Clarithromycin Medications

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is commonly prescribed for respiratory tract and skin infections.

Biaxin

Clarithromycin

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About Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic widely prescribed for respiratory, skin, and soft-tissue infections. Belonging to the macrolide class, it inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. The drug is available under brand names such as Klaricid and Biaxin, as well as generic formulations that can be purchased through our platform. Although its primary indication is bacterial infections, clinicians sometimes prescribe clarithromycin for atypical mycobacterial disease and Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens, reflecting its broad antimicrobial spectrum. The medication’s pharmacokinetic profile, relatively convenient dosing, and established safety record have made it a staple in many treatment guidelines worldwide.

What is Clarithromycin?

Clarithromycin is a semi-synthetic derivative of erythromycin, classified as a macrolide antibacterial. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved it in 1995 for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, skin and soft-tissue infections, and certain atypical pathogens. The U.S. FDA first granted approval in 1991, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) incorporated it into its centralized database in 1992, with subsequent label expansions to include Helicobacter pylori eradication.

At the molecular level, clarithromycin binds reversibly to the 23S rRNA of the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, blocking the translocation step of peptide chain elongation. This action halts protein synthesis, rendering the organism bacteriostatic; at higher concentrations it can be bactericidal.

Both branded tablets (e.g., Klaricid 250 mg, Biaxin 500 mg) and generic tablets are stocked from our pharmacy service, offering the same active ingredient at a lower cost.

How Clarithromycin Works

Mechanism of Action

Clarithromycin occupies the peptide exit tunnel of the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing the addition of new amino acids to the nascent polypeptide chain. By obstructing the translocation step, it interrupts bacterial growth across a range of Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and atypical organisms, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydia psittaci.

Therapeutic Effects

The inhibition of protein synthesis leads to a rapid decline in bacterial load, which translates clinically into reduced fever, alleviated cough, and faster resolution of inflammatory signs. Because clarithromycin also exerts anti-inflammatory effects-modulating cytokine release-it can improve symptoms in atypical pneumonia beyond its antimicrobial action.

Onset and Duration

Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 2-3 hours after oral dosing, and therapeutic levels are maintained for about 8 hours, supporting twice-daily regimens. Clinical improvement in acute bacterial sinusitis or uncomplicated pneumonia is often observed within 48-72 hours. The drug’s half-life of approximately 3-4 hours in healthy adults extends to about 7 hours in patients with hepatic impairment, influencing dosing frequency.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Community-acquired pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, or atypical pathogens (HSA, EMA).
Acute bacterial sinusitis and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (FDA label).
Skin and soft-tissue infections involving susceptible Gram-positive organisms (HSA).
Helicobacter pylori eradication when combined with a proton-pump inhibitor and amoxicillin (WHO-endorsed regimen).

Off-Label Uses

Clarithromycin is sometimes employed off-label for prophylaxis of Mycobacterium avium complex in immunocompromised patients and as part of macrolide-based immunomodulatory therapy in chronic inflammatory airway diseases. These applications lack formal regulatory approval but are supported by peer-reviewed studies in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Clinical Efficacy

A double-blind trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated a 19 % greater clinical cure rate for clarithromycin versus amoxicillin in uncomplicated pneumonia (p < 0.01). In Helicobacter pylori eradication, a meta-analysis in Gut reported an 84 % eradication rate when clarithromycin was part of a triple-therapy regimen, surpassing the 70 % rate of metronidazole-based regimens.

Buying Clarithromycin from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our online pharmacy bridges the gap for patients who encounter stock shortages or higher retail prices in brick-and-mortar stores. By leveraging bulk purchasing agreements, we pass on savings while maintaining rigorous quality standards.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Klaricid (250 mg, 500 mg) - widely recognized in Singapore.
Biaxin (250 mg, 500 mg) - the U.S. marketed version.
Generic clarithromycin - identical active ingredient, typically 30 % less expensive than branded tablets.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices and are inspected by the Singapore HSA. Every batch undergoes third-party verification before shipment.

Pricing & Access

Generic tablets start at SGD 0.45 per 250 mg unit, a notable reduction compared with the brand price of SGD 1.10. Returning customers enjoy a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term therapy more affordable.

Discreet Delivery

Express shipping arrives within ~7 days, while standard delivery takes up to ~3 weeks. Packages are sealed in unmarked boxes to protect privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Clarithromycin is supplied as oral tablets (250 mg, 500 mg) and oral suspensions (250 mg/5 mL). The tablet formulation is the most common for adult indications.

Typical Dosing Ranges

Upper-respiratory infections: 500 mg twice daily for 7-14 days.
Skin infections: 250 mg twice daily for 7 days.
H. pylori eradication: 500 mg twice daily for 14 days, combined with amoxicillin and a proton-pump inhibitor.

These doses represent standard clinical practice; a healthcare provider must tailor the regimen to individual factors such as renal function, hepatic status, and concomitant medications.

Administration Guidelines

Take clarithromycin with a full glass of water. Food can increase absorption of the suspension but may reduce the peak concentration of tablets; clinicians often advise taking tablets on an empty stomach unless gastrointestinal upset occurs. Do not crush or chew extended-release formulations, as this can alter drug release.

Important: A qualified clinician determines the exact dose, frequency, and duration based on the patient’s medical history and current condition.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, abdominal pain) - reported in >10 % of patients.
Taste alteration (metallic or bitter) - observed in 8-12 % of cases.
Diarrhea - occurs in approximately 7 % of treated individuals.
Headache - noted in 5-8 % of trials.

These events are usually mild and resolve after the treatment course.

Serious Adverse Events

QT-interval prolongation leading to torsades de pointes, particularly when combined with other QT-prolonging drugs.
Hepatotoxicity - rare cases of elevated transaminases; monitor liver function in patients with pre-existing liver disease.
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome) - incidence <0.1 %, demanding immediate medical attention.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to macrolides or specifically to clarithromycin.
Concomitant use with cisapride or pimozide, which are contraindicated due to the risk of fatal arrhythmias.
Patients with significant hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) should avoid clarithromycin because metabolism is markedly reduced.

Drug Interactions

Clarithromycin is a strong inhibitor of the CYP3A4 enzyme, raising plasma concentrations of drugs such as:

Statins (simvastatin, lovastatin) - increased risk of myopathy.
Calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem) - enhanced hypotensive effect.
Warfarin - may augment anticoagulant effect; INR monitoring is essential.

Co-administration with rifampicin markedly reduces clarithromycin levels and is therefore discouraged.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Classified as Category B (FDA); animal studies show no fetal risk, but human data are limited. Use only if clearly needed.
Elderly: Reduced hepatic clearance may require dose adjustment; monitor for QT prolongation.
Renal impairment: No dose adjustment required for mild to moderate dysfunction, but severe renal failure may warrant caution.
Hepatic disease: Start at the lower end of the dosing range; consider therapeutic drug monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does clarithromycin differ from azithromycin? Clarithromycin binds more tightly to the 50S ribosomal subunit and has a shorter half-life, requiring twice-daily dosing. Azithromycin, with its extended half-life, is typically given once daily and may have fewer drug-interaction concerns.
How long does clarithromycin take to work for sinusitis? Most patients notice symptom relief-reduced nasal congestion and facial pain-within 48 hours, although a full 7-day course is needed to eradicate the infection.
What should I do if I develop a metallic taste while taking clarithromycin? The taste disturbance is common and usually self-limiting. Drinking water frequently or chewing sugar-free gum may help; if it persists or is bothersome, discuss an alternative antibiotic with your clinician.
Can I drink alcohol while on clarithromycin? There is no direct pharmacologic interaction, but both alcohol and clarithromycin can irritate the stomach lining, potentially worsening nausea or gastrointestinal upset.
Are there foods I should avoid with clarithromycin? Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase clarithromycin levels, raising the risk of cardiac side effects. It is safest to avoid large quantities of grapefruit products during therapy.
Is clarithromycin safe for long-term use? Extended courses (beyond 14 days) increase the likelihood of hepatotoxicity and cardiac arrhythmias. Long-term therapy should be under strict medical supervision with regular liver-function and ECG monitoring.
What are the signs of a serious allergic reaction to clarithromycin? Rapid onset of rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or a sudden drop in blood pressure warrants emergency medical care.
Can clarithromycin be taken with proton-pump inhibitors? Yes; in fact, clarithromycin is a key component of triple therapy for H. pylori, which includes a proton-pump inhibitor to enhance gastric pH and improve antibiotic efficacy.
Does clarithromycin interact with over-the-counter cold medicines? Many OTC cough and cold preparations contain dextromethorphan, a serotonergic agent. Combined use may increase the risk of serotonergic toxicity; consult a pharmacist before mixing.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing clarithromycin?
- Complete list of current prescription, OTC, and herbal medications.
- History of heart rhythm disorders or prolonged QT interval.
- Liver or kidney disease status.
- Any prior allergic reactions to macrolide antibiotics.

Disclaimer

The information provided about clarithromycin is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing clarithromycin for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing clarithromycin.