Clarithromycin
Description
Clarithromycin is an antibiotic medicine used for the treatment of bacterial infections. It is also used with other medications to kill helicobacter pylori bacteria that cause stomach ulcers. Clarithromycin is available on prescription as a tablet, suspension, syrup, injection, gel, and lotion dosage forms. The oral and injectable forms are used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs, airways, ears, and skin. The gel and lotion forms are used to treat acne and other bacterial skin infections.
Clarithromycin stops the growth of bacteria that causes infections. It is not effective against infections caused by viruses. Common side effects are diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Use this medicine with caution if you have gastrointestinal problems, particularly colitis (swelling of the inner lining of the colon) due to the risk of severe diarrhoea.
Clarithromycin can be taken with or without food. For the ease of remembering, take it around the same time every day. Clarithromycin should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are caused by bacteria. Once an antibiotic is started, it is always recommended to finish the entire course of the treatment.
Clarithromycinis generally not recommended during pregnancy. It is acceptable to use in breastfeeding as very little amounts of it pass into the breastmilk. Inform your doctor if you have any liver, heart and Kidney diseases, before taking this medicine.
Clarithromycin can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Hence, avoid driving vehicles or operating machines after taking this medicine. Take this medicine only as per your doctor's instructions to avoid developing bacterial resistance. Avoid taking any antacids with Clarithromycin as it can decrease its absorption and effect.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Clarithromycin
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Itching and skin rash
- Acid or sour stomach
- Excessive gas in stomach
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Lower back pain
- Change in taste/ Metallic taste
Uses of Clarithromycin
What is it prescribed for?
- Pharyngitis/Tonsilitis
- Bronchitis
- Community-Acquired Pneumonia
- Sinusitis
- Acute otitis media
- Peptic ulcer
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Mycobacterium avium complex
- Pertussis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time taken for Clarithromycin to show its effect is 2-3 hours. However, the onset of action depends on its dose.
- Duration of effectThe duration of action of Clarithromycin is 36 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Clarithromycin.
- Usage in pregnancy?Clarithromycin is not recommended for use in pregnancy. In early pregnancy, it can increase the risk of major birth defects. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe it if the benefits of you are greater than the risks.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Clarithromycin is not known to be harmful in breastfeeding women. It passes into breast milk at very low levels. Hence it is acceptable for use in nursing mothers upon your doctor's recommendation. The infant should be monitored for possible effects on the gastrointestinal tract such as diarrhoea, thrush (white, velvety sores in the mouth and on the tongue of the infant) and diaper rash.
Allergy
Avoid taking Clarithromycin if you are allergic to it. Serious allergic reactions to this medicine are rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms like skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc.
Liver damage
Do not use Clarithromycin if you have a history of cholestatic jaundice (a condition of reduced bile flow from the liver to the small intestine) or impaired liver function associated with prior use of clarithromycin as it may lead to liver failure.
Statins
The combined use of Clarithromycin and statins (medicines used to reduce cholesterol levels) such as atorvastatin, simvastatin, etc., can cause serious side effects on muscles such as pain, tenderness, or weakness.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Clarithromycin is not recommended for use in pregnancy. In early pregnancy, it can increase the risk of major birth defects. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe it if the benefits of you are greater than the risks.
Breast-feeding
Clarithromycin is not known to be harmful in breastfeeding women. It passes into breast milk at very low levels. Hence it is acceptable for use in nursing mothers upon your doctor's recommendation. The infant should be monitored for possible effects on the gastrointestinal tract such as diarrhoea, thrush (white, velvety sores in the mouth and on the tongue of the infant) and diaper rash.
General warnings
Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis is a skeletal muscle weakness condition characterized by severe weakness of any of the muscles under your voluntary control, including the arms and legs. Use Clarithromycin with extreme caution if you have this condition, since it may worsen.
Antacids
If you are taking an antacid containing aluminium and magnesium salts for indigestion, it can delay the effects of Clarithromycin. Hence, it is recommended to take this antibiotic at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking antacids.
Antibiotic resistance
Finish your entire course of treatment with Clarithromycin, even if the condition gets better to avoid antibiotic resistance (a condition where the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics). If you still feel unwell after completing your antibiotic course, consult your doctor.
Diarrhoea
Clarithromycin can cause diarrhoea because it may also kill the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine. Get emergency medical help if you experience severe diarrhoea that is watery or bloody. Consult your doctor before taking anti-diarrhoeal medication.
Driving or operating machines
Clarithromycin may cause blurred vision, dizziness, or confusion and hence do not perform activities such as driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience any of these symptoms.
Missed Dose
Oral forms: Try not to skip a dose. And if a dose is skipped, take it as soon as you remember, do not double the dose to compensate.
Injection: It is administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Topical forms: Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not apply more quantities to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Oral forms: Clarithromycin overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Seek emergency medical attention in case of an overdose.
Injection: It is administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the chances of overdose is very low.
Topical forms: The overdose of clarithromycin may cause unwanted effects. Seek emergency medical attention in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Clonazepam
Pimozide
Carbamazepine
Amiodarone
Ethinyl Estradiol
Atorvastatin
Disease interactions
QT prolongation
Clarithromycin may cause a heart rhythm problem called prolonged QT intervals (an electrical heartbeat disturbance) if you are taking medicines for heart conditions. It may result in fast, rapid, and irregular heartbeats.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Clarithromycin can kill the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and leads to diarrhoea. Therefore use Clarithromycin with extreme caution if you have any gastrointestinal (mouth to anus) diseases, particularly colitis (swelling of the inner lining of the colon), since it may worsen your condition.
Kidney diseases
Clarithromycin is filtered by the kidney and eliminated through urine. If you have kidney problems, you need special consideration while taking Clarithromycin due to the risk of kidney damage. Your doctor will adjust the dose of this medicine based on your clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Clarithromycin is used for treating bacterial infections and it is proven to be safe and effective. Clarithromycin is available in different dosage forms.
Tablet: Take the Clarithromycin tablet with or without food. Never take more than the prescribed dose. Do not give your medicine to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Tablet DT: Clarithromycin tablet DT dissolves quickly and easily in water. It can be dispersed in a teaspoonful or a glass of boiled and cooled water before administration. Do not administer if the tablet is not dissolved/dispersed completely in the water.
Syrup/Suspension: Shake clarithromycin syrup/suspension well before use. Measure an appropriate dose using the accompanying measuring spoon or dropper.
Dry syrup: Add the recommended amount of water to the powdered clarithromycin. Shake the suspension well before use. Measure the quantity required and do not use it if the medicine particles are not dispersed properly.
Injection: The Clarithromycin injection should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital.
Topical forms (gels, lotions): Wash and pat dry the affected area before application. Apply a thin layer of clarithromycin gel to the whole affected area. Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, or mouth. If it does get into any of these areas, wash them out immediately with water.
Do not stop using this medicine without completing the course as abrupt stopping may recur the infection.
Clarithromycin may cause diarrhoea as a side effect, but it stops when your course is completed. Inform your doctor if it bothers you.
Keep the medicine away from the reach of children and pets. Do not use it after the expiry date. Ensure that unused medicine is disposed of properly.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Clarithromycin works by stopping the bacterial protein synthesis that is essential for its growth. Thus it kills or stops the growth of bacteria.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Macrolides, Antibiotics
Schedule
Schedule H
Medicines.org.uk. 2020. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 05 August 2021].
Drugs, H., 2020. Clarithromycin: Medlineplus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 05 August 2021].
Mri.cts-mrp.eu. 2020. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 05 August 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2020. Clarithromycin. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 05 August 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 9 Oct 2021
Disclaimer
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