Treat Infected Insect Bites With Clarithromycin
Learn how Clarithromycin treats Infected Insect Bites, 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 generic manufacturers approved by the MHRA.
What Form is Clarithromycin available in?
Clarithromycin is available as an oral suspension or as tablets.
How do I store Clarithromycin?
Store Clarithromycin tablets at room temperature, away from excess moisture or heat. Once made up, store Clarithromycin suspension in the fridge at temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees, as specified by the manufacturer.
What is Clarithromycin used for?
Clarithromycin is used for the treatment of infected insect bite(s) and sting(s) 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 of taking Clarithromycin. If you do not see an improvement after 3 days of using Clarithromycin or if your symptoms worsen at any time, speak to your healthcare provider.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Clarithromycin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol with Clarithromycin, however, drinking alcohol with Clarithromycin may reduce its benefits or delay it from working.
Do I need to take Clarithromycin with food?
You may take Clarithromycin with or without food.
Who can and cannot take Clarithromycin?
You may take Clarithromycin if you meet the inclusion criteria for infected insect bites for the Pharmacy First service, but may not take Clarithromycin if you meet the exclusion criteria for infected insect bites 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 500 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, domperidone, 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.
Does Clarithromycin interfere with conception and contraception?
Clarithromycin does not affect fertility in men or women and does not stop contraceptives from working. If however, Clarithromycin makes you vomit or gives you severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.
Can I use Clarithromycin when breast feeding?
Clarithromycin can be used in breastfeeding individuals. You are however, advised to monitor your baby for gastrointestinal disturbances, oral candida infection, rashes, drowsiness, irritability, sweating or 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 for infected insect bites 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 Infected Insect Bites
What is Clarithromycin and how is it used for acute sore throat?
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat acute bacterial sore throat (streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis) when penicillin-based antibiotics are not suitable, typically due to penicillin allergy. Most sore throats are viral and do not require antibiotics. Clarithromycin is reserved for sore throats with evidence of bacterial infection, particularly Group A Streptococcus. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can assess sore throats and supply clarithromycin where clinically appropriate.
What is the dose of Clarithromycin for acute sore throat?
Adults: 250 mg twice daily for 5 days. Children: dose is weight-based. Take at 12-hour intervals with or without food. Complete the full 5-day course even if you feel better, to ensure the streptococcal infection is fully treated and to reduce the risk of complications.
When do I need antibiotics for a sore throat?
Most sore throats are viral and resolve within 7 days without antibiotics. Your pharmacist will use clinical criteria (FeverPAIN or Centor score) to assess whether a bacterial infection is likely. Antibiotics are recommended when the score indicates high probability of Group A Streptococcus — typically when there is fever, tonsillar exudate (pus on tonsils), anterior cervical lymphadenopathy (swollen glands), and absence of cough. Even with bacterial features, many sore throats resolve without antibiotics.
Can I get Clarithromycin for a sore throat through Pharmacy First?
Yes, the NHS Pharmacy First service allows pharmacists to assess acute sore throats using validated scoring tools and supply antibiotics including clarithromycin where clinically appropriate. This is a free NHS service.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and taste disturbance (metallic taste). These are generally mild and resolve after the course. Rare serious side effects include allergic reactions and liver problems.
What self-care measures help with a sore throat?
Drink plenty of fluids, use paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, try medicated throat lozenges or sprays, gargle with warm salt water, eat soft foods, avoid smoking, rest your voice, and use honey and lemon in warm water (not for children under 1). Most sore throats improve within a week.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
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