Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking clarithromycin

Clarithromycin can be taken while you're pregnant, but other antibiotics may be more suitable. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If your baby is healthy, you can take clarithromycin while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.

Clarithromycin passes into breast milk in very small amounts and is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby.

It's important to treat an infection if you're breastfeeding as it could get worse if left untreated.

It's very rare for breastfed babies to have side effects from medicines you're taking. But it's important to keep monitoring your baby if you're taking any medicine while breastfeeding.

Contact your healthcare professional or call 111 as soon as possible if you notice that your baby:

• is not feeding as well as usual or putting on weight as expected
• has an upset stomach such as diarrhoea or being sick (vomiting)
• has a rash
• has oral thrush (a fungal infection in their mouth)
• has changes in their usual sleeping pattern or seems irritable
• seems sweaty

If your baby has any symptoms that are not listed, or if you're worried about them, you can also call 111 or contact any healthcare professional.