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Compare Clarithromycin vs. Azithromycin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Clarithromycin
    Azithromycin (Zithromax)
  • Clarithromycin
    Azithromycin (Zithromax)

  • Summary of Clarithromycin vs. Azithromycin

    Summary for Macrolide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Clarithromycin (previously known by its brand name Biaxin) is an antibiotic that's used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in adults and children. It's available as a generic immediate-release tablet and solution taken twice per day and an extended-release tablet taken once per day. Side effects include a metallic or sour taste, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

    Summary for Macrolide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) is a macrolide antibiotic. It's used to treat many types of infections in children and adults, including strep throat, sinus infection, and pneumonia. Azithromycin (Zithromax) is taken by mouth once daily. Typically, the length of treatment ranges from 3 to 5 days, depending on the type of infection you have. For convenience, azithromycin (Zithromax) also comes pre-packaged as Z-Pak. Some of the more common side effects of azithromycin (Zithromax) include diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.

  • Indications of Clarithromycin vs. Azithromycin

    Indications for
    •Lung infections related to on-going bronchitis in adults
    •Pneumonia in adults and children
    •Sinus infections in adults and children
    •Strep throat in adults and children
    •Tonsil infections in adults and children
    •Skin infections in adults and children
    •Ear infections in children
    •Treatment and prevention of certain infections in adults with HIV
    •Tablets only: Stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in adults
    Indications for

    Adults

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Sudden worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from a bacterial infection
    •Bronchitis
    •Sinus infections
    •Pneumonia
    •Strep throat
    •Tonsil infections
    •Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
    •Urethra or cervix infections
    •Genital ulcer disease (chancroid)

    Children

    Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:

    •Ear infections (ages 6 months and older)
    •Pneumonia (ages 6 months and older)
    •Strep throat (ages 2 years and older)
    •Tonsil infections (ages 2 years and older)

  • Pros and Cons of Clarithromycin vs. Azithromycin

    Pros and Const for Macrolide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of infections
    •Available as a extended-release tablet, immediate-release tablet, and a liquid
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause changes in taste, diarrhea, and stomach upset
    •Has many drug interactions
    •Not the best option if you have kidney problems
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Macrolide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Treatment typically lasts only 3 to 5 days
    •Comes as a liquid; good option for people who've trouble swallowing tablets
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might not be the best choice for people with severe liver problems or certain heart problems
    •Can cause stomach-related side effects, like diarrhea and stomach pain
    •Some bugs might be resistant to azithromycin (Zithromax)

  • Common Side Effects of Clarithromycin vs. Azithromycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Change in taste
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Diarrhea (4-5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Stomach pain (2-3%)

    Children

    •Diarrhea (2-6%)
    •Vomiting (1-6%)
    •Stomach pain (1-3%)

  • Warnings of Clarithromycin vs. Azithromycin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Possible higher risk of death from heart problems
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Worsening of certain muscle problems (myasthenia gravis)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Liver damage
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Possible higher risk of death from heart problems
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Worsening of certain muscle problems (myasthenia gravis)
    •Doesn't treat syphilis

  • Prices with our coupons for Clarithromycin vs. Azithromycin

    Learn more about Clarithromycin
    Learn more about Azithromycin

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