Claritek 25ml Oral Drop 125mg/5ml

General Information
 Requires Prescription: Yes
 Generic Name: Clarithromycin
 Form: Oral Suspension
 Volume: 25 mL
 Drug Class: Macrolide Antibiotic
Used For
Treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including:
1. Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
o Bronchitis
o Pneumonia
2. Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
o Pharyngitis
o Sinusitis
3. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
o Folliculitis
o Cellulitis
o Erysipelas
4. Mycobacterial Infections
o Disseminated or localized infections due to:
 Mycobacterium avium
 Mycobacterium intracellulare
 Mycobacterium chelonae
 Mycobacterium fortuitum
 Mycobacterium kansasii
Mechanism of Action
Clarithromycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, inhibiting protein
synthesis and thereby preventing bacterial growth.
Dosage
 Active Ingredient: Clarithromycin
 Dosage must be tailored by a healthcare professional based on:
o Age and weight
o Type and severity of infection
o Renal and hepatic function
Side Effects
Common:
 Diarrhea
 Nausea
 Abnormal taste
 Dyspepsia
 Abdominal pain or discomfort
 Headache
Serious / Rare:
 Allergic reactions: urticaria, skin eruptions, anaphylaxis
 Severe skin conditions: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis
 GI disorders: glossitis, stomatitis, oral moniliasis, vomiting, pancreatitis
 Blood issues: thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia
 Reversible tooth/tongue discoloration
 Sensory changes: hearing loss, altered smell and taste
 CNS effects: anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, psychosis, tremor, insomnia
 Cardiac effects: QT prolongation, ventricular tachycardia, torsades de pointes
 Rare: interstitial nephritis
Drug Interactions
Avoid Concomitant Use With:
 Cisapride, Pimozide, Astemizole, Terfenadine – Risk of cardiac arrhythmias
 Ergot Alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine) – Risk of ergot toxicity
 Oral Midazolam – Risk of excessive sedation
 HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins) – Risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis
Contraindications
 Known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin or any macrolide
 Concurrent use with interacting drugs listed above
Precautions
 Use with caution in pregnant women, especially during the first trimester
 Long-term use may promote growth of non-susceptible organisms (bacteria or fungi)
 Monitor and manage superinfections appropriately
Warnings
1. Renal Impairment:
o Use caution in patients with severe renal insufficiency
2. Hepatic Effects:
o May cause elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis, or cholestasis
o Typically reversible, but requires monitoring
3. Severe Liver Injury:
o Rare reports of fatal hepatic failure
o Discontinue immediately if symptoms of liver dysfunction appear:
 Anorexia
 Jaundice
 Dark urine
 Itching (pruritus)
 Tender abdomen
Pregnancy Category
 Always consult your physician before use.
 Use only when benefits outweigh potential risks.
Storage Instructions
 Required: Yes
 Conditions:
o Store at room temperature
o Keep away from direct light and heat
o Do not freeze
o Shake well before each use