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Clarithromycin - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Clarithromycin Medication Information

Get detailed information on Clarithromycin, including pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and instructions on how and when to take it and when to avoid it.

The updated prescription information on Clarithromycin provides an overview of possible side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage tips.

You'll also find brand names used in india and internationally, along with pricing details. For further clarification, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Clarithromycin
Pronunciation : kla rith' roe mye sin
ICD Code : Y40.3 Therapeutic Classification : Antibiotics

Trade Names/Brand Names of Clarithromycin

India :

International :


Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak

Why is Clarithromycin Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a macrolide antibiotic, prescribed infections of the middle ear, tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and skin infections. It stops the growth of sensitive bacteria.

When should Clarithromycin not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients allergic to the drug, pregnant women, patients with history of acute porphyria, QT proongation, jaundice or liver dysfunction and those taking other drugs that may interfere with clarithromycin such as terfenadine, astemizole or ergot alkaloids.

What is the dosage of Clarithromycin?

Adult: PO- Respiratory tract infections; Skin and soft tissue infections; Susceptible infections- The recommended dose is 0.25gm twice daily, up to 0.5gm twice daily for severe infections, for 7-14 days.
Mycobacterium avium complex infections With other antimycobacterials:The recommended dose is 500 mg twice daily.
Leprosy- As part of multi drug therapy:The recommended dose is 0.5gm/day.
H. pylori infection with another antibacterial and either a proton pump inhibitor or H2 antagonist:The recommended dose is 0.5gm twice daily for 7-14 days.
Topical- Apply once daily to washed and dried areas for maximum of 15 minutes initially and increase the exposure gradually.

How should Clarithromycin be taken?

It comes as a tablet, and a liquid to take by mouth. Take the regular tablet and liquid two times per day, the long-acting tablet one time per day with food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Clarithromycin?

•This product may contain tartrazine dye. This may cause an allergic reaction in some patients.

• Long-term or repeated use of this medication should be avoided.

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of liver or kidney disease, resistance to other drugs of the same group, pregnancy, lactation, children.

What are the side effects of Clarithromycin?

Most Common- Nausea, diarrhea, abnormal taste, stomach upset, abdominal pain and headache.
Central Nervous System- Mood changes, tremor, dizziness, confusion, seizures, sleeplessness, hallucinations, nightmares, tinnitus (abnormal sounds within the ears).
Liver- Liver inflammation with or without jaundice, increase in liver enzymes.
Metabolic- Low sugar.
Heart- QT prolongation, abnormal heart rhythm.
Genitourinary- Kidney damage.
Miscellaneous- Fever, flu-like symptoms, blisters, itching, allergic reactions, hearing loss, secondary intestinal infection.

What are the other precautions for Clarithromycin?

Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes .

What are the storage conditions for Clarithromycin?

Intravenous: Store at 15-25°C. Store the tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Do not refrigerate the oral solution.

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