Clarithromycin - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Clarithromycin is an antibiotic drug to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, digestive tract, and skin. Several types of bacteria cause of infection which can be treated with medicine thisis H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, M. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and M. avium.

Clarithromycin works by interfering with the production of a protein that is essential for bacterial growth. That way the bacteria will stop growing and eventually die. This drug can only be used to treat bacterial infections and cannot be used to treat viral infections.

Trademarks of clarithromycin: Abbotic, Bicrolid 250, Bicrolid 500, Comtro, Clapharma, Clarithromycin, Clarolid 500, Hecobach 500, Orixal

What is Clarithromycin

group	Prescription drugs
Category	Macrolide antibiotics
Benefit	Treating bacterial infections in the respiratory tract, digestive tract, and skin.
Consumed by	Adults and children 1 year old
Clarithromycin for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Clarithromycin can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without telling your doctor.
Shape	Tablets, caplets and syrups

Precautions Before Taking Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin can only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Before taking clarithromycin, you need to pay attention to the following:

Do not use the drug if you are allergic to clarithromycin and other macrolide antibiotics, such as azithromycin and erythromycin.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
Tell your doctor if you are or have ever had dehydration, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemic liver disease, kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, or heart disease, such as a heart rhythm disorder or coronary heart disease.
Tell your doctor that you are taking clarithromycin if you are going to have any surgery, including dental surgery.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you plan to vaccinate with a live vaccine, such as the typhoid vaccine, because clarithromycin can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Do not take clarithromycin if you are taking an aminoglycoside, astemizole, cisapride, diuretics, digoxin, ergotamine, pimozide, terfenadine, or anticoagulant drugs.
See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking clarithromycin.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Clarithromycin

The following is a general dose of clarithromycin which is divided according to the patient's condition:

Condition: Bacterial infection Helicobacter pylori what causes stomach ulcers

Mature: When used as 3-drug combination therapy, the dose is 500 mg 2 times daily, for 7–14 days. Meanwhile, if used in combination therapy with 2 drugs, the dose is 500 mg 2-3 times a day, for 14 days.

Condition: Respiratory tract, skin, or soft tissue infections, caused by bacteria

Mature: 250–500 mg 2 times daily, for 7–14 days.
Children: 7.5 mg/kg BW 2 times a day, for 5–10 days.

How to Take Clarithromycin Correctly

Follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before using clarithromycin. Clarithromycin can be taken before or after meals.

Swallow the medicine in tablet or caplet form with a glass of water. Do not chew or split the medicine, swallow the medicine whole. For drugs in the form of syrup, use a measuring spoon so that the dose of the drug consumed is appropriate.

Make sure that there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. Try to take clarithromycin at the same time each day to maximize the effectiveness of the drug.

If you forget to take clarithromycin, it is advisable to do it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.

Clarithromycin is usually taken for 1–2 weeks, depending on the type and severity of the infection. Take the drug according to the time prescribed by the doctor to reduce the risk of recurrence of the condition.

Store clarithromycin in a cool, dry place protected from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Interactions of Clarithromycin with Other Drugs

There are several drug interactions that can occur if clarithromycin is used in combination with other medicines. Drug interactions that can occur include:

Causes ergot poisoning resulting in constriction of blood vessels when used with ergotamine
Increased risk of QT prolongation if used with astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, or terfenadine
Increases colchicine levels in the blood
Increases risk of developing hypoglycemia when used with diabetes medications, such as insulin or pioglitazone
Increases risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulants, such as warfarin
Increases risk of ear damage when used with aminoglycosides
Lowering blood levels of clarithromycin when used with efavirenz or rifampicin
Increases the drowsiness effect of midazolam
Increases the risk of digoxin poisoning
Decreases the effectiveness of carbamazepine or phenytoin