Side effects of clarithromycin

These common side effects of clarithromycin happen to more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your clarithromycin after you've eaten.

If you're being sick, try taking small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

If you take the combined pill or progestogen-only pill and you're being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

If you take the combined contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill and you have severe, watery diarrhoea or any diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

Try not to eat foods that cause farting (flatulence) like lentils, beans and onions. Eat smaller meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise. There are pharmacy medicines that can also help, such as antacids or simeticone. Ask a pharmacist for advice.

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. It's best not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller if you need one. Talk to your doctor if your headaches are severe or do not go away.

Avoid having a big meal, smoking, and drinking alcohol, tea or coffee in the evening. Try not to watch television or use your mobile phone before going to bed. Instead, try to relax for an hour before bedtime.

If this advice does not help and any of these side effects continue to bother you, keep taking the medicine, but tell your doctor or pharmacist.