Treat Sore Throat With Clarithromycin
Learn how Clarithromycin treats Sore Throat, 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 or heat. Once made up, store Clarithromycin suspension in the fridge at temperatures between 2 and 8°C, as specified by the manufacturer.
What is Clarithromycin used for?
Clarithromycin is used for the treatment of acute sore throat due to suspected streptococcal infection under the NHS England commissioned Pharmacy First service.
How does Clarithromycin work?
Clarithromycin is an antibiotic that stops bacteria from growing and spreading.
When will I feel better and what should I do if I do not get better?
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with Clarithromycin. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Clarithromycin?
You can drink alcohol with Clarithromycin, but drinking alcohol when taking 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 sore throats for the Pharmacy First service, but may not take Clarithromycin if you meet the exclusion criteria for sore throats 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. Your dose will depend on your body weight if you are aged between 5 and 11. If you are aged between 12 and 17 or if you are an adult you will need to take 500 mg of Clarithromycin twice a day.
What are the side effects of Clarithromycin?
Side effects of Clarithromycin include dyspepsia, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, abnormal liver function tests, decreased appetite, dizziness, hearing impairment, insomnia, skin reactions and vision disorders.
Are there any Interactions of Clarithromycin with other drugs?
Clarithromycin interacts with simvastatin, domperidone, pimozide, ranolazine, midazolam, typhoid vaccine, 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?
Clarithromycin can be used in breastfeeding individuals, but you will need 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 can be taken during pregnancy, but is excluded from the Pharmacy First scheme 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.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About How Clarithromycin Treats Sore Throat
What is Clarithromycin and how is it used for infected insect bites?
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat infected insect bites when first-line antibiotics (flucloxacillin) are unsuitable — most commonly due to penicillin allergy. Insect bites can become secondarily infected with bacteria, typically Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, causing redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and sometimes pus. Clarithromycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis to clear the infection. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, a pharmacist can assess infected insect bites and supply clarithromycin without a GP appointment.
What is the dose of Clarithromycin for an infected insect bite?
Adults and children over 12 years: 250 mg twice daily for 5–7 days. Children: dose is weight-based, given as oral suspension. Take at regular 12-hour intervals. Clarithromycin can be taken with or without food. Complete the full course of antibiotics even if the bite appears to be improving, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
How do I know if my insect bite is infected and needs antibiotics?
Signs of an infected insect bite include increasing redness spreading outward from the bite, increasing pain and swelling, warmth around the area, pus or weeping fluid from the bite, and sometimes fever. A normal insect bite causes a small, localised red bump that settles within a few days. If the redness is spreading, the area is getting more painful, or you develop a temperature, seek assessment through Pharmacy First. Not all infected bites need antibiotics — mild infections may respond to antiseptic cleaning alone.
Can I get Clarithromycin for an infected insect bite through Pharmacy First?
Yes, the NHS Pharmacy First service allows pharmacists to assess infected insect bites and supply appropriate antibiotics. If oral antibiotics are needed and you are allergic to penicillin, the pharmacist can supply clarithromycin. The pharmacist will assess the severity of the infection, check for signs of spreading infection (cellulitis) that may need GP or urgent care referral, and provide advice on wound care. This is a free NHS service.
What are the side effects of Clarithromycin?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and a metallic or bitter taste disturbance. Headache and insomnia may occur. These are generally mild and temporary. Rare but important side effects include allergic reactions, liver problems, and heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation). Seek medical advice if you develop jaundice, severe diarrhoea, or a rash.
How should I care for an infected insect bite alongside antibiotics?
Clean the bite gently with soap and water. Avoid scratching — keep nails short and consider covering the bite with a clean dressing. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) can help reduce itching. Keep the area elevated if swollen. Watch for signs of worsening infection: red streaking from the bite, increasing redness beyond 2 cm, high fever, or feeling generally unwell — these may indicate cellulitis or spreading infection requiring urgent medical review.
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