Claritek Tablets Usage And Safety
Dosage
Clarithromycin
Side Effects
Diarrhea, nausea, abnormal taste, dyspepsia, abdominal pain/discomfort, and headache. . Allergic reactions ranging from urticaria and mild skin eruptions to rare cases of anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome andtoxic epidermal necrolysis have occurred. Other adverse events include glossitis, stomatitis, oral moniliasis, anorexia, vomiting, pancreatitis, tongue discoloration, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and dizziness. There have been rare cases of tooth discoloration in patients treated with Clarithromycin. Tooth discoloration is usually reversible with professional dental cleaning.There have been isolated reports of hearing loss, which is usually reversible, occurring chiefly in elderly women. Reports of alterations of the sense of smell including smell loss, usually in conjunction with taste perversion or taste loss have also been reported. Transient CNS events including anxiety, behavioral changes, confusional states, convulsions, depersonalization, disorientation, hallucinations, insomnia, depression, manic behavior, nightmares, psychosis, tinnitus, tremor, and vertigo have been reported. As with other macrolides, Clarithromycin has been associated with QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and torsades de pointes. There have been rare cases of interstitial nephritis coincident with Clarithromycin use.
Drug Interactions
Cisapride, pimozide, astemizole and terfenadine , Ergot alkaloids , Midazolam ,HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (statins).
Indication
Clarithromycin is indicated for treatment of infections due to susceptible organisms. Such infections include: 1. Lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia); 2. Upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., pharyngitis, sinusitis); 3. Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., folliculitis, cellulitis, erysipelas); 4. Disseminated or localized mycobacterial infections due to Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium intracellulare. Localized infections due to Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium fortuitum, or Mycobacterium kansasii.
When not to Use
Hypersensitivity to macrolide antibiotic drugs or any of the excipients. Concomitant administration of clarithromycin and any of the following drugs is contraindicated:Astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, terfenadine as this may result in QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsades de pointes.Concomitant administration of clarithromycin and ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine or dihydroergotamine) is contraindicated, as this may result in ergot toxicity.Concomitant administration of clarithromycin and oral midazolam is contraindicated.