Part Two of Clarithromycin Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

Go to page: 1 | 2

What are the possible side effects of clarithromycin?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking clarithromycin and seek emergency medical attention:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), or
    • liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue).
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take clarithromycin and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;
    • dizziness, fatigue, or headache;
    • vaginal yeast infection;
    • a rash; or
    • increased sensitivity to sunlight.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect clarithromycin?

  • Clarithromycin may cause dangerous side effects when taken with the following drugs:
    • antihistamines such as terfenadine (Seldane) and astemizole (Hismanal). These drugs should not be taken with clarithromycin. The combination can cause your heart to beat irregularly.
    • seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene). These drugs may or may not be affected. Since these drugs are so important, your doctor may want to perform some special blood-monitoring tests.
    • asthma medications such as theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron, others). Clarithromycin may increase levels of these drugs in your blood, and you may need a dosage adjustment.
    • anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin). These medications may have an increased effect, which could lead to bleeding. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood clotting.
    • heart medications for irregular heartbeats, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and disopyramide (Norpace). These drugs may also have an increased effect. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood levels more closely.
    • other antibiotics. Do not use other antibiotics unless they are prescribed by your doctor.
  • Do not take clarithromycin without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with clarithromycin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about clarithromycin written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 5.04. Revision date: 7/18/03.

Go to page: 1 | 2