Clarithromycin

Used For

Bacterial Infections

How It Works

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by attaching to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, preventing protein synthesis and stopping bacterial growth.

Usage & Safety

Dosage

Adults & Children (12 years and older):

• Recommended dose: 250 mg twice daily
• In severe infections: 500 mg twice daily, or as directed by a physician.

Children (Twice Daily):

• Under 1 year: 7.5 mg/kg
• 1–2 years: 2.5 mL (62.5 mg)
• 3–6 years: 5 mL (125 mg)
• 7–9 years: 7.5 mL (187.5 mg)
• 10–12 years: 10 mL (250 mg)

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, altered taste, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, and headache.

Less common side effects include vomiting, dizziness, glossitis, stomatitis, oral fungal infection, reduced appetite, pancreatitis, tongue discoloration, low platelet count, low white blood cell count, and neutropenia.

Rare but serious reactions may include allergic skin reactions, anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, temporary hearing loss, smell or taste disturbances, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, insomnia, depression, tremors, tinnitus, vertigo, QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias, and interstitial nephritis. Tooth discoloration has also been reported but is generally reversible after professional dental cleaning.

Drug Interactions

Clarithromycin may interact with:

• Cisapride
• Pimozide
• Astemizole
• Terfenadine
• Ergot alkaloids
• Oral Midazolam
• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Statins)

Inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking before starting treatment.

Indications

Clarithromycin is used for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including:

• Lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
• Upper respiratory tract infections including pharyngitis and sinusitis
• Skin and soft tissue infections such as folliculitis, cellulitis, and erysipelas
• Disseminated or localized infections caused by Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium intracellulare
• Localized infections caused by Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium fortuitum, and Mycobacterium kansasii

When Not to Use

Do not use Clarithromycin if you:

• Are allergic to clarithromycin, other macrolide antibiotics, or any ingredient in the product.
• Are taking astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, terfenadine, oral midazolam, or ergot alkaloids, as serious heart rhythm disturbances or ergot toxicity may occur.

Precautions

• Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed and after medical advice, especially during the first trimester.
• Prolonged use may lead to overgrowth of resistant bacteria or fungi. Appropriate treatment should be started if a secondary infection develops.

Warnings

• Use with caution in patients with severe kidney impairment.
• Clarithromycin may affect liver function. Elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis, and jaundice have been reported, although these effects are generally reversible.
• Rare cases of severe liver failure, including fatal outcomes, have occurred, particularly in patients with serious underlying illnesses or those taking multiple medications. Discontinue Clarithromycin immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms such as loss of appetite, jaundice, dark urine, itching, or abdominal tenderness develop.

Pregnancy

Consult your physician before using this medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Storage

Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.