What is Clarithromycin?

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. It may be used for impetigo when an oral antibiotic is considered appropriate, particularly when penicillin is not suitable, such as in people with penicillin allergy or intolerance.

This product page refers to clarithromycin supplied on a private prescription following an online consultation.

How does Clarithromycin work?

Clarithromycin works by interfering with bacterial protein production, which stops susceptible bacteria from growing and helps clear the infection. This may reduce symptoms such as crusting, redness, soreness and spreading skin inflammation when impetigo is caused by bacteria.

What is Clarithromycin used for on this page?

On this product page, clarithromycin is used specifically for:

- Impetigo where an oral antibiotic is considered appropriate

- Widespread non-bullous impetigo where oral treatment is preferred

- Situations where penicillin is not suitable, such as penicillin allergy or intolerance

It is not used here for:

- Minor localised impetigo where a topical treatment is more appropriate

- Viral skin rashes

- Fungal skin infections

- Severe or rapidly worsening skin infection needing urgent face-to-face assessment

Your prescriber will confirm clarithromycin is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history and any other medicines you are using.

Who may be suitable for Clarithromycin?

You may be suitable if:

- You have impetigo and an oral antibiotic is considered appropriate

- Penicillin is not suitable for you

- The infection is more widespread or not suitable for a topical treatment alone

- You are able to take tablets and complete the full course

Your prescriber will consider:

- How long your symptoms have been present and how severe they are

- Whether the rash is spreading, crusted, blistering or causing increasing discomfort

- Whether you have fever or feel unwell

- Any history of penicillin allergy or intolerance

- Any other medicines or health conditions you have

before deciding if clarithromycin is suitable for you.

Who should not use Clarithromycin or needs medical advice first?

Do not use without medical advice if you:

- Are allergic to clarithromycin, erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics

- Have severe skin infection symptoms such as rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, facial swelling, marked swelling around the eyes, confusion, or signs of serious illness

- Have severe vomiting or are unable to keep tablets down

- Have been told you have significant heart rhythm problems, including prolonged QT interval

- Are taking medicines that interact dangerously with clarithromycin

- Are pregnant without checking suitability first, as erythromycin is usually preferred in pregnancy where a macrolide is needed

Use with caution and seek prescriber advice if you:

- Have liver problems

- Have kidney problems

- Have myasthenia gravis

- Are taking statins, warfarin, colchicine, digoxin, carbamazepine or other medicines that may interact

- Have symptoms that are not clearly due to impetigo or have had repeated episodes

How do I take Clarithromycin?

Your prescriber will confirm the exact directions.

Practical advice:

- Take it at evenly spaced times through the day

- Swallow with water

- It can be taken with or without food

- Finish the full course unless you are told otherwise by a healthcare professional

If your symptoms get worse, do not improve, or you become more unwell during treatment, seek medical advice.

General self-care advice

- Keep the affected area clean and dry where possible

- Avoid scratching, picking or touching the affected skin

- Do not share towels, flannels, pillowcases or other personal items

- Wash hands regularly, especially after touching the affected area

- Wash pillowcases, face cloths and towels frequently while the infection is active

- Stay away from work or close-contact settings if advised until treatment has started and lesions are covered or improving

Side effects and when to get help

Common side effects can include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhoea, altered taste and headache. These are often mild.

Seek medical advice urgently if you develop swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, severe rash, persistent severe diarrhoea, jaundice, palpitations, fainting, or signs of a serious allergic reaction after taking the medicine.

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• Antibiotic treatment for impetigo
• Capsule treatment if clinically appropriate
• Prescription-only medicine following online assessment
• Discreet, regulated service with delivery available