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Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for certain bacterial infections. It belongs to the wider group of antibiotics and is used for bacterial infection.

Medicine containing Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin

Bacterial Infection

250 · 500mg

Clarithromycin tablets contain clarithromycin for bacterial infection, including chest, sinus, throat and skin infections. They come in several strengths and pack sizes. You can compare the price per tablet across options.

FromUS$2.04/ tabletView

Key points

  • The onset of action is 30 to 60 minutes, and the duration is 12 to 24 hours.
  • Available strengths are 250 mg and 500 mg.
  • Use in adults and children is directed by a physician.

What it is used for

Clarithromycin is prescribed for pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, acute maxillary sinusitis, and bacterial flare-ups of chronic bronchitis. It is also combined with omeprazole or bismuth-based regimens in courses aimed at eradicating Helicobacter pylori, a stomach bacterium associated with peptic ulcer disease.

How it works

Clarithromycin binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit. This prevents translocation of aminoacyl-tRNA and inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, limiting bacterial growth.

Forms available on MayChemist

On MayChemist, Clarithromycin is a film-coated tablet. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety

Clarithromycin should not be used by people with hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, a history of QT prolongation, or severe hepatic impairment. It is contraindicated with astemizole, cisapride, domperidone, pimozide and terfenadine because these combinations may cause QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and torsades de pointes. It is also contraindicated with ergot alkaloids such as ergotamine or dihydroergotamine, and with oral midazolam. Fatalities have been reported with this type of drug interaction.

Monitor heart rhythm in people with underlying cardiac conditions. Use during pregnancy only if clearly necessary. Breastfeeding needs caution because clarithromycin is excreted in breast milk. Interactions include theophylline, warfarin and statins.

Common effects include nausea, headache and diarrhoea; dysgeusia, insomnia and abdominal pain can also occur. Anaphylaxis and QT prolongation are serious and require immediate medical attention.

What the sources say

  • Clarithromycin strongly inhibits CYP3A4, and serious adverse reactions have been reported when it is taken with other medicines broken down by that enzyme. (DailyMed)
  • The elimination half-life is about 3 to 7 hours, and its main active metabolite, 14-hydroxy clarithromycin, clears on a similar timescale. (DailyMed)
  • In adults, diarrhoea, nausea and altered taste were each reported in about 3%; dyspepsia, abdominal pain or discomfort, and headache in about 2%. (DailyMed)

Further reading

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