When you're dealing with a stubborn bacterial infection, your doctor might reach for clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic that stops bacteria from growing by blocking protein production. Also known as Biaxin, it's one of the most prescribed antibiotics for respiratory and skin infections, and it's often used to treat stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori. Unlike some antibiotics that kill bacteria outright, clarithromycin stops them in their tracks—giving your immune system the upper hand.
This drug is part of the macrolide antibiotic, a class of drugs that includes erythromycin and azithromycin, known for their effectiveness against gram-positive bacteria and some atypical pathogens. It’s commonly used for pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and skin conditions like cellulitis. It’s also a key player in combination therapy for H. pylori, a stomach bacterium linked to ulcers and gastric cancer, often treated with clarithromycin and a proton pump inhibitor. People with allergies to penicillin often get clarithromycin as an alternative—it’s not a beta-lactam, so cross-reactivity is rare.
But it’s not without risks. Common side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, and a weird metallic taste in your mouth. Less common but serious issues include liver problems, irregular heartbeat, and severe allergic reactions. You should never take it with certain cholesterol meds like simvastatin or antiarrhythmics—interactions can be dangerous. If you’ve had liver disease or a past reaction to similar antibiotics, tell your doctor before starting.
Clarithromycin isn’t a cure-all. It doesn’t work on viruses, so it won’t help with colds or flu. Overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance, which is why it’s usually prescribed for short courses—7 to 14 days max. Taking it exactly as directed matters more than you think. Skipping doses or stopping early lets surviving bacteria adapt and come back stronger.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of articles—it’s a practical guide to how clarithromycin fits into real-world treatment. You’ll see how it compares to other antibiotics, what to do if you miss a dose, how it interacts with other meds you’re taking, and what alternatives exist when it doesn’t work or causes side effects. There’s no fluff. Just clear, no-nonsense info on when it helps, when it doesn’t, and how to use it safely.
Compare Rulide (roxithromycin) with azithromycin, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and doxycycline to find the best antibiotic for your infection. Learn when each works, side effects, and what to ask your doctor.
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