Who can and cannot take clarithromycin

Most adults and children can 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
• have heart problems, including irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia)
• have abnormally low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood
• have myasthenia gravis – clarithromycin can make your symptoms worse
• have phenylketonuria – some brands of liquid clarithromycin contain the sweetener aspartame, which you should avoid if you have this condition
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding
• have liver or kidney problems