythromycin or azithromycin) usually shouldn’t take it. Other health conditions: Liver disease, heart rhythm issues, or kidney problems can affect whether it’s safe. Current medications: Clarithromycin can interact with some drugs, so your doctor will review your prescriptions. A healthcare provider will decide if clarithromycin is appropriate based on these factors.
step 1
Schedule a visit with a board-certified doctor at a time that works best for you.
step 2
Receive quality care, from diagnosis and prescriptions to lab orders and more.
step 3
Rest easy knowing that LifeMD is here for all your primary, urgent, and chronic health needs.
I believe virtual care expands access and allows me to support patients with the same compassion and clinical excellence as an in-person visit. My goal is always to meet patients where they are and guide them toward safe, personalized, sustainable health outcomes.
APRN
Clarithromycin may be right for you if you have a bacterial infection, don’t have allergies to macrolides, and your doctor confirms it’s safe with your health conditions and other medications.
No, clarithromycin is not penicillin. It’s a macrolide antibiotic, which works differently from penicillin. This makes it an option for people who are allergic to penicillin.
Clarithromycin usually starts working within a few days, and many people notice improvement in symptoms within two to three days. However, it’s important to finish the full prescribed course, even if you feel better, to fully clear the infection.
Clarithromycin is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, because its safety hasn’t been fully established. Doctors usually consider other antibiotics that are safer for pregnant people unless clarithromycin is specifically needed.
It’s generally best to avoid alcohol while taking clarithromycin. Drinking alcohol won’t usually stop the antibiotic from working, but it can increase side effects like nausea, stomach upset, dizziness, or liver stress.
Sleepiness isn’t a common side effect of clarithromycin. Most people experience nausea, diarrhea, or changes in taste rather than drowsiness. However, some people might feel tired or weak, so it’s best to pay attention to how you feel while taking it.
Clarithromycin is not usually the first choice for urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are most often caused by bacteria that aren’t very sensitive to macrolides, so doctors typically prescribe other antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, or a fluoroquinolone instead.
The most common side effects of clarithromycin include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and changes in taste. Some people may also experience headache or mild dizziness, but serious side effects are less common.
Yes! With LifeMD, you can connect with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your home within an hour. If appropriate, your provider may prescribe a medication and send it directly to your local pharmacy.
For even more flexibility, a LifeMD+ membership gives you 24/7 access to care, same-day prescription refills, exclusive wellness perks, and easy access to lab testing — all designed to make managing your health simple and stress-free.
Skip the waiting room. Join LifeMD and take control of your health today.
July 18, 2022
4 min
June 29, 2022
4 min
November 01, 2022
4 min
July 19, 2022
3 min
January 30, 2023
3 min