Clarithromycin

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Aug 07, 2024

Common Questions


Common Questions about Clarithromycin


Is clarithromycin the same as penicillin?

No, clarithromycin is not the same as penicillin, but it is used to treat some of the same infections as penicillin. You may be able to take clarithromycin if you have a penicillin allergy.



Is clarithromycin stronger than azithromycin?

In terms of strength, clarithromycin (Biaxin) vs azithromycin (Zithromax), one is not stronger than the other. Both are macrolide antibiotics. However, their uses are slightly different. For instance, only clarithromycin is used to treat Helicobacter pylori infection, and only azithromycin is used to treat certain sexually transmitted infections.



Is 7 days of clarithromycin enough?

The treatment duration with clarithromycin ranges between 7 and 14 days depending on the infection being treated. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully and finish the prescribed antibiotic treatment. Do not skip doses or stop treatment sooner than instructed. This may cause your infection to come back and be harder to treat in the future.



Can I drink alcohol while taking clarithromycin?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking clarithromycin. Alcohol can make certain side effects worse and also make it harder for your body to fight an infection.



Can you take clarithromycin if you’re pregnant?

Clarithromycin is not generally recommended for pregnant women due to a risk of fetal harm. Your doctor can recommend other safer antibacterial agents if you are pregnant.



What is the price of clarithromycin without insurance?

Without insurance, clarithromycin can be as high as $137.99, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $20.12 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of clarithromycin with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on clarithromycin—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for clarithromycin. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.