Clarithromycin Tablets

Category: Macrolide antibiotic
Form: Oral tablets

Uses:

• Treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms.

• Common indications include:

  • Respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, pharyngitis)

  • Skin and soft tissue infections

  • Helicobacter pylori eradication in combination therapy for peptic ulcers

  • Ear infections (otitis media)

  • Certain mycobacterial infections

Mechanism of Action:

• Clarithromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit.

• This action prevents bacterial growth, making it bacteriostatic, and in higher concentrations, it can be bactericidal.

• Active against many Gram-positive bacteria, some Gram-negative bacteria, and atypical organisms like Mycoplasma and Chlamydia.

Administration:

• Taken orally, usually twice daily, depending on infection type and severity.

• Can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food may reduce stomach upset.

• Duration of therapy depends on the infection, generally 7–14 days.

• Important to complete the full course even if symptoms improve early.

Side Effects:

• Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, altered taste.

• Other: mild rash, dizziness.

• Rare but serious:

  • Liver toxicity (hepatitis, jaundice)

  • Heart rhythm disturbances (QT prolongation)

  • Severe allergic reactions

  • Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea

Precautions:

• Avoid in patients with allergy to macrolides.

• Use cautiously in liver impairment or pre-existing heart conditions.

• Can interact with many medications due to CYP3A4 enzyme inhibition (e.g., statins, certain anticoagulants).

• Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding unless necessary.

Summary:
Clarithromycin Tablets are a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a variety of respiratory, skin, ear, and gastrointestinal infections, and in combination therapy for H. pylori eradication. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, preventing bacterial growth. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and headache, while rare but serious effects include liver toxicity, heart rhythm disturbances, and severe allergic reactions, requiring monitoring in at-risk patients.