You too may have been prescribed an antibiotic by a doctor for something like a chest infection, a sore throat, or a skin infection. Among the types of medications that are prescribed, one that is commonly used in our country and is known to many is Clarithromycin. It comes in regular tablets, as well as a special type (extended-release) that is active in the body for a slightly longer period of time when taken only once a day. So, today we will talk about this important medicine, what you need to be careful about when using it, and how to get the most out of it.
What exactly is Clarithromycin?
Simply put, Clarithromycin is a drug that belongs to the antibiotic class. To put it more scientifically, it is a member of the macrolide family of antibiotics. Its main function is to fight and destroy certain types of bacteria that enter our bodies and cause disease.
Imagine that our body is like a country. Then bacteria are like enemies that sneak into this country and disturb it. Clarithromycin is like a specially trained soldier that we use to control these enemies.
But one thing should be kept in mind. This medicine only works for bacterial infections . It will not help with viral infections like the common cold or flu. Therefore, do not use this medicine without the advice of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before you start taking Clarithromycin, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your health condition | Should I inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| A history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) | It must be said that sometimes this medicine can affect the heartbeat. |
| Kidney disease | Absolutely. This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. Therefore, the dosage of the medicine may need to be changed. |
| Liver diseases | Absolutely. This medicine can also affect liver function. |
| Myasthenia Gravis (a disease that causes muscle weakness) | Definitely. These symptoms may worsen. |
| Allergies to Clarithromycin or other antibiotics, medications, or foods | Definitely. If you have had an allergy to a medication in the past, you should mention it. |
| Being pregnant or expecting a baby | Definitely. The doctor will consider the risks and benefits and make a decision. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | Definitely. The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, so talk to your doctor about it. |
The medicine should be used in the right way.
- Take with food: It is best to take this medication with a meal . This will reduce the risk of stomach upset.
- Swallow the pill, don't chew it!: This is the most important thing. Since this is an extended-release pill, it is designed to release the medication into your body over a 24-hour period. If you break, crush, or chew the pill, that process is disrupted, and you could be taking a large amount of medication at once. This could increase the risk of side effects. So swallow the pill whole with a glass of water.
- Take it on time: Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by the doctor.
- Complete the course: Even if you feel a little better, take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. If you stop halfway, the infection may come back.
- If giving this medicine to children: If giving this medicine to children, it is important to talk to a pediatrician and get advice.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other drugs that may interact with Clarithromycin (Drug Interactions)
Clarithromycin is a drug that can interact with many other medications. This means that taking this drug may change the way other medications you are taking work. Some medications may become more effective, while others may become less effective.
| Taking Clarithromycin with this medicine is very dangerous! | |
|---|---|
| Cisapride | Pimozide |
| Dronedarone | Thioridazine |
| Naloxegol | Antifungals (such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole) |
| If you are taking this medication, inform your doctor before using Clarithromycin. | |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications (such as atorvastatin, simvastatin) | Medicines that prevent blood clotting (such as warfarin) |
| Medications for anxiety or sleep (such as alprazolam) | Medicines for irregular heartbeat (such as amiodarone, digoxin) |
| Birth control pills | Colchicine (a medicine given to treat anal fissures) |
| Carbamazepine (a medicine for epilepsy) | Sildenafil |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, herbal remedy, or dietary supplement you take. Also tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Serious skin reactions: Sometimes, even weeks after starting this medicine, a serious skin reaction can occur. If you have a fever, body aches, and red or purple skin rash that later blisters and peels off, this can be a serious condition. Also, if you have red skin rash along with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, seek medical advice immediately.
- Diarrhea: Some people may experience diarrhea while taking antibiotics. However, if you have severe, watery diarrhea that lasts for more than two days, do not take over-the-counter medications and talk to your doctor.
- Diabetes: If you are diabetic, it is important to check your blood sugar levels regularly while taking this medication.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue | Irregular heartbeat, chest pain |
| Pain or difficulty urinating | Redness, blistering, peeling of the skin, including in the mouth |
| Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) | Fever, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes |
| Side effects that are usually common, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Feeling a strange taste in the mouth | Filling the stomach, filling the stomach with air |
| Diarrhea | Stomach upset or nausea |
| Headache | Anxiety, confusion, or nightmares |
How should you store the medicine?
- Keep out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
- Close the medicine bottle/packet tightly and store it in a place protected from light.
- Never use expired medicine and dispose of it properly.
Take-Home Message
- Swallow the clarithromycin extended-release tablet whole with a meal , without breaking or chewing.
- Use the full amount of medication prescribed by the doctor for the prescribed number of days, even if the pain subsides.
- This medicine only works for bacterial infections , not viral diseases.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as severe skin allergies, persistent diarrhea, or chest pain occur.
- This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to others.
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