Clarithromycin 500mg Tablets for Tonsillitis

Yes. Clarithromycin is the antibiotic recommended by NICE for a bacterial sore throat or tonsillitis if you’re allergic to penicillin. It’s effective against the streptococcus bacteria that most commonly cause bacterial tonsillitis.

If you’re not allergic to penicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) is usually the first choice instead.

Complete our online consultation for a clinical assessment by one of our experienced prescribers to find out whether you’re eligible for a prescription to buy clarithromycin 500mg tablets online.

Yes. Clarithromycin is not a penicillin, so it is usually a safe alternative if you have a penicillin allergy. Tell your prescriber what happened when you reacted to penicillin so they can check it is suitable.

Klaricid is a brand name for clarithromycin. They contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way.

You cannot buy clarithromycin over the counter at a pharmacy as it is a prescription-only medication. This means you must have a prescription from a licensed prescriber to buy clarithromycin for tonsillitis.

If you think you have bacterial tonsillitis and are allergic to penicillin, you can fill out our simple online questionnaire to start your consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers. Then, if prescribed, you can buy clarithromycin 500mg tablets through our online pharmacy with next day UK delivery.

You can order clarithromycin 500mg tablets through an online pharmacy after a clinical assessment with a registered prescriber. A prescriber will only prescribe clarithromycin if it’s clinically appropriate for you and your situation.

Do not buy antibiotics from pharmacies or websites that do not require a consultation with a medical professional.

At My Chemist Plus, you can have a free consultation with a UK-registered, experienced prescriber for clarithromycin. If prescribed, you can order clarithromycin online with UK-wide next day delivery. Fill out a quick health questionnaire to get started.

Not always. Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by viruses and get better on their own in about a week with rest, fluids and painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Antibiotics are usually only recommended when your symptoms suggest a bacterial infection, such as a high temperature, pus on your tonsils, symptoms that came on quickly, very inflamed tonsils and no cough or cold.

Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better. If you finish your course and still feel unwell, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Take one tablet twice a day, about 12 hours apart. For instance, one in the morning and one in the evening.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water. You can take it with or without food.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not take two tablets at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

For adults with tonsillitis, the usual dose is 500mg twice a day for 5 days – 10 tablets in total. It’s very important you follow your prescriber’s advice and finish the full course.

Many people start to feel better within a few days of starting treatment. If your symptoms get worse, or do not start to improve after a few days, seek medical advice.

Clarithromycin interacts with a number of medicines, so tell your prescriber about everything you take. In particular, mention:

• Statins, such as simvastatin or atorvastatin
• Warfarin or other blood thinners
• Colchicine, used for gout
• Digoxin or medicines for an irregular heartbeat
• Carbamazepine, used for epilepsy
• Any medicine that can affect your heart rhythm

Your prescriber may ask you to pause some medicines, such as simvastatin, while you take clarithromycin.

Clarithromycin is not usually recommended during pregnancy unless there’s no suitable alternative. If you’re pregnant or could be pregnant, tell your prescriber so they can recommend the safest option for you.

If you’re breastfeeding, small amounts of clarithromycin can pass into breast milk. Let your prescriber know so they can give you the right guidance.

Alcohol does not interact with clarithromycin. But, it’s a good idea to avoid drinking alcohol while you’re unwell, as it can make side effects such as nausea worse.

Clarithromycin should not usually affect your ability to drive. But, some people feel dizzy or confused. If this happens, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better.

Clarithromycin does not affect the contraceptive pill directly. It also does not affect the emergency contraceptive pill. But, clarithromycin can cause vomiting or diarrhoea in some people.

If you’re vomiting or have diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, this may prevent your contraceptive pill from working. To find out what to do, read the patient information leaflet that comes with your contraceptive medication, speak to your doctor, or visit the NHS website for guidance.

Get urgent medical help from a GP or NHS 111 if you:

• Have severe pain or swelling on one side of your throat
• Cannot swallow fluids or are drooling
• Have a muffled voice or difficulty opening your mouth

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have difficulty breathing.