Clarithromycin: Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Clarithromycin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic that treats various bacterial infections, including streptococcal infections, Lyme disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, and Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) infection. It is essential to take the medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider, as dosing may vary based on the infection being treated. Adverse reactions are possible and should be reported to your healthcare provider. As with any medication, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial, and with our telemedicine platform, help is always a click away.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Biaxin (Clarithromycin)

The term ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name for the active ingredient in the medicine. It’s universal and used by healthcare professionals around the world for clear communication. The generic name for this medication is listed in parenthesis as Clarithromycin.

Pharmacologic Category

Clarithromycin belongs to the class of medications known as macrolide antibiotics. Other medications in this category include erythromycin and azithromycin.

Dosing

Dosing for Clarithromycin varies depending on the infection being treated. Always remember to consult with your healthcare provider before adjusting your dose. Our telemedicine platform provides an immediate way to get in touch with a provider for advice and adjustments.

• Streptococcal Infections: 250 mg to 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 days
• Lyme Disease: 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 to 21 days
• Helicobacter pylori Infection: 500 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours in combination with other medications for 10 to 14 days
• Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) Infection: 500 mg orally every 12 hours for the duration as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Clarithromycin is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Immediate-release tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg
• Extended-release tablets: 500 mg
• Oral suspension: 125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL

Administration Instructions

Clarithromycin can be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, taking it with food may help. It’s crucial to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, and at evenly spaced intervals for the best effect.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

As with any medication, Clarithromycin may cause side effects. If you experience any adverse reactions, it is essential to report them to your healthcare provider. Remember that with our telemedicine platform, our healthcare providers are available to assist you immediately. Side effects may include:

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Skin rash, changes in liver enzymes, changes in sense of taste
• Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Severe allergic reactions, liver problems, severe skin reactions.

• Very Rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Hearing loss or tinnitus, tooth discoloration.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. Always consult your healthcare provider if you notice any symptoms of discomfort or illness while taking Clarithromycin. Our telemedicine services provide an excellent way to get in touch with a healthcare provider immediately to discuss any concerns or symptoms.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason not to take a particular medication due to the potential harm it could cause the patient. For Clarithromycin, these include:

• Allergy to Clarithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics: This could cause a severe allergic reaction.
• Certain heart conditions (such as QT prolongation): Clarithromycin can affect heart rhythm.
• Severe liver disease with kidney disease: These conditions can affect how Clarithromycin is processed in the body.
• Concurrent use with certain drugs (e.g., ergot alkaloids, lovastatin, simvastatin): Clarithromycin may interact with these drugs, increasing the risk of side effects.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Several medications can interact with Clarithromycin, affecting how it works or increasing the risk of side effects. These include:

• Statins (for cholesterol) – such as Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Simvastatin (Zocor)
• Calcium channel blockers (for high blood pressure) – such as Verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin, Covera-HS)
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) – such as Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)

Clarithromycin in Pregnancy

While Clarithromycin can cross the placenta, it’s generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, as with any medication, it should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice, and remember, our telemedicine platform provides immediate access to a provider.

Clarithromycin while Breastfeeding

Clarithromycin passes into breast milk, but it’s usually considered safe for use while breastfeeding. As always, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice, available at any time through our telemedicine service.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Clarithromycin without insurance, using a GoodRx coupon, is approximately $20-$50, depending on the dosage and pharmacy.

Possible Alternatives

Discuss any potential alternatives to Clarithromycin with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Here are a few options:

• Streptococcal Infections: Penicillin or amoxicillin
• Lyme Disease: Doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime
• Helicobacter pylori Infection: A combination of amoxicillin, metronidazole, and a proton pump inhibitor
• Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) Infection: A combination of azithromycin or rifampin, and ethambutol

Recent Updates on Clarithromycin Research

Recent studies on Clarithromycin have shown its potential use in treating chronic rhinosinusitis due to its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. More research is ongoing to validate this.

As always, stay in touch with your healthcare provider, available via our telemedicine platform, to discuss the latest research related to your treatment.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.