Part Clarithromycin tablets included active ingredient clarithromycin , as well as additional components: MCC, potato starch, pregelatinized starch, low molecular weight PVP, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate.
Part Clarithromycin capsules also contains the active substance clarithromycin , as well as additional components: corn starch, lactose monohydrate, povidone, croscarmellose sodium, calcium stearate, polysorbate 80. The hard capsule consists of gelatin and titanium dioxide.
Release form
Side effects
During the course of treatment, the following side effects may occur:
- nervous system: , fear, bad dreams, , feeling of anxiety; in rare cases - , disturbances of consciousness, psychosis ;
- digestion: vomit, nausea , gastralgia , cholestatic jaundice, , increased activity of liver transaminases, in rare cases pseudomembranous enterocolitis occurs;
- hematopoiesis, hemostatic system: in rare cases – thrombocytopenia ;
- sense organs: feeling of tinnitus, taste disturbance, isolated cases of hearing loss were noted after the drug was discontinued;
- allergy: skin rash, anaphylactoid reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome;
- other actions: manifestation of resistance of microorganisms.
Instructions for use of Clarithromycin (Method and dosage)
Instructions for use of Clarithromycin Teva stipulate that adults and children over 12 years of age take, depending on the diagnosis, 250–500 mg twice a day. Therapy lasts from 6 to 14 days.
If the patient is diagnosed with a severe infection or is unable to oral administration drugs, clarithromycin is prescribed intravenously, the dose is 500 mg per day. The drug is taken for 2 to 5 days, after which, if possible, the patient is transferred to oral administration of the medication. In general, treatment lasts up to 10 days.
If the drug is prescribed for the treatment of diseases caused by Mycobacterium avium , as well as severe infections (including those caused by Haemophilus influenzae), it is recommended to take 0.5–1 g of the drug twice a day. The biggest daily dose is 2 g. Treatment can last about 6 months.
People with chronic renal failure receive a single dose of 250 mg per day; if a severe infection is diagnosed, they are prescribed 250 mg twice a day. Treatment can last up to 14 days.
Overdose
If an overdose occurs, the patient may experience problems with gastrointestinal function, disturbances of consciousness, and headaches. In this case, gastric lavage is performed and, if necessary, symptomatic treatment is prescribed.
Interaction
Clarithromycin should not be used concomitantly with Pimozide , Terfenadine And Cisapride .
Taking with indirect anticoagulants, drugs that are metabolized in the liver using cytochrome P450, as well as , Cisapride, Carbamazepine, Terfenadine, , Triazolam, Disopyramide, Lovastatin, , Midazolam, ergot alkaloids, , Phenytoin increases the concentration of these drugs in the blood.
Clarithromycin reduces absorption Zidovudine .
Cross-resistance may develop between Clarithromycin and Lincomycin.
Reduces the rate of Astemizole, therefore, with simultaneous use, an increase in the QT interval may develop, increasing the risk of manifestations ventricular arrhythmia"pirouette" type.
The concentration increases significantly in Omeprazole and slightly in Clarithromycin.
If the drug is used simultaneously with Pimozide , the concentration of the latter increases, which increases the likelihood of severe cardiotoxicity.
Application with Tolbutamide increases the risk of hypoglycemia.
When used simultaneously with toxic effects are likely.
Terms of sale
You can buy it at the pharmacy with a doctor's prescription; the specialist gives the prescription in Latin.
Storage conditions
Clarithromycin should be protected from moisture and light, storage temperature should not exceed 25 °C.
Keep out of reach of children.
Best before date
You can store the medicine for 2 years. Do not use after this period.
special instructions
If the patient is diagnosed chronic diseases, he definitely needs to monitor serum enzymes.
The drug should be prescribed with caution when taking medications whose metabolism takes place in the liver.
There is cross-resistance between antibacterial drugs that belong to the macrolide group.
Normal during antibiotic therapy intestines changes, so the likelihood of manifestation should be taken into account superinfections caused by resistant microorganisms.
It should be taken into account that severe manifestations may be associated with pseudomembranous colitis.
To make it easier for children to take the drug, a suspension may be prescribed, active substance which is clarithromycin.
Analogues of Clarithromycin
Level 4 ATX code matches:The price of Clarithromycin analogues depends on their manufacturer and other factors. Analogs of this drug are: Clarithromycin Teva , Arvitsin , , Clarexide , Zimbaktar , Clarithrosin , and etc.
For children
In pediatrics, the drug can be used for children after 6 months of age. The most commonly used suspension is for children, the active ingredient of which is clarithromycin. Application must be carried out strictly according to the regimen prescribed by the doctor.
During pregnancy and lactation
This antibiotic cannot be used in the first trimester. In subsequent months of pregnancy, the use of the drug is possible only if the doctor correlates the expected benefits for the woman and harm to the fetus. During lactation, if you need to take medication, you should stop breastfeeding.
Reviews of Clarithromycin
Patients leave different reviews about Clarithromycin online. It is often written that with the help of an antibiotic it was possible to get rid of the symptoms of infectious diseases within a few days. However, there are many opinions about the fact that the drug provokes the manifestation large quantity side effects, in particular, headaches, digestive problems, imbalance intestinal microflora. In most cases, it is noted that it is advisable to take the medicine only with a doctor’s prescription and according to the regimen prescribed by the specialist.
Clarithromycin price, where to buy
The price of Clarithromycin 250 mg tablets is on average 120 rubles per pack of 10 pcs. Price Clarithromycin 500 mg – on average 240 rubles per pack. 10 pieces. You can buy medicine in Ukraine (Kyiv, Kharkov, etc.) for a price starting from 50 UAH. For 10 pcs. The price of Clarithromycin IV (drug Klacid) averages 600 rubles.
- Online pharmacies in Russia Russia
- Online pharmacies in Ukraine Ukraine
ZdravCity
Clarithromycin tablets p.p.o. 500mg No. 10 Ozone Ozone LLC
Clarithromycin-acriquin tab. p/o captivity. 250 mg No. 10Micro Labs Limited
Clarithromycin caps. 250mg n14 Vertex JSC
Clarithromycin tablets p.p.o. 500 mg No. 10 Dalkhimpharm JSC Dalkhimfarm
Clarithromycin tab. p.o 250 mg n10 Ozone LLC
Pharmacy Dialogue
Clarithromycin SR tablets 500 mg No. 7
Clarithromycin (caps. 250 mg No. 14)
The drug Clarithromycin has analogues that are more affordable. At the same time, their structural components, the effect of the substance and the desired result are almost completely identical.
Antibiotic Clarithromycin
The drug is a semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic wide range actions. With its help, the following problems are eliminated:
- infections of the lower and upper respiratory tract;
- mycobacterial infections caused by Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium kansasii;
- frequent relapses with;
Also, the antibiotic Clarithromycin actively fights streptococci and chlamydia.
Often this drug is prescribed in combination with other antibiotics for pseudomonas and.
Clarithromycin is a fairly strong antibiotic that has a number of contraindications, so it should not be taken if:
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- disorders of the liver and kidneys;
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding;
- children under 12 years of age and weighing up to 40 kg.
It is worth paying attention to the incompatibility of the drug with some medications, for example:
- Astemizole;
- Cisapride;
- Terfenadine;
- Ergotamine.
What can replace Clarithromycin?
There are a number of drugs similar in composition and effect, which are often much lower in price. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe the antibiotic Klacid. Many people ask which is better: Clarithromycin or Klacid? Actually it's two different names of the same drug, so in a pharmacy you can name either one or the other. Klacid is commercial name a drug that contains clarithromycin.
There is a whole list of such medicines, similar in action to this medicine. So, here's what you can replace Clarithromycin with:
The cheapest analogue of Clarithromycin is Clarbact, produced in India, as well as Clarithrosin, which is manufactured in Russia.
However, it is worth remembering that sometimes the cost of a drug can come at the expense of quality excipients, which are included in its composition. Therefore, before purchasing such a budget option, think about whether you should opt for exactly the medications prescribed by the doctor.
Clarithromycin has great amount analogue drugs. If for some reason it is not suitable for treatment, they select alternative options. This happens when allergic reactions to components or in the development of drug resistance.
Photo 1. Clarithromycin tablets, 250 mg, manufacturer - STADA.
The production of analogue medicines is carried out both in Russia and abroad. Domestic drugs that act as replacements include:
- Clamed;
- Ecositrine;
- Clarithrosin;
- Klasine.
All analogues of the drug belong to the category of macrolides. They are united by the main component - Clarithromycin. Efficacy of medications varies. This is due to the presence auxiliary elements composition and different dosages active substance.
Clamed
Klamed is available in the format tablets. TO additional components composition includes: magnesium stearate, crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, macrogol, sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone, white sepifilm.
Photo 2. Klamed, 14 tablets, 500 mg, manufacturer - Darnitsa.
Unlike Clarithromycin, Clamed is not available in dosages 500 mg. There is one dosage option - 250 grams. In terms of price, Klamed is in a more advantageous position. The effectiveness of the drugs in the fight against tuberculosis is the same.
Ecositrine
Ecositrin, in addition to Clarithromycin, includes polacrilin potassium, povidone, lactulose, talc, silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate. Distinctive feature The drug is the presence of lactulose. If you are hypersensitive to this component, take the drug impossible. In other cases, lactulose helps reduce the intensity of side effects, since it is converted into organic acids. In the treatment of tuberculosis, Exotrin is more effective than the original medication.
Photo 3. Ecositrin, 14 tablets, 250 mg.
Clarithrosin
Additional components of Clarithrosin include: aerosil, lactose monohydrate, potato starch, natural cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium carboxymethyl starch, talc. The drug is budgetary a copy of Clarithromycin. According to the effectiveness of treating tuberculosis drugs identical.
Important! The drug is replaced attending physician. It is not recommended to select the medicine yourself. The choice is based on individual characteristics of the course of the disease in each individual patient.
Klasine
Klassine is produced in concentrations - 500 mg. Auxiliary components include: stearic acid, additive E551, natural cellulose, pregelatinized starch, low molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone, talc and sodium croscarmellose. The medication is in the same price category as Clarithromycin.
When taking Klasine, it often occurs laxative Effect. This is due to the presence of sodium in croscarmellose. The anti-tuberculosis effect of the drugs is the same. But when long-term therapy Clarithromycin more relevant.
Foreign replacement options
There are much more analogues of Clarithromycin abroad than in Russia.
The unifying link of these drugs is the active component - Clarithromycin. Release formats, dosages and effectiveness of drugs vary. Foreign analogues include:
- Fromilid;
- Lecoclar;
- Klarbakt;
- Clerimed;
- Clarimax.
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Fromilid
Fromilid is produced in Slovenia.
The following additional components are used: pregelatinized corn starch, titanium dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, talc, yellow dye, colloidal anhydrous, E551, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose.
The drug is released in the format tablets and capsules for preparation suspensions.
Unlike Clarithromycin, Fromilid is allowed to be taken in a standard dosage for initial stage renal failure. The drug is also used in children's age. For the treatment of tuberculosis Clarithromycin more efficient its analogue.
Attention! Medications based on Clarithromycin use without reference to meals. The amount of food eaten does not affect the absorption of the constituent components.
Lecoclar
Lecoclar is produced by the company "Sandoz". Country of Origin - Slovenia. The composition includes Clarithromycin, colloidal E551, magnesium stearate, powdered cellulose, croscarmellose sodium and microcrystalline cellulose. Available in tablet format. Dosage includes 250 mg active substance. The drug is often used to treat infectious diseases, concentrated in the upper and lower respiratory tract. As part of anti-tuberculosis therapy, Lekoklar is ineffective.
Klarbakt
Clarbact is produced in India. Available in tablet formats 500 and 250 mg. The drug has a bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect. The active substance is Clarithromycin. Additional composition elements include: stearic acid, natural cellulose, purified talc, colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, magnesium stearate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium salt and glycolic acid. A distinctive feature is the ability resist acidic environment. The effectiveness in treating tuberculosis is quite high.
Clerimed
Clerimed is an antibiotic belonging to the macrolide group. Country of Origin - Cyprus. Antibacterial properties medicine are better manifested in alkaline and neutral environments.
For tuberculosis, it is prescribed together with Omeprazole and Amoxicillin.
Clarimax
Clarimax - antibacterial agent Canadian origin. The concentration of the active ingredient is 250 mg. The composition is complemented by such components as: sodium salt, yellow dye, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, pregelatinized starch.
The drug causes cross resistance when combined with Azithromycin. It is used infrequently for the treatment of tuberculosis. Clarimax is considered the most effective in the fight against chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, leprosy, ureaplasmosis and toxoplasmosis.
Peculiarities! To enhance the anti-tuberculosis effect, drugs containing Clarithromycin are used in combination with others medicines.
The most effective replacement for Clarithromycin
The most popular analogues of Clarithromycin include Clamed and Ecositrin.
The main advantage of Klamed is its price. Despite this, it is not inferior to Clarithromycin in its effectiveness.
Ecositrin has the most effective effect due to the reduced amount adverse reactions. Not only does he cope with pathogenic microorganisms, but also causes minimal harm human health.
Thanks to this, the medicine is suitable for long-term therapy.
The selection of the most successful option in each individual case is carried out attending physician. In certain situations, even the most effective drug can cause great harm to health. Consequences improper treatment are sad.
Useful video
Watch the video about Clarithromycin, its purpose and the rules for using the antibiotic.
Clarithromycin is drug systemic effect, which has an antibacterial effect. It belongs to the group of macrolides.
pharmachologic effect
Clarithromycin is a semisynthetic macrolide derivative. In its structure, it has a 14-membered lactone ring to which carbohydrate residues are attached. This structure allows Clarithromycin to be classified as a polyketide.
The progenitor of this macrolide is the antibiotic erythromycin. Modified formula this drug improved the bioavailability of the drug in tissues, now more substance can pass to the cells and the lesion. Changing the formula of Clarithromycin made it possible to enhance and expand the antimicrobial effect and extend the half-life.
The substance reaches its maximum concentration in the blood within 2-2.5 hours. And it is excreted in urine and bile components after 11-13 hours. Excretion through the liver reaches 52% of the applied dose, and through the kidneys - 36% of the dose. This is positive thing, since excretion without preferential selection of an organ allows to reduce a number of contraindications associated with damage to one of the systems.
Clarithromycin is available in two dosages: 250 mg or 500 mg of pure substance. It only comes in tablet form.
Main active ingredient: Clarithromycin 250 and 500 mg, respectively.
Excipients:
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone is a semi-synthetic substance whose main role is to bind substances in the tablet. In addition to its main task, the component enhances the bioavailability of Clarithromycin in tissues, improves its solubility in water and plasma due to the formation of biosoluble complexes;
- Microcrystalline cellulose is the most stable component in the medicine; it does not change its physical and Chemical properties when combined with other substances, it allows the production of tablet forms, as it has excellent compressibility. The color and shape of the tablet is mainly provided by cellulose;
- Magnesium stearate - salt is used as a tablet filler, has water-repellent properties, which retains the shape of the tablet under the influence of physical factors;
- Purified natural talc is a crushed mineral that has adsorbing properties and a soft, slippery structure. The substance is added to make the tablet easier to swallow and improve the solubility of the active substance;
- Aerosil is a pyrogenic silicon dioxide, has pronounced adsorbing properties, increases the porosity of the tablet and improves the solubility of the drug in plasma;
- Titanium dioxide - component chemical industry, does not affect the properties of the drug and the body in any way. It is used as a coloring agent: pharmacists add whiteness to the tablet to improve its appearance.
Also, starch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and yellow quinoline dye are used to bind substances in the preparation, improve the appearance and add mass.
Indications
The main indication for the use of the drug is an etiologically proven pathogen that is sensitive to Clarithromycin.
Most often the drug is prescribed for diseases:
- Pathology of the upper respiratory tract: lacunar tonsillitis, bacterial sinusitis (sinusitis, sinusitis), pharyngitis;
- Lower respiratory tract infections bacterial etiology: focal, lobar pneumonia, primary atypical pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis;
- Generalized bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissues (muscle, subcutaneous fatty tissue): impetigo, furunculosis, carbunculosis, erysipeloid, infected wounds;
- Chronic and acute processes in the oral cavity of bacterial etiology;
- Localized or disseminated infection with mycobacteria;
- Treatment of chlamydia infection of the genitourinary system.
The drug is also mandatory in eradication regimens Helicobacter pylori. Clarithromycin has the greatest antibacterial effect on this microorganism. Other antibiotics are only auxiliary.
Mode of application
Depending on the etiological pathogen against which the antibacterial drug is prescribed, the tablets are used according to a specific scheme.
The dose and duration of treatment are selected only by the attending physician. Since the severity of the condition, duration of therapy and course of the disease are fundamental factors for writing a specific scheme.
The optimal dose of Clarithromycin for children over 12 years of age and adults is 250 mg every 12 hours. This is enough for bacterial diseases medium degree gravity. Duration of treatment is 6-14 days.
Tablet forms are not recommended for children under 12 years of age, as they have high dosages. There is Clarithromycin in suspension, but it has a different tradename- Klacid. The average duration of treatment is 5-10 days. The dosage for each baby is selected individually at the rate of 7.5 ml per 1 kg of weight. Take 2 times a day.
If the medication was not taken at the appointed time, it is recommended to take the pill immediately after remembering to do so. This is possible if before taking next pill at least 5 hours remain. Otherwise, you need to wait next appointment and take the recommended dose. Taking two tablets at a time is strictly prohibited. It won't improve the quality antibacterial effect, but will only strengthen toxic effects to the kidneys and liver.
The following treatment regimens are distinguished.
Odontogenic diseases: take 250 mg of Clarithromycin every 12 hours for 5 days.
Helicobacter Pylori eradication
Eradication is performed using double, triple or quaternary schemes.
Double regimen: Clarithromycin 2 times a day 500 mg + Omeprazole 40 mg (Lansoprazole 60 mg) 1 time a day before meals for 14 days. The line contains only 1 antibiotic, so further antimicrobial action with other drugs may be required.
Triple regimen: Clarithromycin 500 mg 2 times a day + Amoxicillin 1000 mg 2 times a day + Lanzoprazole 30 mg before each dose. Therapy takes 7-10 days.
The line of 4 drugs includes the above-described regimens. Only to them is added additional protection of the gastric mucosa with the bismuth preparation De-nol. It must be taken 1 tablet once a day with meals. It covers the gastric mucosa with a special membrane that resists harmful effects antibiotics and waste products of Helicobacter.
Other treatment regimens are also used:
- Clarithromycin + Omeprazole (Lanzoprazole) + Tinidazole;
- Clarithromycin + Omeprazole + Metronidazole;
- Clarithromycin + Ranitidine + Bismuth drugs;
- Clarithromycin + Ranitidine + Bismuth citrate + Tetracycline.
The fight against opportunistic flora in people with immunodeficiencies (AIDS) involves taking Clarithromycin 500 mg 2 times a day for as long as the clinical effect of taking it is justified. After termination clinical action Clarithromycin is changed to a stronger drug.
Instructions for use: features of administration
In order for the medicine to have maximum impact with a minimum list of side effects, it is necessary to follow the instructions for use.
Contraindications
The list of contraindications depends on the individual characteristics and point of application of the drug. The use of Clarithromycin is prohibited for the following reasons:
- Individual intolerance to components;
- Children under 12 years old;
- 1st trimester of pregnancy.
Relative contraindications:
- Hypokalemia - the likelihood of prolongation of the QT interval (manifested by impaired ventricular contraction and prolongation of the absolute refractory period);
- Ventricular tachycardia, permanent form atrial fibrillation;
- Taking medications: ticogrel, ranolazine, colchicine, midazolam, cisapride, terfenadine;
- Severe liver failure;
- Chronic renal failure severe, acute renal failure.
Side effects
Side effects are rare, since Clarithromycin has fairly low toxicity. But everything is individual, during the use of this medicinal substance The following side effects were observed.
Allergic reaction:
- Anaphylactic reaction;
- Allergic dermatitis (delayed reaction);
- Acute respiratory failure due to laryngospasm and swelling of the subglottic space.
From the gastrointestinal tract:
- Vomit;
- Constipation;
- Decreased appetite up to anorexia;
- Exacerbation peptic ulcer;
- Exacerbation of pancreatitis;
- Gastroesophagitis;
- Perversion of taste qualities.
From the central nervous system organs:
- Paresthesia;
- Fast fatiguability;
- Ageusia - loss of taste;
- Anosmia - loss of sense of smell;
- Convulsions are generalized or partial.
From the blood and lymphatics:
- Eosinophilia;
- Leukopenia;
- Neutropenia;
- Agranulocytosis.
From the mental side:
- Anxiety;
- Mania;
- Depersonalization.
From the cardiovascular system:
- Vasodilation;
- Reduced blood pressure;
- Atrial fibrillation;
- Ventricular tachycardia of the pirouette type;
- Extrasystole from different sources;
- Heart failure.
Other manifestations:
- Arthralgia;
- Peeling of the skin;
- Development of thrush and stomatitis;
- Worsening of the degree of renal and liver failure.
All these reactions occur very rarely, but it is still necessary to know about them. The most common complaints are dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract and allergic manifestations.
Mostly, side effects occur with an overdose of the drug. It is not recommended to use the medicine more than the prescribed dose.
Children and pregnancy
Clarithromycin and Klacid: what is the difference? Klacid is a brand name for a drug based on Clarithromycin. It is available in suspension and has a lower dose of 1 ml. Used in pediatrics.
It is better to protect the period of breastfeeding and pregnancy from the use of an antibacterial drug. Since the substance penetrates the placenta and into breast milk. But the effect on the fetus and the body of the newborn has not been established.
Clarithromycin should only be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers if the risk is justified. When positive effect far exceeds the risk of teratogenic effects.
Sales representatives
Clarithromycin is usually marketed under the same name. But each brand adds its own prefix. On pharmacy shelves you can find:
- Clarithromycin-Health;
- Clarithromycin-Teva;
- Clarithromycin-Zentiva;
- Clarithromycin-CP.
The cost of Clarithromycin depends on the brand and dose, the number of tablets in the package. average price fluctuates around 60-250 rubles.
The drug should be stored in a dark, ventilated place inaccessible to children at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees.
Pharmacy is a discipline that does not stand still. There are permanent evolutionary processes aimed at finding new formulas and creating more effective and safe medicines. And another antibiotic, a representative of the macrolide group Clarithromycin, became another success for scientists.
It is impossible to say that Clarithromycin is very young: it was synthesized 36 years ago. And yet, not only has it not lost its relevance in the 21st century, but it has also strengthened its stable position among others antibacterial drugs.
Today, Clarithromycin is considered a first- and second-line drug for the treatment of many infectious diseases.
The popularity of the drug is high: without it today it is unthinkable to treat pathologies of the upper and lower respiratory tract, infections of the genitourinary tract and even gastric ulcers and duodenum. It is prescribed in pediatric and adult practice, including in old age. Let's take a closer look at Clarithromycin and find out thanks to what qualities it was able to achieve such a high position.
A little history
So, Clarithromycin was born thanks to the hard and persistent work of scientists from the Japanese company Taisho Pharmaceutical. This happened in 1980. Then experts made many attempts to create a product based on the good old macrolide erythromycin. This antibiotic, with a unique spectrum of activity including intracellular bacteria, was in great demand, but its use was limited by instability in gastrointestinal tract: acidic environment stomach and gastric contents significantly slow down the absorption process. Because of this, the drug had to be taken at least four times a day, and in sufficient high dosages. In addition, erythromycin was associated with significant gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and stomach pain.
Japanese scientists tried to introduce a methyl group into the Erythromycin formula, obtaining 6-O-methylerythromycin, which is structurally very close to it. Tests have shown that the new substance, called Clarithromycin, has almost the same spectrum of antibacterial activity as Erythromycin, and at the same time is devoid of the side effects traditional for its progenitor. Taisho Pharmaceutical Company in as soon as possible received a patent for a new antibiotic and released a brand drug called Clarit for the Japanese market. 5 years later, in 1985, Taisho, in collaboration with the American pharmaceutical giant Abbott, launched the production of the first clarithromycin for the European and American markets. In Russia it was called Klacid. Until 2004, Klacid had no competitors - it was produced as a brand until the patent expired. And only after this, pharmacies were filled with its analogues, or generics - drugs with the same active substance, issued by enterprises not related to its creation. For consumers, this meant only one thing: the monopoly of Klacid, a rather expensive drug, was over forever, and from now on Clarithromycin became available to a wide range of patients. Well, now let's move on to a closer acquaintance with him.
>>Recommended: if you are interested effective methods getting rid of chronic runny nose, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and persistent colds, then be sure to check out this site page after reading this article. Information based on personal experience author and has helped many people, we hope it will help you too. Now let's return to the article.<<
How it works?
The principle of action of Clarithromycin is based on its bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties against a wide range of microorganisms. The drug binds tightly to a specific subunit of the microbe and irreversibly inhibits protein synthesis, which leads to the death of the bacterial cell.
A variety of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms are sensitive to Clarithromycin, including:
- Staphylococcus aureus, the causative agent of many respiratory tract diseases;
- pneumoniae streptococcus, responsible for the development of pneumonia and other diseases;
- pyogenic and other types of pathogenic streptococcus;
- hemophilus influenzae;
- Moraxella;
- Bordetella, the causative agent of whooping cough;
- legionella, which causes legionellosis;
- clostridia;
- mycobacteria;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and others.
Separately, I would like to emphasize that Clarithromycin is one of the few existing antibiotics that can penetrate inside a bacterial cell.
This unique property inherent in macrolides allows the drug to maintain activity against intracellular pathogens that are indifferent to the action of most antibiotics. The indications for use of Clarithromycin are also based on the spectrum of activity.
When is Clarithromycin used?
The antibiotic is a second-line drug for the treatment of many respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia and bacterial tonsillitis (tonsillitis). This means that patients who, for some reason, are contraindicated with the drugs of choice - penicillin antibiotics, for example, Amoxicillin or its protected combination with clavulanic acid, are prescribed macrolides, and in most cases the choice falls on Clarithromycin (or Azithromycin).
The drug is also used for (including sinusitis), bacterial bronchitis, atypical pneumonia, skin or soft tissue infections (for example, furunculosis), otitis media. An important area of application for Clarithromycin is venereology: macrolide antibiotics are indispensable for urogenital chlamydia and mycoplasmosis. The unique ability of Clarithromycin to have a bactericidal effect against Helicobacter pylori infection determines its use in gastroenterology for the treatment of peptic ulcers. In addition, the antibiotic is active against Bartonella, the bacteria that causes cat scratch fever, and is therefore prescribed to treat this disease.
Pharmacokinetic properties: study the instructions for Clarithromycin
Pharmacokinetics studies the characteristics of the “behavior” of a drug in the human body: how and when it is absorbed, how it is excreted, and so on. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug determine whether the drug (in our case Clarithromycin) can be taken with food and how often it should be taken.
The instructions for use of Clarithromycin indicate that the tablets are absorbed quite quickly from the gastrointestinal tract. Exactly half of the drug reaches its intended purpose and begins to work - the remaining 50% is excreted from the body. Food significantly slows down the absorption of the drug, but does not affect its bioavailability. This means that even if you take a pill during a heavy lunch, the entire dose taken will be absorbed.
A stable concentration of the drug in the blood plasma is achieved only after 2-3 days of constant use, that is, approximately 72 hours after the start of treatment with Clarithromycin, its level will reach a constantly high value necessary to obtain the most pronounced antibacterial effect.
Release forms
The drug is used orally (from the Latin per os - through the mouth) and parenterally - intravenously (in “droppers”). Clarithromycin is available as:
- capsules (500 and 250 mg);
- long-acting or prolonged-release tablets (500 mg each);
- regular tablets (250 and 500);
- lyophilized powder from which an infant suspension is prepared;
- solution for intravenous drip administration.
The average consumer is usually concerned about whether different forms of a drug differ in effectiveness. Indeed, why are Clarithromycin tablets better or worse than its capsules? Or what features do prolonged dosage forms have?
So, we answer. Tablets of various shapes and colors, coated or uncoated with coatings or films, and capsules are practically no different from each other, with the exception of visual characteristics. All these intricacies - coatings or capsule shells - reflect only the peculiarities of the production of a pharmaceutical company. The exception is long-acting Clarithromycin tablets. They are created using a special technology that allows for a slower release of the antibiotic into the blood. Thanks to this nuance, it is possible to achieve a constantly high concentration of the drug while reducing the dosage frequency.
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