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Medicines clarithromycinQuestion & answer

clarithromycin · Medicine question

Can clarithromycin be taken with food?

iatroX medicinesMedicine guide reviewed 19 August 2026

The answer

Answer

Immediate-release tablets and oral suspension can be taken with or without food. Prolonged-release tablets must be taken with food.

Sources for this answer

NHSNHS · NHS medicine guidance
Xetinin XL 500mg prolonged release tablets — Current selected SmPCemc · Summary of Product Characteristics
Clarithromycin 250 mg/5 ml granules for oral suspension — Current selected SmPC

emc · Summary of Product Characteristics

General medicine information. Follow the instructions for your own medicine and speak to a pharmacist or clinician about your individual circumstances.

The full medicine guide

clarithromycin

Read the wider context, including uses, precautions and the sources behind this medicine guide.

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