Treat Impetigo With Clarithromycin
Learn how Clarithromycin treats Impetigo, how to use it safely, who it's suitable for, and what results to expect. When clinically appropriate, our trained clinicians can assess your symptoms online and provide treatment without needing a GP appointment.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Clarithromycin Key Facts
Who Manufactures Clarithromycin?
Clarithromycin is manufactured by various MHRA approved generic manufacturers.
What Form is Clarithromycin available in?
Clarithromycin is available as tablets or as an oral suspension.
How do I store Clarithromycin?
Store Clarithromycin tablets at room temperature, away from excess moisture and heat. Store Clarithromycin suspension in the fridge at temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees once made up, as specified by the manufacturer.
What is Clarithromycin used for?
Clarithromycin is used for the treatment of widespread non-bullous impetigo under the NHS England commissioned Pharmacy First service.
How does Clarithromycin work?
Clarithromycin is an antibiotic that stops susceptible bacteria from growing and spreading.
When will I feel better and what should I do if I do not get better?
You should start to feel better within a few days, but speak to your healthcare provider if you do not see an improvement after 3 days of using Clarithromycin or if your symptoms worsen at any time.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Clarithromycin?
Drinking alcohol with Clarithromycin may reduce its benefits or delay it from working.
Do I need to take Clarithromycin with food?
Clarithromycin may be taken with or without food.
Who can and cannot take Clarithromycin?
You may take Clarithromycin if you meet the inclusion criteria for impetigo for the Pharmacy First service, but may not take Clarithromycin if you meet the exclusion criteria for impetigo for the Pharmacy First service.
How often do I need to take Clarithromycin?
You will need to take Clarithromycin twice a day for 5 days. If you are between 1 and 11 years old your dose will depend on your body weight. Children over the age of 12 and adults will need to take 250 mg twice a day.
What are the side effects of Clarithromycin?
Side effects of Clarithromycin include dyspepsia, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, pancreatitis, abnormal liver function tests, decreased appetite, dizziness, headache, hearing impairment, insomnia, skin reactions, altered taste and vision disorders.
Are there any Interactions of Clarithromycin with other drugs?
Clarithromycin interacts with simvastatin, astemizole, domperidone, pimozide, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ranolazine, midazolam, typhoid vaccine, medicines known to cause QT prolongation, rifampicin, phenytoin and St. John's Wort.
Other important information about Clarithromycin
Take Clarithromycin at regular intervals and finish the course even if your symptoms improve. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, do not drive or operate machinery. Seek medical advice in the event of an adverse reaction or if any other new symptoms develop. If a rash or other signs of hypersensitivity occur, stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical advice.
Does Clarithromycin interfere with conception and contraception?
Clarithromycin does not affect fertility in men or women and does not stop any type of contraception from working, however if Clarithromycin makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.
Can I use Clarithromycin when breast feeding?
If you are breastfeeding, you should avoid direct contact between your baby and impetigo lesion(s). Clarithromycin can be used in breastfeeding individuals, but you are advised to monitor your baby for gastrointestinal disturbances, oral candida infection, rashes, drowsiness, irritability, sweating and loss of appetite.
Can I use Clarithromycin if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
Clarithromycin may be taken during pregnancy, but its use is excluded from the Pharmacy First service if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About How Clarithromycin Treats Impetigo
What is Clarithromycin and how is it used for acute sinusitis?
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat acute bacterial sinusitis when first-line antibiotics (phenoxymethylpenicillin or doxycycline) are not suitable, or as a second-line option when symptoms have not responded to initial treatment. Acute sinusitis causes facial pain/pressure, nasal congestion, and discoloured nasal discharge. Most cases are viral and do not need antibiotics. Clarithromycin is reserved for cases with bacterial features. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can assess sinusitis and supply clarithromycin where clinically indicated.
What is the dose of Clarithromycin for sinusitis?
Adults: 500 mg twice daily for 5 days. Children: dose is weight-based, as directed by the pharmacist. Take at 12-hour intervals with or without food. The 5-day course aligns with NICE guidance for acute sinusitis antibiotics. Complete the full course.
When do I actually need antibiotics for sinusitis?
Most acute sinusitis is viral and resolves within 2–3 weeks without antibiotics. NICE recommends antibiotics only when symptoms have not improved after 10 days of self-care, or when symptoms are severe from the outset (high fever >38°C, significant facial pain, purulent nasal discharge). Your Pharmacy First pharmacist will assess whether antibiotic treatment is genuinely needed or whether self-care measures are more appropriate.
Can I get Clarithromycin for sinusitis through Pharmacy First?
Yes, pharmacists can assess acute sinusitis through Pharmacy First and supply antibiotics including clarithromycin where clinically appropriate, without a GP visit. The pharmacist will evaluate your symptoms, duration, and severity to determine whether antibiotics are needed. This is a free NHS service.
What are the side effects of Clarithromycin?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and taste disturbance (metallic/bitter taste — very common with clarithromycin). These are generally mild and temporary. Rare serious side effects include liver problems, allergic reactions, and QT prolongation.
What self-care measures help with sinusitis?
Regular paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever. Nasal saline irrigation or spray to clear congestion. Steam inhalation (with caution to avoid burns). Stay well-hydrated. A short course (up to 7 days) of nasal decongestant spray (xylometazoline) may help but should not be used longer. Warm compresses over the sinuses can provide relief. Avoid smoking and allergen exposure.
Experienced a Side Effect?
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