Klarix 500 Tab

What is Klarix?

Klarix is a brand of Clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. It is active against most Gram-positive bacteria, some Gram-negative bacteria, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and Mycobacteria.

Indications

Klarix is indicated for treatment of: Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis; Acute maxillary sinusitis; Community-acquired pneumonia; Pharyngitis or tonsillitis; Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections; Acute otitis media (paediatric); Treatment and prophylaxis of disseminated mycobacterial infections; Helicobacter pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease in adults (as part of combination regimens).

Pharmacology

Clarithromycin acts by inhibiting microsomal protein synthesis in susceptible organisms, binding to the donor site on the 50S ribosomal subunit and preventing translocation. It has the same or greater activity than Erythromycin against most Gram-positive bacteria, is more acid-stable, better tolerated, and has twice the activity of Erythromycin against H. influenzae.

Dosage & Administration

Adults: Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: 250–500 mg every 12 hours for 7–14 days. Acute maxillary sinusitis: 500 mg every 12 hours for 14 days. Community-acquired pneumonia: 250 mg every 12 hours for 7–14 days. Pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days. Skin/skin structure infections: 250 mg every 12 hours for 7–14 days. Disseminated MAC: 500 mg every 12 hours until low risk.

H. pylori triple therapy (with lansoprazole + amoxicillin): 500 mg clarithromycin, 30 mg lansoprazole, 1 g amoxicillin every 12 hours for 10–14 days.

Children: 15 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours for 10 days. MAC: 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours up to 500 mg every 12 hours.

No dose adjustment required in hepatic impairment with normal renal function; reduction may be needed in severe renal impairment.

Interaction

Contraindicated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (lovastatin, simvastatin), cisapride, ergot alkaloids, pimozide, quetiapine, and colchicine. Antiarrhythmics (disopyramide, quinidine, amiodarone, dofetilide, sotalol, procainamide) not recommended with Klarix.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or other macrolides. History of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with prior clarithromycin use.

Side Effects

Generally well tolerated. Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, stomatitis, glossitis, headache, allergic reactions, taste perversion. Transient CNS effects (anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, hallucination) have been reported.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Clarithromycin is not recommended during pregnancy. Breast milk from mothers receiving Clarithromycin should not be given to infants until treatment is completed.

Precautions & Warnings

Discontinue if severe acute hypersensitivity occurs. Avoid in patients with known QT prolongation, receiving QT-prolonging drugs, ventricular arrhythmia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, significant bradycardia, or Class IA/III antiarrhythmics. Discontinue if hepatitis signs/symptoms occur. Evaluate for Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea if diarrhoea develops. Increased all-cause mortality risk one year or more post-treatment in patients with coronary artery disease should be considered. Exacerbation of myasthenia gravis has been reported.

Overdose Effects

Large ingestion may cause GI symptoms and altered mental status. Treat by prompt elimination of unabsorbed drug and supportive measures. Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis do not significantly affect serum levels.

Therapeutic Class

Macrolides

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Disclaimer: This product information is for reference purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a registered physician or qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication.