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Clarithromycin | A Macrolide Antibiotic

clarithromycin town pharmacy
IntroductionClarithromycin available under the brand names of Klaricid, Claritek, Clarion and more, is an antibiotic that can be used to treat a variety of infections.
It’s used to treat chest infections like pneumonia, as well as skin diseases like cellulitis and ear infections.
Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers, is also treated with it.People who are allergic to penicillin and antibiotics that are related to penicillin, such as amoxicillin, may take clarithromycin.
Class of MedicineClarithromycin belongs to the macrolide antibiotics family of drugs. It works by preventing bacteria from growing. Colds, flu, and other viral diseases will not respond to antibiotics like clarithromycin.
Mode of ActionBy attaching to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, clarithromycin, a semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic derived from erythromycin, suppresses bacterial protein production. Binding prevents amino acid translocation during translation and protein assembly by inhibiting peptidyl transferase activity.
Medical UsesClarithromycin is used to treat bacterial infections such pneumonia, bronchitis (infection of the tubes that lead to the lungs), and infections of the ears, sinuses, skin, and throat.
Avaiability & UsageClarithromycin in gernerally available in Tablet and Syrup forms.

Indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates of Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae.

For 7-14 days, take 250-500 mg every 12 hours.

1000 mg once daily for 7 days (extended release)

Acute Sinusitis of the Maxilla
Indicated for the treatment of mild to severe infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae susceptible isolates.

For 14 days, take 500 mg every 12 hours.

1000 mg once daily for 14 days (extended release)

Infection with Mycobacterium
Treatment and prophylaxis for mycobacterial infections are recommended.

For 7-14 days, take 500 mg every 12 hours.

Use in combination with other antimycobacterial medications to treat disseminated infection caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) (eg, ethambutol)

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is a type of stomach ulcer.
When treating individuals with active or history of peptic ulcer disease, this medication is recommended for H pylori eradication.

For 10-14 days, take 500 mg every 8-12 hours.

Administer with bismuth subsalicylate, amoxicillin, H2 receptor antagonist, or proton pump inhibitor as part of a 2- or 3-drug combination therapy.

Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis: 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days

Pneumonia acquired in the community
Susceptible isolates of Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Chlamydophila pneumoniae are used to treat mild to moderate illnesses.

For 7-14 days, take 250 mg every 12 hours.

1000 mg once daily for 7 days (extended release)

250 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days for skin/skin structure infection

Pertussis is a kind of pertussis that causes (Off-label)
Off-label use for pertussis treatment or post-exposure prophylaxis

For 7 days, take 500 mg PO twice a day.

Side EffectsGeneral Side Efeects in more than 1%
Gastrointestinal (GI) effects, general (13%)
Abnormal taste (adults, 3-7%)
Diarrhea (3-6%)
Nausea (adults, 3-6%)
Vomiting (adults, 1%; children, 6%)
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN; 4%)
Abdominal pain (adults, 2%; children, 3%)
Rash (children, 3%)
Dyspepsia (2%)
Heartburn (adults, 2%)
Headache (2%)
Elevated prothrombin time (PT; 1%)
Caution
(while taking with other medicine)
Heart and Blood Vessel Problems.

In patients with these conditions, clarithromycin may increase the risk of heart and blood vessel problems. It could happen a year or ten years after taking this medication. If you are concerned about this risk, consult your doctor. This medication may cause diarrhoea, which can be severe in some cases.

Important WarningClarithromycin may cause QT prolongation, which is a heart rhythm problem. This condition can result in rapid, erratic heartbeats. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea can be caused by almost all antibiotics, including clarithromycin.
Available BrandsKlaricid
Claritek
Clarion