Clarithromycin — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies
Compare real Clarithromycin prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives. Save up to 9% by comparing Canada pharmacy prices.
How much does clarithromycin cost without insurance?
Generic clarithromycin is generally inexpensive with a discount card, though pricing for the extended-release (XL/ER) form tends to run higher than the immediate-release tablet for an equivalent course. See the pharmacy-by-pharmacy pricing above for current numbers.
Is Biaxin the same as clarithromycin?
Yes — Biaxin is simply the original brand name for clarithromycin. Generic clarithromycin is what's dispensed by default today.
Do I need a prescription for clarithromycin?
Yes, in the US and Canada. It's not available over the counter.
How can I save on clarithromycin?
Ask specifically whether the immediate-release generic tablet is an option instead of the extended-release brand, and compare discount-card pricing across pharmacies for your exact prescription.
"As low as" figures compare the single lowest oral tablet/capsule price found on each side — not necessarily the same strength or pack size. Always check the full tables below for your exact dose. Prices updated 2026-08-21.
Clarithromycin prices at US pharmacies
(Clarithromycin Er) — tablet, 500mg, qty 20
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy Lowest | $57.13 | $54.13 |
| Walgreens | $75.17 | $72.17 |
| Publix | $88.30 | $85.30 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $93.65 | $90.65 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $93.65 | $90.65 |
| Food Lion | $101.60 | — |
| Costco | $131.91 | — |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $150.21 | $147.21 |
Clarithromycin — tablet, 500mg, qty 28
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart Neighborhood Market Lowest | $26.65 | $23.65 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $26.65 | $23.65 |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $27.22 | $24.22 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $27.22 | $24.22 |
| Walgreens | $27.84 | $24.84 |
| Food Lion | $27.88 | — |
| CVS Pharmacy | $31.55 | $28.55 |
| Publix | $30.54 | — |
Clarithromycin prices at Canadian pharmacies
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mg | BuyLowDrugs.com | $0.92 | $154.00 / 168 |
| 500 mg | SPFPharmacy.com | $1.01 | $101.33 / 100 |
| 500 mg | InhalersOnline.com | $1.09 | $91.44 |
| 500 mg | InhalersOnline.com | $1.23 | $122.60 / 100 |
| 500 mg | CanadianPharmacyAdvantage.com | $1.34 | $80.14 / 60 |
| 500 mg | CanadianPrescriptionDrugstore.com | $1.51 | $127.00 / 84 |
| 500 mg | CanadaPharmacies.com | $1.52 | $90.99 / 60 |
| 500 mg | LifeRxPharmacy.com | $1.81 | $159.10 / 88 |
| 500 mg | medsengage.com | $1.94 | $171.07 / 88 |
| 500 mg | OffShoreCheapMeds.com | $1.94 | $171.06 / 88 |
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mg | CanadianPharmacyAdvantage.com | $0.77 | $129.60 / 168 |
| 500 mg | CanadaPharmacies.com | $0.88 | $147.99 / 168 |
| 500 mg | CanadianPharmacyAdvantage.com | $1.05 | $29.28 / 28 |
| 500 mg | BuyLowDrugs.com | $1.48 | $248.00 / 168 |
| 500 mg | medsengage.com | $1.58 | $264.62 / 168 |
| 500 mg | CanadaPharmacies.com | $1.61 | $44.99 / 28 |
| 500 mg | CanadianPrescriptionDrugstore.com | $1.71 | $287.50 / 168 |
| 500 mg | CanadaPharmacyPro.com | $2.07 | $347.26 / 168 |
| 500 mg | InhalersOnline.com | $2.82 | $236.70 / 84 |
| 500 mg | InhalersOnline.com | $4.15 | $58.03 / 14 |
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mg | CanadianPharmacyAdvantage.com | $0.77 | $129.60 / 168 |
| 500 mg | CanadaPharmacies.com | $0.88 | $147.99 / 168 |
| 500 mg | CanadianPharmacyAdvantage.com | $1.05 | $29.28 / 28 |
| 500 mg | BuyLowDrugs.com | $1.48 | $248.00 / 168 |
| 500 mg | medsengage.com | $1.58 | $264.62 / 168 |
| 500 mg | CanadaPharmacies.com | $1.61 | $44.99 / 28 |
| 500 mg | CanadianPrescriptionDrugstore.com | $1.71 | $287.50 / 168 |
| 500 mg | CanadaPharmacyPro.com | $2.07 | $347.26 / 168 |
| 500 mg | InhalersOnline.com | $2.82 | $236.70 / 84 |
| 500 mg | InhalersOnline.com | $4.15 | $58.03 / 14 |
Canada prices are converted to USD at time of collection and shown per tablet where available. Ordering from Canadian pharmacies is legal for personal use in most cases but subject to FDA/CBSA rules — see US vs Canada, explained.
What is Clarithromycin used for?
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, in the same family as azithromycin and erythromycin, but with its own particular niche: it's a core component of H. pylori eradication therapy (the multi-drug regimen used to treat the bacteria behind many stomach ulcers), and it's also used for respiratory infections, certain skin infections, and some atypical infections that don't respond as well to penicillin-class drugs.
Unlike azithromycin's short course, clarithromycin is typically taken for a full 7–14 days, twice daily (or once daily for the extended-release XL form). It has more drug interactions to be aware of than azithromycin does — it's a stronger inhibitor of a liver enzyme (CYP3A4) that many other common medications rely on for metabolism, which is why your pharmacist will often flag it against your other prescriptions.
It's not effective against viral infections, and — because of rising macrolide resistance in some regions — its role in H. pylori treatment specifically now depends on local resistance patterns, which is part of why H. pylori regimens vary by region and by whether you've had a macrolide antibiotic recently.
How Clarithromycin works
Blocks bacterial protein production
Like other macrolides, clarithromycin binds to the bacterial ribosome and interrupts the assembly of proteins the bacteria need to grow.
Growth is halted (bacteriostatic at typical doses)
Bacteria stop multiplying rather than being killed outright, and your immune system clears the weakened infection.
Reaches high tissue concentrations
Clarithromycin penetrates respiratory and soft tissue well, which is part of why it's a common choice for respiratory infections specifically.
Typical dosage forms & strengths
| Use | Typical adult dose | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Most common infections (adults) | 250–500 mg every 12 hours, 7–14 days | Tablet |
| Extended-release option | 1000 mg once daily (Biaxin XL) | Extended-release tablet |
| H. pylori (combination therapy) | 500 mg twice daily, as part of a multi-drug regimen | Tablet |
General reference dosing from the FDA label — not personalized advice. Your prescribed dose may differ based on your infection, kidney function, age, and weight. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.
Warnings & interactions
This is a summary of the official FDA label text, not personalized medical advice. It does not list every possible interaction or side effect. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.
Common, usually mild
- Altered or metallic taste
- Nausea, diarrhea
- Headache
- Stomach upset
Serious — seek care promptly
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat (rare heart rhythm effect)
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, facial/throat swelling, trouble breathing
- Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine (rare liver effect)
- Severe or watery diarrhea (possible C. diff)
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to clarithromycin or any macrolide drug ( 4.1 ) Cisapride and pimozide ( 4.2 ) History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction with use of clarithromycin ( 4.3 ) Colchicine in renal or hepatic impairment ( 4.4 ) Lomitapide, lovastatin, and simvastatin ( 4.5 ) Ergot alkaloids (ergotamine or dihydroergotamine) ( 4.6 ) Lurasidone ( 4.7 ) 4.1 Hypersensitivity Clarithromycin tablets are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to…
Notable drug interactions
| Drug / substance | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Statins (especially simvastatin, lovastatin) | Clarithromycin can raise statin levels significantly, increasing the risk of muscle damage — often requires pausing the statin or switching drugs during treatment. |
| Warfarin | Can significantly enhance anticoagulant effect; closer monitoring is typically needed. |
| Colchicine | Serious, potentially life-threatening interaction in people with kidney or liver impairment — this combination needs specific caution. |
| Other QT-prolonging drugs | Combined use raises heart rhythm risk — share your full medication list with your prescriber. |
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies, clarithromycin tablets are not recommended for use in pregnant women except in clinical circumstances where no alternative therapy is appropriate. If pregnancy occurs while taking clarithromycin tablets, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )].
Frequently asked questions
How much does Clarithromycin cost without insurance?
Is Clarithromycin cheaper in Canada or the US?
Is there a generic version of Clarithromycin?
What drug class is Clarithromycin in?
Page info
Prices last checked 2026-08-21. Reviewed against FDA and DailyMed official sources — see our review process. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.