You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with clarithromycin. Swallow the long-acting tablets whole do not split, chew, or crush them. Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take clarithromycin at around the same time(s) every day. Your doctor may tell you to take clarithromycin for a longer time depending on your condition. The extended-release tablet is usually taken with food every 24 hours (once a day) for 7 to 14 days. The regular tablet and liquid are usually taken with or without food every 8 (three times a day) to 12 hours (twice a day) for 7 to 14 days. Clarithromycin comes as a tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth.
