Clarithromycin 500mg

Clarithromycin 500mg — Uses and Benefits

Clarithromycin 500mg is used to treat bacterial infections in different parts of the body.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis and pneumonia
• Throat and tonsil infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Certain stomach infections caused by H. pylori bacteria, usually combined with other medicines
• Some infections in people with weakened immunity, as advised by the doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• It belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides
• It stops bacteria from producing proteins they need to grow and multiply
• This slows the spread of infection and allows the body's immune system to clear it

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Viral infections such as common cold or flu
• Fungal infections
• Preventing infections that have not been diagnosed by a doctor
• Self-treatment without medical advice, as inappropriate use can lead to antibiotic resistance

How to Use Clarithromycin 500mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually for the full course even if you feel better
• Can be taken with or without food, but taking with food may reduce stomach upset
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless your doctor says it is fine
• Try to take it at the same times each day to maintain a steady level in the body
• Complete the full course; stopping early can allow the infection to return or bacteria to become resistant

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct heat, light and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Any leftover suspension should be discarded as per pharmacist's instructions

Clarithromycin 500mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Abnormal taste in mouth
• Stomach upset or pain
• Headache

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Skin rash
• Dizziness
• Difficulty sleeping

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine (signs of liver problems)
• Severe or watery diarrhoea, especially with blood
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (allergic reaction)
• Severe dizziness or fainting

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Clarithromycin 500mg — Safety Information and Precautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to clarithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin or azithromycin
• Have a history of irregular heart rhythms, especially QT prolongation
• Are taking certain medicines that are known to interact seriously with clarithromycin, such as some cholesterol-lowering statins or ergot medicines

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have a history of heart problems
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including supplements
• Have myasthenia gravis or other muscle-related conditions

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Statins (cholesterol medicines)
• Blood thinners like warfarin
• Certain heart rhythm medicines
• Medicines for migraine containing ergotamine
• Certain medicines for HIV or seizures
• Theophylline used for asthma

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

It is best to avoid or limit alcohol as it may worsen stomach side effects during treatment.

Can I stop taking it once I feel better?

No, complete the full course as prescribed even if symptoms improve, to fully clear the infection.

Is this medicine safe during pregnancy?

• Use only if your doctor feels it is clearly needed, as safety in pregnancy should be assessed individually.
• This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India. Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.