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If you need urgent assistance, do not use this service. Call 111, or in an emergency call 999.
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Buy clarithromycin online to treat a bacterial sore throat (strep throat) — a macrolide antibiotic and penicillin-free alternative prescribed after a quick, free online consultation with a UK prescriber. No GP appointment needed.
Order before 3pm — same-day dispatch (MON - FRI)
~5 min consultation
Secure & confidential · Reviewed by a UK prescriber
No subscription required · Free repeat prescriptions · Cancel anytime
Suitable age
18 years +
Max per order
1 course
Consultation
Yes — free online
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including bacterial throat infections such as strep throat and bacterial tonsillitis. It works by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying, helping your immune system clear the infection so that throat pain, fever and swollen glands can settle. Clarithromycin is commonly used as an alternative to penicillin for people who are allergic to penicillin, or when penicillin is unsuitable. It is usually taken twice a day for a short course, and it is important to finish the full course even if you start to feel better. Antibiotics do not help viral sore throats, which are far more common, so a UK prescriber will review your symptoms during a short, free online consultation to confirm whether clarithromycin is appropriate before it is dispensed and delivered discreetly across the UK.
| Active ingredient | Clarithromycin 250 mg / 500 mg tablets |
| Type | Macrolide antibiotic (oral tablets) |
| Used for | Strep throat and bacterial tonsillitis (alternative for penicillin allergy) |
| Typical dose | 250 to 500 mg twice daily (course usually 5 to 7 days) |
| Pack size | Full treatment course |
| Prescription | POM — reviewed by a UK prescriber |
| How supplied | After free online consultation |
Take clarithromycin exactly as prescribed. A common adult dose for a bacterial sore throat is 250 mg to 500 mg twice a day, usually for five to seven days, but your prescriber will confirm the right dose and course length for you. Standard tablets can be taken with or without food; try to space the two daily doses about 12 hours apart and take them at the same times each day. Keep taking it for the full course even if your throat feels better after a couple of days, as stopping early can let the infection return and contributes to antibiotic resistance. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for the next one; never take a double dose to catch up. If your symptoms get worse, do not improve within a few days, or you develop a high fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, contact your prescriber or GP.
Yes, for the right person. Clarithromycin is an effective antibiotic for strep throat and bacterial tonsillitis, and it is often used as an alternative when someone is allergic to penicillin. It only helps when the throat infection is bacterial — most sore throats are viral and clear without antibiotics — so a UK prescriber will check your symptoms first during a free online consultation.
Usually, yes. Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, a different class from penicillin, so it is commonly prescribed for a bacterial sore throat when someone is allergic to penicillin. You should still tell your prescriber about all your allergies, including any reaction to other macrolides such as erythromycin or azithromycin, during your online consultation.
Many people start to feel better within 2 to 3 days of starting clarithromycin, though it can take a little longer. It is important to finish the entire course — usually around five to seven days — even once you feel well, to fully clear the infection and reduce the risk of it returning. If you are no better after completing the course, or get worse at any point, contact your prescriber or GP.
A typical adult dose for a bacterial sore throat is 250 mg to 500 mg twice a day, usually for five to seven days. The tablets can be taken with or without food, ideally about 12 hours apart. Your prescriber will confirm the exact dose and course length that is right for you.
Yes. Clarithromycin is a prescription-only medicine, so you cannot buy it over the counter, but you can request it online through Access Doctor. You complete a short, free consultation that is reviewed by a UK prescriber, and if it is suitable it is dispensed by our UK pharmacy and delivered discreetly to your door.
Drinking alcohol in moderation does not stop clarithromycin from working, so an occasional drink is usually fine. However, both alcohol and the antibiotic can upset your stomach, and while your body is fighting an infection it is best to rest, stay hydrated and limit alcohol so you can recover more quickly.
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