Clarithromycin belongs to the class of medicines, known as macrolide antibiotics. It works by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Thus, it stops the bacteria from growing, and prevents the infection from spreading.
 

•  Clarithromycin is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body.
•  It is used in infections of tonsils, sinus, ear, nose, throat, skin and soft tissues and lungs (pneumonia).
•  It is also used in combination with other medicines to treat duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori.
•  This medicine is also used to prevent and treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection.
•  Clarithromycin is used to treat skin and structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

•  Fever or chills
•  Lower back pain
•  Abdominal pain
•  Nausea or Vomiting
•  Diarrhea
•  Skin Rash
•  Acid or sour stomach
•  Excessive air or gas in stomach
•  Headache
•  Heartburn

• Take it 1 hour before or two hours after food.
• Do not take antacids 2 hours before or after taking Clarithromycin.
• Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete.
• Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
• Stop taking Clarithromycin and inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or breathing difficulties while taking it.  It is not recommended in the patients who are allergic to macrolides.