Claritek 50ml Suspension 125mg/5ml

General Information
 Requires Prescription: Yes
 Generic Name: Clarithromycin
 Form: Oral Suspension
 Volume: 50 mL
 Therapeutic 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, thereby inhibiting
protein synthesis and preventing bacterial growth.
Dosage
 Contains Clarithromycin
 Dosage must be determined by a healthcare provider based on age, weight, infection type,
and renal function.
Side Effects
Common:
 Diarrhea
 Nausea
 Abnormal taste
 Dyspepsia
 Abdominal discomfort
 Headache
Serious/Rare:
 Allergic reactions (urticaria, skin eruptions, anaphylaxis)
 Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
 Glossitis, stomatitis, oral moniliasis
 Vomiting, pancreatitis
 Tongue/tooth discoloration (reversible)
 CNS effects (anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, insomnia, tremor)
 QT interval prolongation, arrhythmias, torsades de pointes
 Interstitial nephritis
 Hearing or smell disturbances (usually reversible)
 Hematologic issues: thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia
Drug Interactions (Avoid Concomitant Use)
 Cisapride, Pimozide, Astemizole, Terfenadine – risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias
 Ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine) – risk of ergot toxicity
 Oral Midazolam – risk of enhanced sedation
 Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) – risk of muscle toxicity
Contraindications (When Not to Use)
 Known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin or other macrolides
 Concurrent use with any of the drugs listed under interactions
Precautions
 Use with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
 Long-term use may lead to superinfections by non-susceptible organisms.
 Monitor for signs of secondary bacterial or fungal infections.
Warnings
1. Renal Impairment:
o Adjust dose in patients with severe renal insufficiency.
2. Hepatic Dysfunction:
o Monitor liver enzymes. Reports of hepatocellular/cholestatic hepatitis (with or
without jaundice). Usually reversible.
3. Severe Hepatic Reactions:
o Rare cases of fatal hepatic failure.
o Discontinue immediately if signs of hepatitis (jaundice, anorexia, pruritus, dark
urine, abdominal pain) occur.
Pregnancy Category
 Consult a physician before use. Not recommended unless benefits clearly outweigh
potential risks.
Storage Instructions
 Storage Required: Yes
 Conditions: Store at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.
 Do Not Freeze. Shake well before use