Clarithromycin 500 Mg Tablet Side Effects

Clarithromycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic used to treat respiratory tract infections, ear infections and acute maxillary sinusitis. People who have shown hypersensitivity to erythromycin or any other macrolide antibiotics should not take clarithromycin. Clarithromycin tablets come as either immediate-release tablets or extended release tablets.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Clarithromycin, like any other macrolide antibiotic, may cause hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions. Symptoms may be mild or severe. Patients should stop taking clarithromycin if they experience a rash, itching, trouble swallowing or breathing, faintness, or any other signs of an allergic reaction.

Adverse Reactions

Clarithromycin tablets may cause abdominal discomfort. Patients may complain of a bad taste in their mouth, indigestion, a decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting. Other adverse gastrointestinal side effects reported include glossitis, stomatitis, tongue discoloration, and pancreatitis. If the gastrointestinal symptoms are severe, notify a physician.

Diarrhea is a common side effect of Clarithromycin. If diarrhea continues for two or more days, notify a physician. Like other antibiotics, clarithromycin may lead to clostridium difficile associated colitis; this condition may be mild or become fatal.

Headache is a common side effect reported by adults who have taken clarithromycin. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that patients taking clarithromycin have also experienced dizziness, ringing in the ears, vertigo, tremors, and anxiety. In some cases, confusion, behavior changes, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, depression, convulsions, hallucinations, and psychosis were reported. According to the NIH, these adverse reactions resolved once clarithromycin was stopped.

People taking clarithromycin tablets may have an increase in liver enzymes. More severe, though rare, hepatic dysfunction includes hepatitis, with or without jaundice, and liver failure. According to the NIH these adverse reactions are associated with a history of underlying serious disease conditions or in concomitant use of contraindicated medications.

Clarithromycin use may affect the hematopoietic system (blood cell production) leading to instances of anemia and decreased platelets. Baseline blood work should be performed prior to beginning clarithromycin and checked periodically during course of therapy.

Dangerous Drug Interactions

The NIH reports that patients taking clarithromycin along with cisapride, pimozide, astemizole, or terfenadine can experience lethal cardiac arrhythmias . Fatal irregular heart rhythms such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation have been reported; therefore clarithromycin is contraindicated with these medications.