In daily life, symptoms such as throat discomfort, recurrent coughing, nasal inflammation, or redness and pain of the skin are quite common.
When these conditions are determined to be caused by bacterial infections, doctors often choose antibiotics with a long history of clinical use, one of which is clarithromycin.
Clarithromycin 200 mg Tablets (Taisho):
How does it work?
Clarithromycin belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics. It works mainly by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby preventing bacteria from growing and multiplying and helping the body control infection.
It is widely used in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, ear, nose and throat infections, and skin and soft tissue infections.
In which situations may it be used?
In clinical practice, clarithromycin is commonly used for:
Upper and lower respiratory tract infections (such as pharyngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia)
Ear, nose and throat infections, including sinusitis and otitis media
Skin and soft tissue infections
Genitourinary tract infections
Helicobacter pylori–related treatment (usually as part of combination therapy)
Certain atypical pathogen infections
How is it usually taken?
When a doctor determines that its use is appropriate, the common dosing regimen for adults is:
200 mg per dose
Twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, with an interval of about 12 hours
Taken orally with water
In most cases, it may be taken after meals to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort
For common infections, the treatment course is usually 5–7 days.
In more severe or prolonged cases, or when used for Helicobacter pylori–related therapy, the course may be extended to 10–14 days and is often combined with other medications.
Important reminder:
Even if symptoms improve significantly, the full course should be completed as prescribed. Do not stop taking the medication on your own, as this may reduce treatment effectiveness or increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.
What should be noted during treatment?
Antibiotics are not the same as general “anti-inflammatory” drugs and should not be used casually
Do not increase or decrease the dose or change the dosing frequency on your own
People who are allergic to macrolide antibiotics should avoid use
Those taking other medications, or with liver or kidney problems, should consult a healthcare professional in advance
One core principle of antibacterial therapy:
Use the right drug, at the right time, and complete the full course in the correct way.
If you are dealing with a suspected bacterial infection, whether clarithromycin is appropriate should be determined by a doctor or pharmacist based on your individual situation.