Clarithromycin

Antibiotic (macrolide)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Clarithromycin is a antibiotic (macrolide) found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Claribid 500. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats chest, throat, sinus and skin infections, and is part of treatment for stomach ulcer bacteria (H. pylori).

How it works

A macrolide antibiotic for chest, sinus and skin infections and, with other medicines, to clear H. pylori stomach infection.

How to take it

Usually 250 to 500 mg twice a day, with or without food.

Common side effects

  • Altered taste
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Headache

Get medical help straight away if

  • Palpitations or fainting
  • Yellow skin
  • Severe diarrhoea

Be careful

Many drug interactions; can cause a metallic taste.

Other medicines and interactions

Raises levels of statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin), warfarin, theophylline, carbamazepine, colchicine and others. Heart rhythm risk with other QT-prolonging medicines. It must not be combined with simvastatin, lovastatin, ticagrelor or ergotamine.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoided in pregnancy unless no alternative; ask about breastfeeding.

Brands of Clarithromycin (1)

Claribid 500

Common questions

What is Clarithromycin used for?

Treats chest, throat, sinus and skin infections, and is part of treatment for stomach ulcer bacteria (H. pylori).

How does Clarithromycin work?

A macrolide antibiotic for chest, sinus and skin infections and, with other medicines, to clear H. pylori stomach infection.

How should I take Clarithromycin?

Usually 250 to 500 mg twice a day, with or without food.

What are the side effects of Clarithromycin?

Common: Altered taste, nausea, diarrhoea, headache. Get help straight away for: Palpitations or fainting, yellow skin, severe diarrhoea.

Does Clarithromycin interact with other medicines?

Raises levels of statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin), warfarin, theophylline, carbamazepine, colchicine and others. Heart rhythm risk with other QT-prolonging medicines. It must not be combined with simvastatin, lovastatin, ticagrelor or ergotamine.

Is Clarithromycin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Avoided in pregnancy unless no alternative; ask about breastfeeding.

Does Clarithromycin need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Clarithromycin?

Claribid 500.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.