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Pharmacy, clinic and prescribers based in Greater Manchester.
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Variety of delivery options including next day & free delivery.
Pharmacy, clinic and prescribers based in Greater Manchester.
Start your treatment with a quick and free online consultation.
Fill in a quick online consultation for our licensed pharmacists to review.
Our pharmacists will review your treatment to ensure it’s suitable.
Your treatment will be delivered to your door quickly & discreetly.
Clarithromycin For Sinusitis 500mg contains clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial sinus infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria responsible for sinus inflammation, congestion, facial pain, and pressure.
Clarithromycin is prescribed when sinusitis is caused by bacterial infection rather than viruses. It helps clear infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications when taken as directed for the full course.
This medicine is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over and is available only with a prescription following an online consultation.
| Medication Name | Clarithromycin 500mg Tablets |
| Active Ingredient | Clarithromycin 500mg |
| Other Ingredients | Microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), propylene glycol, and iron oxide yellow (E172) |
| Medication Form | Film-coated tablets |
| Used to Treat | Bacterial sinusitis and other bacterial infections |
| Who Can Use It | Adults and children aged 12 years and over |
| Prescription Required? | Yes – Prescription Only Medicine (POM) |
| Patient Information Leaflet | Clarithromycin Tablets Patient Information Leaflet |
Clarithromycin is used to treat bacterial infections including sinusitis, throat infections, chest infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and certain skin infections. It is also used in combination therapy to treat Helicobacter pylori infection associated with stomach ulcers.
Clarithromycin is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over.
Do not take Clarithromycin if you:
Speak to a healthcare professional before use if you:
Do not take a double dose if you miss one.
Common side effects:
Uncommon side effects:
Rare but serious:
Most people start to feel better within a few days of starting clarithromycin for sinusitis, though this varies from person to person. Symptoms like facial pain and nasal congestion should gradually ease as the antibiotic clears the infection. Keep taking the tablets for the full course, even once you feel well, so the bacteria are fully cleared. Speak to your doctor if your sinusitis symptoms haven’t improved after a few days or if they get worse.
Clarithromycin belongs to a group of medicines called macrolide antibiotics and is one of several options used for bacterial sinus infections. It’s often chosen if you’re allergic to penicillin, since antibiotics like amoxicillin are usually tried first. Matching the antibiotic to the infection also helps lower the risk of antibiotic resistance. Your prescriber will pick the most suitable option based on your symptoms, medical history and any allergies. This is why a short online consultation is needed before clarithromycin tablets can be supplied.
Alcohol doesn’t interact with clarithromycin in any way that’s known to cause problems, so an occasional drink is unlikely to stop the antibiotic working. Alcohol can add to the risk of side effects like feeling sick or dizzy, and your body recovers better from infection when you’re well rested and hydrated. It’s sensible to cut back or avoid alcohol until you’ve finished your course and are feeling better.
Postnasal drip is the feeling of mucus running down the back of your throat, and it can accompany symptoms like nasal discharge and a blocked nose. It has many possible causes, including allergies and viral infections. Clarithromycin treats bacterial infections, so it won’t help if your symptoms are down to a virus or an allergy. If postnasal drip is caused by a bacterial sinus infection, treatment with clarithromycin can help ease it. A prescriber can assess the likely cause and advise on the right treatment.
Take your missed dose as soon as you remember, then resume your usual schedule. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal. Finishing the full course of your clarithromycin treatment is important, so try to take your tablets at evenly spaced times each day.
If you take more clarithromycin tablets than you’ve been prescribed, contact your doctor or call NHS 111 for advice. Taking too much can cause stomach upset, including nausea and vomiting. Take the pack with you if you seek medical help so the team can see what you’ve taken. Get the same advice straight away if a child accidentally swallows any tablets.
You can order clarithromycin for sinusitis online, but as a prescription-only medicine, it can’t be bought over the counter. You’ll first complete a short online consultation, which our pharmacists review to check the treatment is suitable for you. If approved, your tablets are sent out discreetly for delivery. This means you get a proper clinical check for acute sinusitis without needing a face-to-face GP appointment.
Page content authored by Amjad Khan, last reviewed by Mr Muhammad on 21st August 2026.
