GPhC Registered: 9012621
Clarithromycin Tablets for Tonsillitis
Clarithromycin Tablets for Tonsillitis
Want your order delivered tomorrow?
Order within the next 1 hour 19 minutes to get it delivered tomorrow.
Experienced UK-registered prescribers
Owned by qualified doctors
2-minute consultation
UK-wide express delivery
About the product
What is Clarithromycin?
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. It is commonly used for tonsillitis when a bacterial cause is considered likely and when penicillin is not suitable, such as in people with penicillin allergy or intolerance. Please notee this medication can only be prescribed if you have suffered with an allergy to penicillin. For first line treatment, please select phenoxymethylpenicillin.
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 sore throat, painful swallowing, swollen tonsils and fever when the tonsillitis is caused by bacteria.
What is Clarithromycin used for on this page?
On this product page, clarithromycin is used specifically for:
- Suspected bacterial tonsillitis where an antibiotic is considered appropriate
- Symptoms such as sore throat, painful swallowing, swollen tonsils, fever or visible exudate where bacterial infection is more likely
- Situations where penicillin is not suitable, such as penicillin allergy or intolerance
It is not used here for:
- Routine treatment of simple viral sore throats
- Severe throat infection with red-flag symptoms needing urgent assessment
- Glandular fever unless specifically assessed
- Children unless specifically assessed for age-appropriate dosing
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 symptoms consistent with tonsillitis and an antibiotic is considered appropriate
- Your symptoms are moderate or severe, or fit a pattern where bacterial infection is more likely
- Penicillin is not suitable for you
- 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 you have fever, swollen glands, tonsil exudate or absence of cough
- Any history of allergy to penicillin or macrolide antibiotics
- 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 throat symptoms such as difficulty breathing, inability to swallow fluids, drooling, muffled voice, neck swelling or suspected quinsy
- 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 tonsillitis 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
- Rest and keep well hydrated
- Simple pain relief such as paracetamol may help if suitable for you
- Warm drinks or soothing fluids may help with throat discomfort
- Avoid smoking and smoky environments, as these may worsen irritation
- Seek review if symptoms are severe, prolonged or repeatedly returning
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.
How it works
Online consultation
Fill out a simple online form with no GP or pharmacy visits.
Clinical review
A UK-registered pharmacist reviews your details to decide the best treatment option for you.
Receive your prescription
If prescribed, you can get express delivery in discreet packaging right to your doorstep.
Delivery Information
Royal Mail Tracked 24
1–2 working days
£3.99
DPD Next Working Day Delivery
Next working day delivery
£6.95
Royal Mail Special Delivery
Guaranteed next working day delivery
£8.95
Discreet Packaging
All orders are sent in plain, unmarked packaging with no indication of the contents. Your privacy is our priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clarithromycin is often used when penicillin is not suitable, such as in people with penicillin allergy or intolerance.
Some people start to feel better within a few days, but it can take longer for symptoms to fully settle. It is important to complete the course as directed.
No antibiotic works instantly. You may still need simple measures such as pain relief, fluids and rest while the treatment starts to work.
If your symptoms do not improve, if they worsen, or if you become more unwell, seek further medical advice. You may need reassessment or a different treatment.
Many people can use simple pain relief alongside antibiotics if suitable for them. Check the product information and avoid anything that is not suitable for your own health conditions.
Take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed tablet.
Alcohol is not known to directly stop clarithromycin working, but if you feel unwell it is sensible to keep alcohol to a minimum until you feel better.
Many sore throats are viral and do not need antibiotics. A consultation helps check whether an antibiotic is likely to be appropriate and whether there are any symptoms that need further assessment.
Seek review if symptoms do not improve, if they worsen, if you develop difficulty swallowing fluids, breathing problems, neck swelling, severe pain on one side of the throat, high fever, or if you are not sure the treatment is suiting you.
No. This information supports, but does not replace, advice from your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional. Always follow the directions on your prescription and the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Regulated and Safe
General Pharmaceutical Council
My Chemist Plus is registered and regulated by the GPhC, who are the official body that regulates and inspects all pharmacies in the UK. They are responsible to ensure we provide the highest standards in care.
LegitScript certification
My Chemist Plus is certified by Legit Script, who monitors online pharmacies to evaluate compliance, adherence and licensing to regulation.