apollo

Select Address

0
  • Login

CLARITHROMYCIN

About

CLARITHROMYCIN belongs to a group of medicine called macrolide antibiotics derived from Saccharopolyspora erythraea (originally called Streptomyces erythreus), used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including chest infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, skin problems such as cellulitis (potentially serious bacterial skin infection. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch), and ear infections. Besides this, CLARITHROMYCIN is also used in combination with other medicines to treat duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori. A bacterial infection is a condition in which bacteria grow in the body and cause infection. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly. Antibiotics inhibit the growth of microorganisms given to treat such kinds of conditions.

CLARITHROMYCIN contains Clarithromycin (antibiotic). It inhibits the protein synthesis process required for the growth of the bacterial cell. As a result, bacterial cells are not able to reproduce and grow. Thus, CLARITHROMYCIN helps in the prevention of infections.

CLARITHROMYCIN should only be if your doctor has prescribed you. CLARITHROMYCIN should not be stopped even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic medication, and completing the full course if very necessary; otherwise, the infection might re-appear in a more severe form. Like all medicines, CLARITHROMYCIN may cause some common side effects, including feeling sick (nausea), diarrhoea and being sick (vomiting), losing your appetite, bloating and indigestion, headaches and difficulty sleeping. These side effects are temporary and may get resolve after some time; however, if this side persists, let your doctor know about this if you notice any sudden wheeziness, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting your whole body) STOP TAKING your medicine and go to a doctor immediately.

Do not take CLARITHROMYCIN if allergic to azithromycin, other macrolide antibiotics, or any components present in CLARITHROMYCIN. CLARITHROMYCIN isn't normally recommended during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. But your doctor may prescribe it if the benefits of you taking it are greater than the risks. Do not consume alcohol as it may cause excessive drowsiness when taken along with CLARITHROMYCIN. Before using the CLARITHROMYCIN, tell your doctor if you ever had an allergy to CLARITHROMYCIN have kidney problems, liver problems, swollen food pipe (oesophagitis), lupus disease (an autoimmune disease), or muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). Do not drink alcohol with CLARITHROMYCIN as it may increase the unpleasant side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.

Uses of CLARITHROMYCIN

Bacterial infections

Medicinal Benefits

CLARITHROMYCIN is a type of macrolide class of antibiotic which is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria, anaerobes, and some parasites (like Balantidium coli and Entamoeba species). It is prescribed for treating various bacterial infections including chest infections such as pneumonia, skin problems such as cellulitis, and ear infections; on the other hand, It is also used in combination with other medicines to treat duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori). CLARITHROMYCIN is sometimes used by people who have an allergy to penicillin and antibiotics similar to penicillin, such as amoxicillin.

Directions for Use

Tablet/capsule: Swallow it as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it. Dispersible Tablet: Check the label for directions before use. Disperse the tablet in the prescribed amount of water and swallow the contents. Do not crush, chew or swallow as a whole. Oral Suspension/Syrup: Shake the bottle well before use. Check the label for directions and take CLARITHROMYCIN in doses as prescribed by your doctor with the help of a measuring cup. Powder/granules: Check the label for directions before use. Mix the powder/granules in water, mix well and drink immediately.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of CLARITHROMYCIN

  • Headache
  • Diarrhoea
  • Being sick (vomiting)
  • Nausea (feeling sick)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Taste change
  • Bloating
  • Indigestion
  • Abdominal pain
  • Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Iron and antacid (like magnesium hydroxide and aluminium hydroxide) may bind to CLARITHROMYCIN in the gastrointestinal tract, lowering its efficiency. So, a gap of at least 2 hours should be maintained between intake of CLARITHROMYCIN and iron supplements and antacids. Besides this, in some cases, the use of CLARITHROMYCIN causes antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. CLARITHROMYCIN may cause sensitive skin to sunlight and ultraviolet rays, causing an exaggerated sunburn reaction. Hence it is advisable to apply sunscreen before going outside. Its use has also been associated with an increased risk of fungal skin infections like (vaginal candidiasis - thrush). Tetracycline and CLARITHROMYCIN can form a stable calcium complex in bone-forming tissue, thereby affecting the growth of fibula bones in young children and bone development in the foetus. Using a CLARITHROMYCIN with isotretinoin should be avoided as it has been reported to cause pseudotumor cerebri (increased pressure inside the brain). Long-term use of CLARITHROMYCIN may affect your blood, kidney, and liver health, so yearly diagnostics test of these parameters is recommended.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interactions: CLARITHROMYCIN is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to certain antibiotics (such as azithromycin, amoxicillin/clavulanate), a statin medicine to lower your cholesterol (such as simvastatin and atorvastatin), medications used for blood thinners (such as warfarin), drugs used for heart problems (digoxin), certain medicines used for gout (colchicine), asthma medications (such as theophylline, budesonide/formoterol), medicines for epilepsy, (such as carbamazepine and phenytoin), and drugs used to treat migraines (such as ergotamine and dihydroergotamine).

Drug-Food Interactions: Food containing calcium and iron should be avoided as it may affect CLARITHROMYCIN effectiveness. Also, prevent the intake of grapefruit or grapefruit juice with CLARITHROMYCIN. Avoid alcohol intake as it may lead to drowsiness and affect CLARITHROMYCIN absorption.

Drug-Disease Interactions: CLARITHROMYCIN should not be given in people with liver or kidney problems, cardiovascular disorders (fast, pounding or irregular heartbeats), QT prolongation, Colitis (a chronic digestive disease characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the colon), abnormally low levels of potassium in your blood and muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:

  • AZITHROMYCIN
  • AMOXICILLIN+CLAVULANIC ACID
  • SIMVASTATIN
  • ATORVASTATIN
  • WARFARIN
  • BUDESONIDE+FORMOTEROL
  • CARBAMAZEPINE
  • PHENYTOIN
  • ERGOTAMINE
  • DIHYDROERGOTAMINE
  • Safety Advice

    • Safety Warning

      Alcohol

      unsafe

      CLARITHROMYCIN should not be taken until prescribed if you are taking alcohol. Keep your doctor informed if you drink alcohol.

    • Safety Warning

      Pregnancy

      caution

      CLARITHROMYCIN should be used in pregnant women only if clinically needed, and the benefits outweigh the risks.

    • Safety Warning

      Breast Feeding

      caution

      Let your doctor know if you are a nursing mother before taking CLARITHROMYCIN; your doctor will decide whether CLARITHROMYCIN can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.

    • Safety Warning

      Driving

      unsafe

      Not enough scientific data available for CLARITHROMYCIN, hence it is advised to consult your doctor.

    • Safety Warning

      Liver

      caution

      CLARITHROMYCIN to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.

    • Safety Warning

      Kidney

      caution

      CLARITHROMYCIN to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.

    • Safety Warning

      Children

      safe if prescribed

      CLARITHROMYCIN can be given safely to children in the form of suspension only, dose to be adjusted and recommended by a child specialist only.

    Habit Forming

    No

    Diet & Lifestyle Advise

    • Probiotics and prebiotics can also help to reduce the side effects of antibiotics.
    • Include more fibre-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by your gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Thus, fibre foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics. Whole grains like whole-grain bread and brown rice should be included in your diet. 
    • Eating grapefruit during antibiotics treatment can prevent the body from utilizing CLARITHROMYCIN properly. So, avoid intake of grapefruit or grapefruit juice with the antibiotic. 
    • Avoid taking too much calcium, iron-enriched foods and drinks as it might affect the working of CLARITHROMYCIN. 
    • Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with CLARITHROMYCIN as it can make you dehydrated and affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the CLARITHROMYCIN in fighting off infections.

    Special Advise

    • Probiotics should be taken after taking the full course of CLARITHROMYCIN in order to restore some of the healthy bacteria in the intestines that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Certain fermented foods like yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi can help restore the intestine's good bacteria.

    Patients Concern

    Disease/Condition Glossary

    Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Few harmful bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine can make you more prone to bacterial infection.

    FAQs

    CLARITHROMYCIN contains Clarithromycin (antibiotic). It inhibits the protein synthesis process required for the growth of the bacterial cell. As a result, bacterial cells are not able to reproduce and grow. Thus, CLARITHROMYCIN helps in the prevention of infections.

    You should avoid taking iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking CLARITHROMYCIN. Avoid taking any other antibiotics containing CLARITHROMYCIN unless your doctor has prescribed you.

    After taking antibiotics such as CLARITHROMYCIN, some people get thrush, a fungal infection. This is due to the fact that antibiotics kill the regular, harmless bacteria that serve to protect you from thrush.

    CLARITHROMYCIN treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu).

    No, CLARITHROMYCIN is a macrolide antibiotic. It can be taken by people who are allergic to penicillin with doctor advice only.

    Side-effects are rare with CLARITHROMYCIN and do not usually last long. They will get better after a day or two. if those side effects persist reach out to the doctor immediately.​

    No, CLARITHROMYCIN should not be stopped even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic medication and completing the full course if very necessary; otherwise, the infection might re-appear in a more severe form.

    Available Medicines for

    CLARITHROMYCIN

    VIEW MORE PRODUCTS