Klacid

Description

Klacid (Clarithromycin) 500mg Injection

Manufacturer: Abbott India Ltd. Retail Price: 1,401.59 NPR

About Klacid Injection

Klacid (Clarithromycin) is an antibiotic medication. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause infections in your body. While Klacid is available in various forms, this information specifically refers to the injection.

What Klacid Injection is Used For

Klacid Injection treats a variety of bacterial infections, including:

• Respiratory Tract Infections: Such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections.
• Other Infections: Including leprosy, Lyme disease, and infections related to Helicobacter pylori (which can cause peptic ulcers).

Dosage Information

Klacid can be administered in various ways, but the injection is specifically for intravenous (IV) use.

Adult Dosing

Intravenous (IV) Injection:

• For Susceptible Infections (e.g., Respiratory Tract, Skin/Soft Tissue): 500 mg twice daily (every 12 hours) for 2 to 5 days. It should be infused over 60 minutes using a 0.2% solution. Your doctor will likely switch you to an oral form of clarithromycin as soon as possible.

Note: While Klacid Injection is the focus, the information provided also lists common oral dosing for various conditions (e.g., Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis, Mycobacterial Infection, Peptic Ulcer Disease, Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Skin/Skin Structure Infection, Endocarditis Prophylaxis). There is also mention of topical application for acne and child doses. Please consult a healthcare professional for specific dosing instructions for any of these forms or conditions.

Renal Impairment

If your kidney function is impaired (creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min), your doctor will likely reduce your dosage by half or double the time between doses.

Important Considerations

Do Not Use If You Have:

• Allergy (Hypersensitivity): To clarithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics.
• Certain Medications: You must not take Klacid if you are currently using terfenadine, astemizole, pimozide, cisapride, or ergot derivatives (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine). Combining these can lead to serious and potentially fatal heart problems or severe circulation issues.
• Pregnancy: Klacid is generally not recommended during pregnancy.
• Acute Porphyria: A history of this rare blood disorder.

Precautions:

• Kidney and Liver Issues: Klacid should be used with caution if you have impaired kidney or liver function.
• Lactation (Breastfeeding): The drug passes into breast milk, so caution is advised.
• Children: Use as prescribed by a doctor.

Drug Interactions:

Klacid can interact with many other medications, potentially leading to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Potentially Fatal Interactions include:

• Ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine): Can cause severe blood vessel constriction and tissue damage.
• Astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, and terfenadine: Can lead to serious, life-threatening heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation or ventricular cardiac arrhythmia).

Other important interactions include medications for seizures, HIV, heart conditions, erectile dysfunction, cholesterol, diabetes, and blood thinners.

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Klacid can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary.

Common Side Effects (more than 1%):

• Gastrointestinal: General stomach upset (13%), abnormal taste (3-7%), diarrhea (3-6%), nausea (3-6%), vomiting (children 6%, adults 1%), abdominal pain (children 3%, adults 2%), dyspepsia (2%), heartburn (2%).
• Other: Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (4%), rash (children 3%), headache (2%), elevated prothrombin time (PT) (1%).

Less Common but Serious Side Effects (less than 1%, some potentially fatal):

• Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis (severe, life-threatening allergic reaction).
• Gastrointestinal: Clostridium difficile colitis (severe diarrhea), pancreatitis.
• Liver: Elevated liver function tests, hepatic dysfunction, hepatitis, jaundice.
• Cardiovascular: QT prolongation, Torsades de pointes (a type of irregular heartbeat).
• Neurological/Psychiatric: Dizziness, anxiety, hallucinations, seizures, psychosis, manic behavior.
• Blood: Leukopenia (low white blood cells), neutropenia (low neutrophils), thrombocytopenia (low platelets).
• Skin: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a severe, life-threatening skin reaction).
• Other: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects, especially difficulty breathing, severe rash, or persistent severe diarrhea, seek immediate medical attention.

How Klacid Works (Mechanism of Action)

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It works by attaching to a specific part (the 50S ribosomal subunit) of susceptible bacteria. This action prevents the bacteria from making essential proteins, ultimately stopping their growth and replication. It’s effective against various common bacteria, including certain streptococci, staphylococci, B. catarrhalis, Legionella species, C. trachomatis, and U. urealyticum.

eneral knowledge only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns, diagnosis, or treatment decisions.