Who can take clarithromycin
Clarithromycin can be taken by most adults and children.
Who may not be able to take clarithromycin
Clarithromycin is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to clarithromycin or any other medicine
- have ever had diarrhoea when you have taken antibiotics before
- have a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat
- have abnormally low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood
- have myasthenia gravis – clarithromycin can make the symptoms of this muscle-weakening condition worse
- have an illness called phenylketonuria – people with phenylketonuria have to avoid a sweetener called aspartame (this can be found in some sweeteners you may put in your drinks or food). Some brands of liquid clarithromycin contain aspartame
- are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.