Description
Clarithromycin belongs to the group of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria that can cause certain infections. Clarithromycin may be prescribed for people with bacterial throat infections, sinus infections, ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and skin infections such as impetigo and cellulitis.
Clarithromycin may also be used to prevent and treat certain infections (mycobacterium avium complex or MAC), associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Clarithromycin can be used in combination with other medications to kill H. pylori, a bacteria known to cause ulcers in the digestive tract.
Adults: The recommended adult dose of clarithromycin tablets is 250 mg to 500 mg twice daily (every 12 hours) for 7 to 14 days, depending on the condition being treated.
The recommended adult dose of the extended-release form of clarithromycin is 1,000 mg (2 tablets) once daily for 5 to 14 days, depending on the condition being treated.
For the treatment and prevention of MAC, the usual dose of clarithromycin is 500 mg twice daily. When used with other medications to kill H. pylori, the usual dose of clarithromycin is 500 mg twice daily for 10 days.
