What is clarithromycin and what is it for?

What is clarithromycin?

Clarithromycin is anantibiotic medicine, belonging to the group of macrolidesand inhibitor of the CYP3A isoenzyme, used as a treatment to combat bacteria lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory or skin infections mainly.

Note: Clarithromycin can be purchased as a solution for injection, 500 mg coated tablets and 250 ml suspension powder. Likewise, 500 mg daily should not be exceeded in childrenand should not be ingested more than 1 g per day in adults.

On the other hand, the dosage in children varies according to the weight of the infant, while in adults it is generally recommended to takeclarithromycin orally twice a day. However, dosages vary depending on the patient’s condition.

What is clarithromycin for?

Here are themost common usesof clarithromycin and its health effects:

1. Respiratory infections

Clarithromycin may be indicatedas a treatment formycobacterium avium complex infections, strep throat, whooping cough, sinusitis, bronchitis, among otherinfections caused by bacteria and microorganisms associated withthe respiratory tract.

To highlight: According to studies published by the Chilean Journal of Respiratory Diseases (1) , the use of clarithromycin treatment is common in patients suffering from air sac infection or pneumonia .

2. Ear infections

Clarithromycin is one of the antibiotics, which helps eradicate diseases associated with the ears. In the case of suffering fromHaemophilus influenzae or acute otitis media, the doctor may prescribe 1 or 2 clarithromycin 500 mg tablets every 12 hours.

3. Skin and soft tissue infections

Infections generated by chlamydia ( Chlamydia trachomatis ), Folliculitis , cellulitis, urticaria, among other conditions associated with the skin and soft tissues , can be attacked with drugs such as clarithromycin.

You should know: This antibiotic penetrates directly into the cell that is affected, thus generating a faster and more effective improvement .

4. Gastric and duodenal ulcer

Infection by the H. Pyloribacterium is one of the most common diseases that attacks the gastrointestinal system. Likewise, this bacteriumcan generate gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers, therefore the specialist doctor recommends the oral administration of clarithromycin to attack said bacteria.

ensures that the characteristics of clarithromycin make

Clarithromycin Side Effects

The adverse reactions of this medication are related to its misuse. Tell your doctor if you have any of the followingside effects :

• Abdominal pain
• Tachycardia
• arrhythmias
• Diarrhea .

To highlight: It is necessary to stop the consumption of clarithromycin and see your specialist doctor as soon as possible, in the case of manifesting the aforementioned reactions.

contraindications of clarithromycin

This drug is for supervised consumption, therefore excessive use of clarithromycin should be avoided in the following cases:

• Renal insufficiency
• Liver failure
• Ventricular fibrillation
• Patients taking protease inhibitor and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor drugs.

Important: It is recommended that you consult a specialist and explain your medical history before taking clarithromycin.

Key Findings

• Clarithromycin is a Macrolide Type Antibiotic that inhibits the CYP3A isoenzyme.
• It is usually used to treat skin, respiratory and gastric infections.
• Misuse of this medication can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea .
• Before starting treatment with clarithromycin, it is necessary to consult with a specialist doctor .