M-Clarithromycin

Uses of M-Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin belongs to the group of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria that can cause certain infections. Clarithromycin may be prescribed for people with bacterial throat infections, sinus infections, ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and skin infections such as impetigo and cellulitis.

Clarithromycin may also be used to prevent and treat certain infections (mycobacterium avium complex or MAC), associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Clarithromycin can be used in combination with other medications to kill H. pylori, a bacteria known to cause ulcers in the digestive tract.

Precautions and Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clarithromycin or similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Pak, Zmax), erythromycin, or telithromycin, or if:

• you have had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking clarithromycin; or
• you have liver or kidney disease and you also take a medicine called colchicine.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with clarithromycin. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:

• cisapride;
• pimozide;
• lomitapide
• lovastatin or simvastatin; or
• ergotamine or dihydroergotamine.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems;
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
• coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
• myasthenia gravis;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• diabetes; or
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

Clarithromycin may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

In animal studies, clarithromycin caused birth defects. However, it is not known whether these effects would occur in humans. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Clarithromycin can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old.

Dosage

For bacterial infections: 250 mg to 500 mg orally every 12 hours. Duration: Usually 7 to 14 days, depending on the condition.

For more severe infections: 500 mg every 12 hours.

For H. pylori (ulcer treatment) – part of triple therapy: 500 mg twice daily, along with amoxicillin and a proton pump inhibitor (e.g., omeprazole), usually for 7–14 days.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Metallic or altered taste
• Indigestion
• Oral or vaginal thrush (yeast infections)
• Mild skin rash or itching

Serious Side Effects

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine)
• Irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation)
• Chest pain or palpitations
• Severe diarrhea (possible sign of C. difficile infection)
• Confusion, hallucinations, or mood changes
• Hearing loss (usually reversible)