1999 Honda Civic a/c control

Hi, my honda 99 civic vtec automatic does'nt have a problem but just suddenly when the aircon is on, the idling goes down to a very low level, about 500 rpm and very erratic, and there's an alternating clicking sound, from the compressor. The engine then dies. Could it be the a/c idle control? If so, how can I correct it? Can it be just cleaned and the problem is solved? Turning off the aircon, the engine goes back to its former condition. Thanks