Clarithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic. It works by penetrating into bacteria cell wall and reversibly binding to domain V of the 23S ribosomal RNA of the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, in this way it blocks translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA and polypeptide synthesis, this mechanism results in inhibition of bacterial growth. Clarithromycin also inhibits the hepatic microsomal CYP3A4 isoenzyme and P-glycoprotein, an energy-dependent drug efflux pump. Antibacterial spectrum of Clarithromycin is similar to erythromycin, but clarithromycin is more effective against certain gram-negative bacteria, particularly Legionella pneumophila. Clarithromycin also shows bactericidal effects on certain strains like; Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. Clarithromycin is indicated for adults and children 12 years and older in children 6 months to 12 years pediatric oral suspension is available.

Clarithromycin 500mg

Tablet

Clarithromycin is utilized for the following therapeutic indications:

• Treatment of respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis
• Management of skin and soft tissue infections
• Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcer disease
• Treatment of sinusitis and pharyngitis
• Management of certain atypical infections
• Prevention of infections in immunocompromised patients
• Treatment of Lyme disease

Dose must be taken according to doctor’s advice only; doses given below are suggested as supportive literature for better understanding in some areas of requirements. Adult dose: For acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: 250-500mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days. For acute maxillary sinusitis: 500mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days. For mycobacterial infection: 500mg orally every 12 hours for 7-14 days. For: peptic ulcer disease: 500mg orally after every 8-12 hours for 10-14 days. For pharyngitis, tonsillitis: 250mg orally after every 12 hours for 10 days. For community-acquired pneumonia: 250mg orally after every 12 hours for 7-14 days. For skin Infection: 250mg orally after every 12 hours for 7-14 days. For pertussis:500mg orally twice a daily for 7 days. For bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis: 500mg orally 30-60 minutes before procedure. Pediatric dose: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Immediate release: Oral: 7.5 mg/kg/dose every 12 hours; maximum dose: 500mg/dose For otitis media: In children of ≥6 months: 15 mg/kg/day orally divided after every 12 hours for 10 days; not to exceed 500mg/dose. For Community-Acquired Pneumonia: In children≥3 months: 15 mg/kg/day orally divided after every 12 hours for 10 days; not to exceed 500mg/dose. For Sinusitis: In children ≥6 months: 15 mg/kg/day orally divided after every 12 hours for 10 days; not to exceed 500mg/dose For Bronchitis: In children ≥6 months: 15mg/kg/day orally divided after every 12 hours for 10 days; not to exceed 500mg/dose. For Skin Infections: In children ≥6 months: 15mg/kg/day orally divided after every 12 hours for 10 days; not to exceed 250mg/dose. For Mycobacterial Infection: In children ≥20 months: 7.5 mg/kg orally after every 12 hours; individual dose not to exceed 500mg. For Streptococcal Pharyngitis: In children ≥6 months: 7.5 mg/kg orally after every 12 hours for 10 days; individual dose not to exceed 250mg. For Endocarditis: 15mg/kg orally 30-60 minutes before procedure; individual dose should not to exceed 500mg. For Pertussis: In children 1-6 months and above: 7.5mg/kg/dose orally after every 12 hours for 7 days.

Consult your doctor in case of overdose.

In case you missed any dose, take the next dose as soon as you remember, but don’t double your next dose to compensate for the missed one.

Can be taken with or without food.

Its use must be avoided during pregnancy and in breast feeding mothers. Should not be given to the patients who are hypersensitive to clarithromycin or any macrolide antibiotic.

Headache Insomnia Skin rash Diarrhea Vomiting Abdominal pain Increased blood urea nitrogen Delayed blood clotting.

Should be used with caution if a patient has some heart or liver disorders.

It may result in some unwanted effects with certain food, so take it according to your doctor’s instructions.

Store below 30°C. Protect from heat, sunlight.