Antibiotic, Antibacterial, Penicellin,
 

Clarithromycin

 
    INFORMATION FOR USE OF A MEDICAL

PRACTITIONER, HOSPITAL OR LABORATORY

   
   CLARITHROMYCIN TABLETS
            
 Available Composition   
CLARIZON- 250 mg 
                         
  Each film coated tablet contains: Clarithromycin USP…..250 mg

                                                                                                                                 

 CLARIZON- 500 mg                               
                                                             
Each film coated tablet contains:  Clarithromycin USP…..500 mg  

                    

Clarithromycin 
 

PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION

Antibiotic

CLARIZON (Clarithromycin) prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their protein synthesis. Clarithromycin binds to the subunit 50S of the bacterial ribosome and thus inhibits the translation of peptides. Clarithromycin has similar antimicrobial spectrum as erythromycin but is more effective against certain gram-negative bacteria, particularly Legionella pneumophila. 

PHARMACOKINETICS

Unlike erythromycin, clarithromycin is acid-stable and can therefore be taken orally without being protected from gastric acids. It is readily absorbed, and diffused into most tissues and phagocytes. Due to the high concentration in phagocytes, clarithromycin is actively transported to the site of infection. During active phagocytosis, large concentrations of clarithromycin are released. The concentration of clarithromycin in the tissues can be over 10 times higher than in plasma. Highest concentrations were found in liver and lung tissue. Clarithromycin has a fairly rapid first-pass hepatic metabolism. However, this metabolite, 14-hydroxy clarithromycin is almost twice as active as clarithromycin. The half-life of clarithromycin is about 5 hours and 14-hydroxy clarithromycins about 7 hours. Clarithromycins and its metabolites main routes of elimination are urinary and biliary excretion. 

INDICATIONS

CLARIZON is indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections, such as

·          Pharyngitis,

·          Tonsillitis, acute maxillary sinusitis,

·          Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis,

·          Pneumonia (especially atypical pneumonias associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae or TWAR),

·          Skin and skin structure infections, and,

·          In HIV and AIDS patients to prevent, and to treat,

·          Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)

·          In addition, it is sometimes used to treat Legionellosis.

  PATIENT INFORMATION: 
 

BEFORE YOU TAKE CLARIZON

Make sure you have told your doctor if you:
  • Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant.
  • Are breast feeding.
  • are allergic to clarithromycin, azithromycin
  • have or have ever had kidney or liver disease
 

HOW TO TAKE CLARIZON

You must take your medicine as the doctor tells you. It is important to take CLARIZON Tablets at the right time. Your doctor will decide which is the best dose for you, depending on your illness. The recommended dose is CLARIZON- 250 mg are usually taken with or without food every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7-14 days. CLARIZON- 500 mg tablet is usually taken with food every 24 hours (once a day) for 7-14 days.

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your doses as you would normally. If you are not sure whether to skip the dose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

WHAT TO DO IF AN OVERDOSE IS TAKEN

In that case do not delay, ask your doctor immediately what to do or contact your nearest hospital emergency department. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. Symptoms of overdose may include: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

TAKING OTHER MEDICINE

Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without prescription, your doctor may wish to alter your dose of CLARIZON if you are taking:

·          Alfentanil

·          Alprazolam

·          bromocriptine

·          Carbamazepine

 ·          Cholesterol-lowering medications such as lovastatin and simvastatin

·          cilostazol

 ·          colchicine

·          cyclosporine

·          darifenacin

·          digoxin

·          fluconazole

SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects of CLARIZON include: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting, facial swelling. Less common side-effects include headaches, dizziness/motion sickness, rashes, alteration in senses of smell and taste.Serious side effects which may require medical attention include: 
  • rash
  • hives
  • itching
  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • hoarseness
  • blisters or red splotches on skin
  • fever
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • unusual bruising or bleeding
  • pain in the upper right part of the stomach
  • lack of energy
  • flu-like symptoms
  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

STORING

·          Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

·           Store the tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture

 
Disclaimer: Strictly meant for information purpose only. The above information should not be used at one’s own discretion nor should substitute your physician’s advice.