Clarithromycin Dosage: What You Need to Know About Strength, Timing, and Safety
When you're prescribed clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, sinusitis, and skin infections. Also known as Biaxin, it works by stopping bacteria from growing, not by killing them outright. Getting the clarithromycin dosage right matters—too little won’t clear the infection, too much raises your risk of side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or even rare but serious heart rhythm issues.
Most adults take clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, sinusitis, and skin infections. Also known as Biaxin, it works by stopping bacteria from growing, not by killing them outright. in doses of 250 to 500 milligrams every 12 hours. For more serious infections like pneumonia, doctors often bump it up to 500 mg twice daily. Kids get doses based on weight—usually 7.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, split into two doses. The treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days, but never stop early just because you feel better. Stopping too soon can let the toughest bacteria survive and come back stronger.
Timing matters too. You can take clarithromycin with or without food, but if it upsets your stomach, having it with a light meal helps. Avoid taking it with antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium—they can block absorption. Also, don’t mix it with certain statins, blood thinners, or heart medications without checking with your doctor. Some combinations can spike drug levels in your blood and lead to dangerous side effects.
People with kidney problems often need lower doses because clarithromycin is cleared through the kidneys. If you’re over 65 or have liver disease, your doctor might adjust your dose too. And if you’ve had allergic reactions to other macrolides like azithromycin or erythromycin, you might react to clarithromycin as well. Always tell your pharmacist and doctor about every medication, supplement, or herb you’re taking.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides that dig into how clarithromycin fits into real-world treatment—how it compares to other antibiotics like azithromycin or amoxicillin, what to do if you miss a dose, how long side effects last, and why some people need it paired with other drugs for stomach ulcers. These aren’t generic lists. They’re based on actual patient experiences and clinical guidelines, written to help you make smarter choices without the confusion.
Clarithromycin for Ear Infections: Full Guide & Dosage Tips
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