Uses / Indications:
Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and tonsillitis are all respiratory infections.
Cellulitis, erysipelas, and impetigo are all skin illnesses.
Otitis media and otitis externa are types of ear infections.
Stomach infections: getting rid of H. pylori (a part of combo therapy for ulcers)
Other infections: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in patients with weakened immune systems
Pregnancy interaction:
Category: Typically classified as Category C (risk cannot be excluded).
Animal studies demonstrate that excessive doses are bad for the fetus; there isn't much research on humans.
Advice: Only use if absolutely necessary and the advantages exceed the hazards.
Avoid throughout the first trimester unless absolutely necessary.
Breastfeeding: Clarithromycin gets into breast milk in modest levels. Be careful and keep an eye on the baby for diarrhea, vomiting, or oral thrush.
Expert advice:
You can take it with or without food, however taking it with food may help your stomach feel better.
Finish the whole course, even if your symptoms become better.
While you are taking the antibiotic, drink a lot of water.
If you have heart difficulties, liver disease, renal disease, or myasthenia gravis, tell your doctor.
Don't take this with medications that make the QT interval longer unless you are being watched.
Talk to your doctor if you are taking statins, anticoagulants (warfarin), or other antibiotics because they may interact with these drugs.
Side Effects:
Common:
Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea
Changes in taste (metallic or bitter taste)
Pain in the stomach
Pain in the head
Less Common / Rare but Important:
Problems with the liver (eyes and skin turning yellow, black urine)
Serious allergic responses, include a rash, swelling, and trouble breathing
Changes in heart rhythm (long QT, palpitations)
Severe diarrhea (may mean you have a Clostridium difficile infection)
Low levels of white blood cells or platelets (uncommon)
How to use:
Dosage: 500 mg every 12 hours, or twice a day, unless your doctor tells you to do something else.
You can take these pills with or without food. Just swallow them whole with water.
To keep blood levels steady, take these at regular times.
Don't miss dosages. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's close to the next dose, skip it.
Finish the whole course to avoid becoming resistant to antibiotics.
How it works:
A macrolide antibiotic is clarithromycin.
It stops bacteria from making proteins by attaching to the 50S ribosomal subunit.
The result is that it stops germs from growing and replicating, which lets the immune system get rid of the infection.
Faq for medicine:
Q1. What is the purpose of Clarithromycin?
It is an antibiotic that can help with infections caused by bacteria, including as infections of the skin, ears, respiratory system, and some stomach illnesses (H. pylori).
Q2: How long does it take to work?
Symptoms usually get better after 2–3 days, but you should finish the full course of medication to avoid resistance.
Q3. Is it okay to drink alcohol while taking Clarithromycin?
Alcohol doesn't directly affect the drug, but it could make adverse effects like stomach discomfort or dizziness worse.
Q4. Is it safe for kids?
Yes, however the dose depends on the child's weight and age. Always follow the dosing guidelines for children.
Q5. Is it okay to quit taking it when I feel better?
No. Stopping early might let bacteria live and become resistant.
Q6. Does it change the rhythm of the heart?
In rare cases, Clarithromycin can lengthen the QT interval, which could lead to arrhythmia in people who are already at risk.
Medicine interaction:
Statins (simvastatin, lovastatin) raise the risk of muscular damage (myopathy, rhabdomyolysis).
Warfarin may make the anticoagulant effect stronger, so keep an eye on your INR.
Other antibiotics, such erythromycin and azithromycin, can have more negative effects.
Amiodarone, sotalol, and quinidine are antiarrhythmics that raise the risk of arrhythmia.
Clarithromycin may raise blood levels of anti-seizure medications such carbamazepine and phenytoin.
Benzodiazepines (like midazolam and triazolam) make you more sleepy.
