Claricin
Generic Name
Clarithromycin 125 mg Suspension
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| claricin 125 mg suspension | ৳ 395.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Claricin 125 mg Suspension is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Not typically used in 125 mg suspension form for adults. Standard adult dose is 250-500 mg twice daily.
Children
7.5 mg/kg body weight twice daily, for 5-10 days, not exceeding 500 mg twice daily. Reconstituted suspension should be shaken well before each use.
Renal_impairment
For patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min), the dose should be halved or the dosing interval doubled. Consult a physician.
How to Take
Claricin 125 mg Suspension is for oral use. The dry powder should be reconstituted with specified amount of boiled and cooled water. Shake the bottle well before each dose. It can be taken with or without food.
Mechanism of Action
Clarithromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms, thereby preventing peptide chain elongation. It is primarily bacteriostatic but may be bactericidal at higher concentrations against certain strains.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antibacterial effects typically begin within a few hours of the first dose.
Excretion
Excreted via both renal and non-renal (biliary/fecal) routes. Approximately 20-40% of the unchanged drug and active metabolite are excreted in urine.
Half life
Approximately 3-7 hours for clarithromycin; the active metabolite (14-hydroxyclarithromycin) has a slightly longer half-life (5-9 hours).
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; food may delay absorption but does not affect bioavailability significantly. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 2-3 hours.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by the cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A4) enzyme system, to form 14-hydroxyclarithromycin (an active metabolite) and other inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, other macrolide antibiotics, or any component of the formulation.
- Concomitant administration with cisapride, pimozide, astemizole, terfenadine, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine due to risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
- Concomitant administration with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) such as lovastatin or simvastatin due to risk of rhabdomyolysis.
- Severe hepatic failure in combination with renal impairment.
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Increased serum digoxin levels. Monitor digoxin levels.
Warfarin
Increased anticoagulant effect, leading to bleeding. Monitor INR.
Colchicine
Increased exposure to colchicine, increasing toxicity. Avoid concomitant use in renal/hepatic impairment.
Theophylline
Increased serum theophylline levels. Monitor theophylline levels.
Oral Hypoglycemics/Insulin
Can potentiate hypoglycemic effects. Monitor blood glucose.
Statins (Lovastatin, Simvastatin)
Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis due to CYP3A4 inhibition. Avoid concomitant use.
Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Valproate
Increased levels of these anticonvulsants. Monitor drug levels.
Storage
Store dry powder below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Reconstituted suspension should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) or as directed by the manufacturer.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include gastrointestinal upset (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be beneficial. There is no specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Clarithromycin is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, other macrolide antibiotics, or any component of the formulation.
- Concomitant administration with cisapride, pimozide, astemizole, terfenadine, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine due to risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
- Concomitant administration with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) such as lovastatin or simvastatin due to risk of rhabdomyolysis.
- Severe hepatic failure in combination with renal impairment.
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Increased serum digoxin levels. Monitor digoxin levels.
Warfarin
Increased anticoagulant effect, leading to bleeding. Monitor INR.
Colchicine
Increased exposure to colchicine, increasing toxicity. Avoid concomitant use in renal/hepatic impairment.
Theophylline
Increased serum theophylline levels. Monitor theophylline levels.
Oral Hypoglycemics/Insulin
Can potentiate hypoglycemic effects. Monitor blood glucose.
Statins (Lovastatin, Simvastatin)
Increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis due to CYP3A4 inhibition. Avoid concomitant use.
Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Valproate
Increased levels of these anticonvulsants. Monitor drug levels.
Storage
Store dry powder below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Reconstituted suspension should be stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) or as directed by the manufacturer.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include gastrointestinal upset (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be beneficial. There is no specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Clarithromycin is excreted in breast milk; caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years for dry powder. Reconstituted suspension is stable for 7-14 days (check specific product leaflet for exact duration and storage conditions).
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory bodies worldwide (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Clarithromycin has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in various bacterial infections across different age groups. Ongoing research explores its role in antibiotic resistance and new indications.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (LFTs) in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment.
- Renal function in patients with severe renal impairment.
- INR (International Normalized Ratio) in patients receiving concomitant warfarin.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of completing the full course of treatment.
- Counsel patients on potential drug interactions, especially with statins and warfarin.
- Monitor for signs of hepatotoxicity and QT prolongation, especially in high-risk patients.
- Advise parents/caregivers on proper reconstitution and administration technique for suspensions.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence and development of antibiotic resistance.
- Shake the suspension well before each use.
- Use the provided measuring device to ensure accurate dosing.
- Do not store the reconstituted suspension beyond the recommended period.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Clarithromycin may cause dizziness, confusion, or disorientation in some individuals. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent spread of infection.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
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