Introduction:
In today’s fast-paced world, health issues are a common concern. Whether it’s a nasty cold or a more serious infection, access to effective medications is vital. One such medication that you might have heard of is clarithromycin. As i have explained before about Nyquil and Amoxicillin. In this article, I shall take a closer look at what clarithromycin is, how it’s used, its potential side effects, and more—all other things that are necessary to keep in mind.
In this article I shall discuss all about Understanding Clarithromycin: Uses, Side Effects.
What is Clarithromycin?
Clarithromycin is an antibiotic. It is a type of medication used to treat bacterial infections.
Class:
It belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides.
Brand names:
1.Clarithrocin
2.Clonoclar
3.Clarith
4.Klaricid
5.Biaxin
Forms of availability:
It is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and oral suspensions. This medication works by stopping the growth of bacteria, helping your body fight off infections more effectively.
Who can and cannot take clarithromycin?
Who can take clarithromycin?
Most adults and children can use Clarithromycin.
Who cannot take clarithromycin Clarithromycin?
Who cannot take clarithromycin Clarithromycin is not suitable for some people. For your safety, tell your doctor if you:
Have ever had an allergic reaction to clarithromycin or any other medicine
Have ever had diarrhea or irregular heartbeat have abnormally low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood have myasthenia gravis – clarithromycin may worsen the symptoms of this muscle weakness have a condition called phenylketonuria – people with phenylketonuria should avoid a sweetener called aspartame (which can be found in some sweeteners you might put in your drinks or foods).
Some brands of liquid clarithromycin contain aspartame are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding
Use caution with other medications Some drugs do not mix well with clarithromycin. Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications before starting clarithromycin: ergotamine or dihydroergotamine, used to treat migraines epilepsy medications, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin theophylline for asthma colchicine for gout digoxin, for certain heart problems warfarin, used to help prevent blood clots (sometimes called anticoagulants) statin medications to lower your cholesterol levels, such as simvastatin or atorvastatin Mix Clarithromycin with herbal medicines and dietary supplements Clarithromycin may not combine well with some complementary and herbal remedies.
It’s best to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal medicines or supplements while taking clarithromycin. There is not enough information to say that dietary supplements and herbal medicines can be used safely with clarithromycin. They are not tested in the same way as pharmaceuticals and prescription drugs. Their effects on other drugs are not usually tested.
How and when to take clarithromycin?
Dosage:
The amount of Clarithromycin tablets come in 250 mg or 500 mg strengths. The granules are presented in packages of 125 mg or 250 mg. The liquid has a concentration of 125 mg in 5 ml or 250 mg in 5 ml. The usual dose of clarithromycin is 250 mg to 500 mg twice daily, although the dose may be lower for children or if you have kidney problems. If your doctor prescribes a delayed-release medication, the usual dose is 500 mg once daily. Sometimes higher doses are given for more serious infections. These tablets release the drug slowly, meaning one dose per day is enough. Try to take the medicine at the same time every day.
How to take Clarithromycin?
Clarithromycin comes in many different forms and strengths and has many different uses: How to take pills Swallow the pill whole with a glass of water. Don’t chew or break them. You can take them with or without food.
How to take tablets Open the packet (or sachet) and mix the seeds with a small amount of drinking water. The granules may be used in children or people who have difficulty swallowing tablets. How to get liquid The liquid can be used by children or people who have difficulty swallowing tablets. If you or your child takes liquid clarithromycin, a pharmacist will usually mix the medicine for you. The medicine will come with a syringe or plastic spoon to help you get the right amount of medicine. If you don’t have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the correct amount.
How long does it take For?
Skin problems like cellulite, you may need to take the medication for about 7 days before you see improvement. If you have Helicobacter pylori infection, even if the bacteria are no longer present in your stomach, it may take some time for you to feel better. Your doctor will usually prescribe medication to reduce stomach acid, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, while the ulcer heals. You will start to feel better after finishing treatment to reduce stomach acid.
Common Uses of Clarithromycin
Respiratory Infections:
Clarithromycin is often prescribed for respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. It helps to clear up the infection and alleviate symptoms like coughing and difficulty breathing.
Skin and soft tissue infections:
If you have a skin infection or a soft tissue infection, your doctor may recommend Clarithromycin to combat the bacteria causing the issue.
Stomach Ulcers:
In some cases, clarithromycin is used as part of a combination therapy to treat stomach ulcers caused by a bacterium called H. pylori.
Sexually transmitted infections:
It can also be used to treat certain sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia.
Lung Infections in People with HIV:
People living with HIV may receive clarithromycin to prevent or treat a type of lung infection called Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection.
Ear infections:
It is used to treat infections of the ear in different people with different problems.
In addition, it is used to treat skin, sinus, and throat infections.
How to Take Clarithromycin?
It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking clarithromycin.
Route of administration:
Typically, it is taken orally, either with or without food, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. Follow the prescribed dosage and complete the entire course, even if you start feeling better before it’s finished. Skipping doses or stopping early may allow the infection to come back, and the bacteria may become resistant to the antibiotic.
Possible side effects of Clarithromycin
Like any medication, clarithromycin may have side effects. Not everyone will experience them, and some may experience only mild side effects. Common side effects include:
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Unusual taste in the mouth
Headache
These side effects are generally mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
In rare cases, clarithromycin can cause more serious side effects, such as:
Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing)
Severe diarrhea or abdominal pain
Irregular heartbeat
Liver problems (jaundice, dark urine, persistent nausea)
Muscle weakness or pain
If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
Precautions
Before taking Clarithromycin, inform your healthcare provider about any allergies or medical conditions you may have. Also, let them know about any other medications or supplements you are taking, as some drugs may interact with clarithromycin.
Conclusion
Clarithromycin has good resistance in the fight against bacterial infections. It’s essential to use it responsibly and follow the advice and precautions of the doctor while using any medication. If you experience any side effects, then seek medical attention. With proper use and monitoring, clarithromycin can help you recover from infections. Remember, your health is essential, so always consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on medication use.
FAQS
How does clarithromycin work?
Clarithromycin is in a group of medicines called macrolide antibiotics. Their job is to kill disease-causing bacteria.
How does clarithromycin compare with other antibiotics?
There are other macrolide antibiotics that do the same thing as clarithromycin. They contain azithromycin and erythromycin.
Clindamycin is usually taken twice a day, but azithromycin is usually taken once a day and erythromycin is usually taken 4 times a day.
Clindamycin and azithromycin are less likely to cause diarrhea than erythromycin.
Most macrolides are used to treat chest and skin conditions. But azithromycin and erythromycin are also used to treat infections.
Clindamycin is also used to treat Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers.
Clarithromycin and other macrolide antibiotics kill Helicobacter pylori. The bacteria are similar to penicillin antibiotics such as amoxicillin.
Can I drink alcohol while taking clarithromycin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking clarithromycin.