Clarith 125 mg/5 ml (Powder for Suspension)
Medicine Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic | Clarithromycin |
| Company | Ibn sina pharmaceuticals ltd |
| Also available as |
Indications
- Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis in adults
- Acute maxillary sinusitis
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Pharyngitis or tonsillitis
- Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
- Acute otitis media in pediatric patients
- Treatment and prophylaxis of disseminated mycobacterial infections
- Helicobacter pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease in adults
Pharmacology
Clarithromycin acts by inhibiting microsomal protein synthesis in susceptible organisms mainly by binding to the donor site on the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and preventing translocation to that site. Clarithromycin is active against most Gram-positive bacteria and Chlamydia, some Gram-negative bacteria and Mycoplasmas. Clarithromycin's activity is the same as, or greater than, that of Erythromycin in vitro against most Gram-positive bacteria. Clarithromycin is more acid-stable than Erythromycin and therefore, is better tolerated. Clarithromycin has twice the activity of Erythromycin against H. influenzae. Most species of Gram-negative bacteria are resistant to Clarithromycin because of failure to penetrate the target.
Dosage & Administration
- Adults:
- Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: 250-500 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days
- Acute maxillary sinusitis: 500 mg every 12 hours for 14 days
- Community-acquired pneumonia: 250 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days
- Pharyngitis or tonsillitis: 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days
- Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections: 250 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days
- Treatment and prophylaxis of disseminated Mycobacterium avium disease: 500 mg every 12 hours
- Helicobacter pylori infection: combination dosing regimens available
- Children: 15 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours for 10 days
Interaction
Clarith is contraindicated when co-administered with certain drugs such as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, gastroprokinetic agents, ergot alkaloids, antipsychotics, anti-gout agents, and some antiarrhythmics.
Contraindications
Clarithromycin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or any macrolide antibacterial drugs, as well as those with a history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with prior use of clarithromycin.
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Stomatitis
- Glossitis
- Headache
- Allergic reactions
- Taste perversion
- Transient central nervous system side effects including anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, and hallucination
Pregnancy & Lactation
The drug may be used in neonates and children in appropriate doses. Breast milk from mothers receiving Clarithromycin should not be given to infants until treatment is completed. Clarithromycin is not recommended for pregnant patients.
Precautions & Warnings
Clarith should be discontinued if severe acute hypersensitivity reactions occur. It should be avoided in patients with known QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, significant bradycardia, or taking certain antiarrhythmics. Balancing the potential risk with treatment benefits should be considered when prescribing Clarith in patients with coronary artery disease. Patients should be evaluated for Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) if diarrhea occurs.
Use in Special Populations
The safety and effectiveness of Clarith have been established for the treatment of various conditions in pediatric patients 6 months and older. Its use in pediatric patients under 6 months of age has not been established.
Overdose Effects
Reports indicate that ingestion of large amounts of Clarith can be expected to produce gastrointestinal symptoms. Adverse reactions accompanying overdosage should be treated by the prompt elimination of unabsorbed drug and supportive measures.
Therapeutic Class
Macrolides
Storage Conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light & moisture. The reconstituted suspension must be used within 7 days if kept at room temperature and within 14 days when stored in a refrigerator. Keep out of reach of children.