Clarithromycin is part of the class of antibiotics known as macrolide. The drug is utilized to combat infections caused by specific bacteria. It is effective in stopping or slowing the expansion of the bacteria that cause certain infections. Clarithromycin is a treatment for patients suffering from sinus-related infections and ear problems pneumonia, bronchitis, and skin diseases such as impetigo or cellulitis.
Clarithromycin is also used to treat and prevent certain diseases (mycobacterium Avium complex or MAC) which are related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virus. Clarithromycin can be utilized together with other drugs to eradicate H. Pylori, the bacteria that causes gastric ulcers.
The medication is available under multiple brand names , and/or in a variety of forms. A specific brand name for this medication might not be available in all the forms or be approved for all the ailments discussed in this article. Additionally, certain forms of this medication might not be suitable to treat all the conditions listed here.
The doctor you see may have recommended the medication for other conditions than those described in these informational articles on drugs. If you’ve not talked to your doctor about this or aren’t sure the reason you’re using this medicine, talk with your physician. Don’t discontinue taking this medication without consulting with your physician.
Don’t give this medication to anyone who is not your own even if they suffer from similar symptoms as you have. It is harmful for patients to use this medication even if their physician hasn’t prescribed the medication.
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What form(s) do these medications comes in?
250 mg
Every oval yellow film-coated tablet, by a “M” in one corner, has 250 mg clarithromycin. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulosic Polymers and croscarmellose sodium. D&C yellow No. 10, magnesium Stearate povidone, pregelatinized starch propylene glycol dioxide, sorbic acids, the sorbitan monooleate, stearic acids and titanium dioxide and vanillin. This medicine does not contain tartrazine.
500 mg
The oval-shaped, light yellow film-coated tablet by a “M” in one corner, is packed with 500 milligrams of clarithromycin. Nonmedicinal ingredients include cellulosic polymers and colloidal silicon dioxide Croscarmellose sodium D&C Yellow No. 10 magnesium stearate propylene glycol sorbitan monooleate, sorbic acid titanium dioxide, vanillin. This medicine does not contain tartrazine.
What should I do with this medicine?
Adults The recommended dose of clarithromycin tablets ranges from 250 mg-500 mg twice every day (every for 12 hours) for 7-14 days, according to the disease being treated.
The dose for adults that is recommended for the extended-release clarithromycin is 1000 mg (2 tablets) every day for 5-14 days, dependent on the condition being treated.
To treat and prevent the development of MAC The usual dosage of clarithromycin is 500mg twice per day. If used in conjunction with other drugs to eliminate H. Pylori The usual dosage for clarithromycin will be 500 mg per day for 10 days.
For children: the recommended daily dosage to children should be 15 mg/kg of weight (to 1000 mg daily). The total daily dose must be divided into two equal doses that are administered every 12 hours. The duration of treatment is typically between 5 and 10 days, dependent on the disease being taken care of. To treat and prevent the occurrence of MAC the recommended dosage of clarithromycin is 7.5 mg/kg bodyweight twice a day (up as 500 mg once a day).
If the child is being given an orally administered suspension of clarithromycin make use of an oral syringe to determine the dosage of each liquid since it provides an accurate measurement than the standard teaspoons.
Clarithromycin tablets as well as clarithromycin suspension (given every two days) can be taken without or with food. The combination of this medication with food could cause less stomach upset.
The extended-release clarithromycin tablets must be taken along with food. The tablets should be swallowed whole , and not crushed or broken.
Complete all the medication even if you begin to start feeling better.
A variety of factors can influence the dosage of medicine is required by a patient including body weight, medical conditions, and medication. If your physician has suggested an amount that is different from those listed don’t alter the way you’re using the medication without consulting with your physician.
It is essential to take this medication according to the prescription of your physician. If you are unable to take a dose, you should take it as quickly as you can and follow your normal schedule. If it’s getting close for your next dose take a break from any missed doses and go on following your usual dosing regimen. Don’t take a second dose to cover an absence. If you’re not sure what to do following the loss of an dose, consult your physician or pharmacist for guidance.
Keep clarithromycin tablets in a cool, dry temperature. Protect them from the elements of light and moisture as well as keep them away from reach of young children.
Clarithromycin oral suspension should be stored at ambient temperature. Keep the bottle tightly shut and shielded from light. Do not freeze. Any oral suspension that is not used is best discarded within 14 days. Rinse the oral syringe that measures doses every time you use it. Do not keep the suspension within the syringe.
Don’t dispose of medicines in water (e.g. in the sink or the bathroom) as well as in the household waste. Ask your pharmacist for advice on how to dispose of medicines which are no longer required or are expired.
Who is not advised to be taking this medicine?
Take care not to take clarithromycin if:
are intolerant to clarithromycin or any of the ingredients in this medication
are intolerant to macrolide antibiotics in other forms, like azithromycin or erythromycin.
Patients have experienced an allergic reaction to jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin) or liver issues that are due to taking clarithromycin.
are suffering from liver failure that is severe as well as diminished kidney function.
Have or had QT lengthening (an irregular electrical stimulation in the heart) or an abnormal heart rhythm.
suffer from untreated hypokalemia that is untreated (low potassium levels)) (low potassium) or hypermagnesemia (low magnesia levels within blood)
Are taking any of these medications:
astemizole
Cisapride
colchicine
domperidone
ergot alkaloids (e.g., dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine)
oral midazolam
Lomtapide
pimozide
Saquinavir
“statin” cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., lovastatin simvastatin)
Terfenadine
Ticagrelor
What are the possible side effects from this medication?
Certain medications can cause adverse negative effects. A side effect can be described as an unintentional reaction to medication, when it is consumed in regular doses. The effects may be mild or serious, and can be either temporary or long-lasting.
The following side effects do not affect everyone who uses this medication. In case you’re concerned over the potential for side adverse effects, talk about the dangers and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following adverse reactions are reported by at most one percent of those taking the medication. A lot of these side effects are treatable however some might disappear on their own as time passes.
Talk to your doctor if have these symptoms and they’re severe or painful. Your pharmacist might be able to provide advice on how to manage adverse effects.
Abdominal discomfort
changes in the sense of the sense of
diarrhea (mild)
dizziness
gas
headache
hearing trouble
heartburn
nausea
Ringing in the ears
vomiting
While the majority of the side consequences listed below aren’t seen often, they could result in serious health issues in the event that you don’t seek medical treatment.
Consult your physician immediately should any of the following reactions occur:
stomach cramps or severe abdominal cramps and severe stomach or abdominal cramps and
skin rash
signs of liver issues (e.g. abdominal tenderness the appearance of eyes that are yellow or itching and dark urine)
Myasthenia gravis symptoms (e.g. muscle weakness eyeslid drooping and vision problems, trouble swallowing and chewing, and trouble breathing)
extreme diarrhea and watery, that could also be bloody
Stop taking the medicine and seek medical attention immediately in the event that one of the following occurs:
Heartbeats that are irregular or abnormal
signs of an extreme symptoms of an allergic reaction (e.g. the hives, itching trouble breathing, sore throat as well as swelling or redness of the mouth, face throat, tongue or face)
signs of a severe skin reaction (e.g. peeling, scaly or blistered skin)
Certain people might suffer from side effects other than the ones mentioned. Talk to your doctor when you experience any symptom that you are concerned about when you take this medication.
Are there other precautions or cautions to take with this medication?
Before beginning to use medication, make certain to inform your physician of any allergies or medical conditions that you may be suffering from or are using, whether you’re breastfeeding or pregnant, and any other important information about your health. These aspects can affect the way you use this drug.
Abnormal heart rhythms: Clarithromycin may cause a heart rhythm problem known as QT prolongation. If you’ve been diagnosed with an background of QT prolongation, have a medical condition related to QT prolongation or are taking any of the medication (e.g. amodarone or sotalol) consult your physician about the effects of this medication on the medical conditions you suffer from, and how your medical condition could influence the dosage and effectiveness of this drug, and whether you require any specific monitoring.
Allergies: If you’ve suffered from an allergic reaction to azithromycin or erythromycin or azithromycin, you could be more likely to suffer some sort of reaction that is allergic to this drug. If you notice signs that indicate an allergy, such as a rash or aphthous, speak with your physician. If you notice hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the mouth, face, throat or tongue, discontinue this medication immediately and seek immediate medical attention.
Bacterial resistance: Inappropriate use of antibiotics such as clarithromycin could cause the development of resistant bacteria which will not be destroyed through the treatment. If this occurs it is possible that the antibiotic will not be effective for you in the near future. Although you may feel better after you begin taking clarithromycin. However however, you must continue taking the medication precisely as directed by your physician, to rid your body of infection and to stop the growth of resistant bacteria. Don’t take clarithromycin or other antibiotics for treating viral infections such as common cold. They are not able to kill viruses and their use to treat viral illnesses could result in the development in resistant bacteria.
Diarrrhea: Like other antibiotics like clarithromycin, it is linked to a serious illness known as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea due to the organism C. difficile. It can happen as late as 2 months following your most recent dose of this drug.
If you are experiencing fluid, swollen bowel movements particularly if they’re stinky, green or bloody, and are associated with fever, whether following or during the course of using clarithromycin. Seek medical assistance as soon as you can.
Confusion, dizziness and disorientation: This medication can cause dizziness confusion or disorientation. Don’t operate or drive machinery until you’re certain that the medication will not interfere with your ability to complete these tasks safely.
Kidney function Kidney function: Kidney disease or decreased kidney function could result in this medication building within the body, which can cause negative side consequences. If you are suffering from reduced kidney function, consult your doctor about how this medication could influence any medical issue, and how your medical condition could influence the dosage and effectiveness that this drug has, as well as if it is necessary to have a special monitor.
Liver issues: Liver diseases or diminished liver function could result in this medication building in the body, leading to adverse consequences. If you are suffering from reduced liver function, talk to your doctor about how the medication can impact any medical issue, and how your medical condition could influence the dosage and effectiveness the medication. Also, discuss if it is necessary to monitor your liver. This medication is not recommended by those suffering from severe liver issues.
If you notice signs of liver issues (e.g. hunger loss nausea vomiting, a swelling of the skin, eyes or eyes, the appearance of dark urine or achy skin or abdominal discomfort) Contact your doctor immediately.
Myasthenia gravis: This drug may cause or exacerbate symptoms of myasthenia graveis. If you notice that your symptoms are getting worse or you experience new symptoms such as double vision eyes that are drooping, muscle weakness or trouble eating or swallowing, consult your physician.
Women who are pregnant: Clarithromycin should not be used during pregnancy, in particular during the first three weeks of the pregnancy, except when there’s an alternative therapy that is appropriate. If you fall pregnant while taking this medication, you should consult your physician.
The medication is passed through the breast milk. If you’re a breastfeeding mother and you are taking clarithromycin, it could affect your infant. Consult your physician about whether you should continue to breastfeed.
Children Safety and efficacy of clarithromycin oral suspension has been questioned for children less than six months old. In the case of pneumonia clarithromycin oral suspension hasn’t been tested for children younger than three years old. The effectiveness and safety of using clarithromycin for preventing MAC infection is not researched for children who are less that 20-months old. The safety and efficacy of taking clarithromycin tablets has been questioned for children under 12 years old.