Heliclar 500

Description

Heliclar 500 Tablet is indicated for the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections, including:

• Respiratory tract infections: Such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia (including community-acquired pneumonia and legionellosis).
• Skin and soft tissue infections.
• Leprosy.
• Peptic ulcer disease: Particularly when caused by Helicobacter pylori. It’s typically administered as part of a multi-drug regimen to eradicate the bacteria and reduce ulcer recurrence.
• Lyme disease.
• Acne.

How Do You Take It?

The dosage and duration of treatment will be determined by your doctor based on the specific infection, its severity, and your individual response. Always adhere strictly to your doctor’s instructions.

Adult Dosing (Oral)

• Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: 250-500 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 7-14 days. For extended-release formulations, it may be 1000 mg once daily for 7 days.
• Mycobacterial Infection (Prophylaxis and Treatment): 500 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 7-14 days. This is generally used in combination with other anti-mycobacterial drugs like rifampin and ethambutol.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease: 500 mg by mouth every 8-12 hours for 10-14 days. It is administered as part of a 2- or 3-drug combination regimen, which may include bismuth subsalicylate, amoxicillin, an H2 receptor antagonist, or a proton pump inhibitor.
• Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis: 250 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 10 days.
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Skin/Skin Structure Infection: 250 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 7-14 days. Extended-release may be 1000 mg once daily for 7 days.
• Endocarditis Prophylaxis: 500 mg by mouth 30-60 minutes before a surgical procedure.

Adult Dosing (Intravenous)

• Respiratory tract infections; Skin and soft tissue infections; Susceptible infections: 500 mg twice a day for 2-5 days. It should be infused over 60 minutes using a 0.2% solution. Your doctor will aim to switch you to oral therapy as soon as clinically possible.

Adult Dosing (Topical)

• Apply a thin layer to the affected area once daily.

Child Dosing (Oral)

• 15 mg/kg per day, with a maximum of 1 gram per day, given every 12 hours.

Renal Impairment

• If your creatinine clearance (CrCl) is less than 30 ml/min, your dosage may need to be halved, or the dosing interval doubled.

Administration

• Standard release tablets and oral suspension: Can be taken with or without food.
• Extended-release (XL) and modified-release (MR) tablets: Should be taken with food. Swallow these tablets whole; do not chew or crush them.

Important Considerations

Contraindications (When NOT to take it)

• If you have a known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, erythromycin, any other macrolide antibiotics, or any component of the formulation.
• If you are currently receiving medications such as terfenadine, astemizole, pimozide, cisapride, or ergot derivatives (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), as this can lead to serious and potentially fatal interactions (like QT prolongation or acute ergot toxicity).
• During pregnancy.
• If you have a history of acute porphyria.
• If you have severe hepatic failure in combination with renal impairment (as per Canadian labeling).