Clarithromycin – Antibiotic Medicine

Description Got a bacterial infection bugging you? Clarithromycin’s one of those antibiotics that can tackle a bunch of different bugs. What it does is mess with how bacteria make the proteins they need to stay alive and multiply. No proteins, dead bacteria. Simple as that. Doctors use it for throat infections, pneumonia, skin problems, and even that H. pylori bug that causes stomach ulcers.

Uses in Pakistan Doctors give Clarithromycin when you’ve got:

• Lung and throat stuff like pneumonia, bronchitis, sore throat, sinus infections
• Skin infections that won’t quit
• That H. pylori bug in your stomach causing ulcers
• Some weird infections you don’t usually get
• To stop infections if your immune system’s weak
• Lyme disease sometimes

Dosage

• Kids: Doc figures it out based on weight (usually 7.5 mg per kg, up to 250 mg)
• Adults: Usually 250-500 mg once or twice a day, depends what you got
• Don’t mess around: Finish all the pills even if you feel better

How to Use

• Take exactly what the doctor told you
• Use the little cup that comes with it, not your kitchen spoon
• Doesn’t matter if you eat first or not
• Don’t quit early or the bugs might come back stronger

When Not to Use Skip this if you:

• Break out from clarithromycin or similar antibiotics like azithromycin
• Got heart rhythm problems
• You’re pregnant or nursing (unless doc says you really need it)
• Your liver or kidneys are shot

Side Effects You might get:

• Feeling sick, throwing up, loose bowels
• Belly pain, heartburn
• Your head hurts, feel dizzy
• Rash or allergic stuff (doesn’t happen much)
• Hearing gets weird (really rare, usually goes away)

Drug Interactions This stuff doesn’t play nice with:

• Some blood pressure and water pills (potassium gets too high)
• Heart medicines (rhythm gets wonky)
• Other antibiotics and antifungal drugs
• Blood thinners and cholesterol pills

Tell your doc about everything else you’re popping.

Storage / Disposal

• Keep it somewhere cool and dry at room temp
• Don’t let sun or moisture get to it
• Hide it from kids
• Toss it if it’s expired

Doctor’s Overview — Dr. Ayesha Malik, MBBS, FCPS (Infectious Diseases)

This antibiotic is commonly used for respiratory and skin infections, and in combination therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the stomach. It is generally well tolerated but must be taken as a full prescribed course to prevent resistance. Extra caution is needed in patients with liver, kidney, or heart conditions.

Disclaimer

This overview is for educational purposes only. The medicine is prescription-only and should be used strictly under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.