I take life-long Penicillin prophylactically following removal of spleen and have recently been prescribed Clarithromycin for a chest infection. Is it ok to have the 2 antibiotics at the same time, I am particularly worried about resistance.

It is safe to take Penicillin and Clarithromycin at the same time. Both these antibiotics work in different ways and are effective against different types of bacteria. As you are at a higher risk of developing an infection due to removal of spleen, it is important that you carry on taking Penicillin for this.

Antibiotic resistance can develop as a result of inappropriate use, prolonged courses of antibiotics and taking antibiotics incorrectly.  Therefore, it is important that you take the Clarithromycin for the prescribed course length and at the correct times during the day. You can find more information on antibiotics resistance on Antibiotic Research UK website under the patient support section.