What it is used for

Clarithromycin (CLARITHROMYCIN AN) is indicated for use in adults and children older than 12 years for the treatment of mild to moderately severe infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated micro-organisms in the conditions listed below: 1. Acute streptococcal pharyngitis; 2. Community acquired pneumonia due to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila and Streptococcus pneumoniae; 3. Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections due to Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes; 4. Disseminated or localised mycobacterial infections due to Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium intracellulare and skin and skin structure infections due to Mycobacterium chelonae. Clarithromycin should be used in combination with other antimycobacterial agents. 5. Prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection in HIV-infected adults with CD4 lymphocyte counts of <75 cells/mm'3 (See Precautions). Disseminated infection due to Mycobacterium avium complex should be excluded by a negative blood culture prior to commencement of prophylaxis. 6. Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis due to Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis or Streptococcus pneumoniae; 7. Combination therapy for treatment of peptic ulcer disease associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Clarithromycin (CLARITHROMYCIN AN) is indicated for use in children for the treatment of mild to moderately severe infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated micro-organisms in the conditions listed below: 1. Acute streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes; 2. Community acquired pneumonia including infections due to Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila; 3. Skin and skin structure infections (eg impetigo); 4. Disseminated or localised infections due to Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium intracellulare in immunocompromised children, including those with HIV infection or AIDS; 5. Acute otitis media. NOTE: 1. Penicillins are the drug of first choice in the treatment of acute otitis media. 2. Penicillin is the usual drug of choice in the treatment and prevention of streptococcal infections including prophylaxis of rheumatic fever. Clarithromycin appears to be as effective as phenoxymethylpenicillin in the eradication of streptococci from the nasopharynx, however substantial data establishing the efficacy of clarithromycin in the subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever are not available at present. 3. There is insufficient evidence of efficacy to support the use of clarithromycin in acute bronchitis in young children. 4. The data presented on infections of skin and skin structure were confined largely to mild to moderate infections such as impetigo.

How to take it

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

• The way to take this medicine: Oral
• Store below 30 degrees Celsius
• Shelf lifetime is 5 Years.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

Bright yellow, capsule-shaped tablet with "CLA" engraved on one side, and "250" engraved on the other.

Images are the copyright of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine. open tool tip to find out more

Is this medicine subsidised?

This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on November 1, 2018. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient clarithromycin

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.