Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S

Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S belongs to a class of drugs called “macrolides” (antibiotics) used in the treatment of chest infections, such as pneumonia, skin problems such as cellulitis, and ear infections. It is also used to kill helicobacter pylori, a bacteria causing stomach ulcers. 

It is usually prescribed when a patient is allergic to penicillin antibiotics and other antibiotics similar to penicillin like amoxicillin. It works against bacterial infections only and not viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Therefore, using any antibiotic when it is not required may decrease its efficacy for future infections.

Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S is available on prescription, as tablets, granules or a liquid that you drink. At times it is also given as an injection, but this is done in the hospital. It works by preventing bacteria from synthesising essential proteins required to carry out vital functions. Thus, stopping bacterial growth and preventing the spread of infection. 

Common side effects of this medication are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating and indigestion, headache, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping (insomnia). 

Dosage of Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S depends on age, severity of condition, patient's response to medicine and their comorbidities. In children it is also based on their weight. 

Indications

Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S is prescribed to adults and children above 6 months of age.

It is used in the treatment of:

• Lower and upper respiratory tract infections: tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils), pharyngitis (sore throat), sinusitis (inflamed sinuses), bronchitis (inflamed bronchi), community-acquired pneumonia (infection in one or both lungs)
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Acute otitis media (painful ear infection)
• Mycobacterium avium infections.

 

How does Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S work?

It is an antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs called macrolides. They work by preventing bacteria from synthesizing essential proteins required to carry out vital functions. Thus, stopping bacterial growth and preventing the spread of infection.

 

How to use Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S?

• Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S is taken by mouth. Immediate-release tablets are usually taken twice daily whereas slow-release tablets are taken once daily  
• Usually taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.
• Make sure not to miss any dose and complete the full course of treatment
• The dose is usually reduced for children and if you have kidney problems
• Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S is available in the following forms

Tablets: Swallowed whole with a glass of water, juice or milk. Do not chew or break them. 

Granules: Mix the granules of the sachet with a small amount of water to drink.

Liquid: For children and those who are unable to swallow tablets. Use a syringe or a spoon (ask your pharmacist for it if you don't have one).

 

Dosage 

Form and strength:

oral suspension

• 125mg/5mL
• 250mg/5mL

tablet

• 250mg
• 500mg

tablet, extended release

• 500mg

 

Adults:

• 500 mg once daily or 250 mg twice daily with food for 7 to 14 days. For severe infections, 500 mg twice daily, if necessary.
• Lower respiratory tract infections: 250-500 mg every 12 hr for 7-14 days.
• Pharyngitis/tonsillitis: 250 mg every 12 hr for 10 days.
• Sinusitis: 500 mg every 12 hr for 14 days.

 

Children:

• < 1yrs: 7.5mg/kg twice daily 
• 1-2yrs: 2.5ml (62.5mg) twice daily 
• 3-6yrs: 5ml (125mg) twice daily 
• 7-9yrs: 7.5mL (187.5mg) twice daily 
• 10-12yrs: 10ml (250 mg) twice daily 
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: Children >6 months; 7.5mg/kg every 12hrs for 10 days.
• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis/Sinusitis: Children >6 months; 7.5mg/kg every 12hrs for 10 days.

 

Pregnancy use and lactation

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S.

If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S. 

 

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S:

• Allergic reaction to Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S - indicated by skin rash, swelling around the face area, wheezing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulty
• History of QT prolongation (electrical disturbance in the heart)
• Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythms)
• Hypokalaemia (low potassium level in blood)
• Severe hepatic failure or renal impairment (liver or kidney damage).

 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S:

• Renal or hepatic impairment (kidney or liver damage)
• Presence of or predisposition to QT prolongation (electrical disturbance in the heart)
• History of arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)
• Porphyria (rare inherited blood disorder)
• Diarrhoea associated with the use of Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S before.
• Myasthenia gravis (a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle weakness) - use of Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S can worsen the symptoms
• Phenylketonuria (PKU) - inherited condition characterized by decreased metabolism of phenylalanine, an amino acid 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding 

 

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S, hence, in that case, your doctor might alter your dosage and make sure to monitor blood sugar levels more closely.

Please inform your doctor about the use of the following before taking Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S:

• Cisapride
• Ergot derivatives
• Theophylline
• Oral anticoagulants
• Digoxin
• Pimozide
• CYP3A4 inducers
• Protease inhibitors
• Zidovudine
• NNRTIs
• Statins
• Rifabutin
• Midazolam
• Alprazolam
• Cyclosporin
• Colchicine
• Eplerenone
• Eletriptan
• Sirolimus
• Tacrolimus
• PDE5 inhibitors
• Cilostazol
• Vinblastine
• Methylprednisolone
• Omeprazole
• Atypical antipsychotics
• Itraconazole
• Valproate
• Calcium channel blockers
• Aminoglycosides
• Other ototoxic drugs
• Insulin
• Oral hypoglycemics
• Tolterodine
• Antiarrhythmics
• Ticagrelor
• Ranolazine
• Oral contraceptives.

 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S has some side effects which include:

Common:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea 
• Indigestion (stomach ache)
• Headaches
• Insomnia (inability to sleep)

Serious:

• Hypersensitivity/allergic skin reactions; in this case, discontinue 
• Rash
• Paraesthesia (abnormal or altered sensations)
• Stomatitis (inflamed mouth and lips)
• Glossitis (inflamed tongue)
• Oral moniliasis (yeast infection of the mouth)
• Tongue or tooth discoloration
• Arthralgia (joint pain)
• Myalgia (muscle pain)
• Transient CNS effects
• Hepatic (liver) dysfunction
• Reversible hearing loss
• Rarely, pseudomembranous colitis (inflamed large intestine)
• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
• Leukopenia (reduced white blood cells)
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels)
• Renal (kidney) dysfunction 
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) - indicated by signs of severe stomach or back pain 
• QT prolongation (electrical disturbances in the heart)
• Vasodilation (widening of blood vessels)
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Dysgeusia (distorted sense of taste)
• Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea.

 

How to cope with some of the adverse effects

• Nausea (feeling sick) - Take Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S with meals to avoid feeling sick.

• Vomiting/Diarrhoea - Keep yourself hydrated by having lots of fluids and if the problem persists, consult your doctor before taking any medication for vomiting and diarrhoea

• Loss of appetite - Continue having your meals at times that you would usually have them. If it helps, decrease the portion of your meals and have them more frequently. Snack on high protein food items like fruits and nuts. 

• Indigestion - Avoid food items that cause wind. Try having smaller and more frequent meals.

• Headache - Take a painkiller, rest and keep yourself hydrated at all times. Contact your doctor if your headaches last more than a week and/or become severe.

• Insomnia (inability to sleep) - Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, having big meals, tea or coffee in the evenings and try relaxing before bedtime. 

 

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects.

 

Key facts about Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S

• Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S belongs to a class of drugs called “macrolides” (antibiotics) used in the treatment of chest infections, such as pneumonia, skin problems such as cellulitis, and ear infections. It is also used to kill helicobacter pylori, a bacteria causing stomach ulcers. 
• This antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu)
• It works by preventing bacteria from synthesizing essential proteins required to carry out vital functions. Thus, stopping bacterial growth and preventing the spread of infection
• Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S is not suitable for you if you are allergic to penicillin antibiotics and other antibiotics similar to penicillin-like amoxicillin
• It is available as tablets, granules and liquid (for children) forms.
• Do not take antacids 2 hours before or after taking Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S
• Common side effects of this medication are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating and indigestion, headache, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
• It is prescribed to adults and children above 6 months of age.
• Matter of concern arises if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling on the face and difficulty breathing, in which case you need to inform your doctor immediately. 

 

FAQs

1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S DO?

It is an antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs called macrolides used in the treatment of chest infections, such as pneumonia, skin problems such as cellulitis, and ear infections. It is also used to kill helicobacter pylori, a bacteria causing stomach ulcers. It works by preventing bacteria from synthesizing essential proteins required to carry out vital functions. Thus, stopping bacterial growth and preventing the spread of infection

2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S TO START WORKING?

It starts working almost immediately but it may take a few days to kill the disease-causing bacteria and relieve you from the symptoms.  

3. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S FOR?

The duration for using Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S depends on the type of infection you have, your age, and kidney function. It is usually taken once or twice a day for 7-14 days, as prescribed by the doctor.

4. CAN I STOP TAKING Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S?

Do not just stop taking the medicine, make sure to complete your treatment course even if you feel better.

5. IS THERE ANY FOOD OR DRINK I NEED TO AVOID?

No, there is no food or drink that needs to be avoided while taking Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S

6. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S?

There is no evidence of alcohol interfering with the mechanism of action of Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S.

7. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S?

If you have taken too much of the prescribed Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S you may experience common side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach ache, headaches, dizziness and at times a mild rash as a reaction to Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S; in which case inform your doctor immediately. 

8. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S?

Incase you miss a dose, take your next dose on time and do not try making up for the missed dose by doubling it up. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose. Make sure to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better and think you do not need to take it anymore.

9. CAN I TAKE Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

There is no evidence of Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S being unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, however it is better to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking the medication. 

10. CAN THE USE OF  Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S CAUSE DIARRHOEA?

Yes, since Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S is an antibiotic which not only kills the harmful bacteria, but can also affect the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine, it can cause diarrhoea. If diarrhea persists, inform your doctor.

11. WILL IT GIVE ME THRUSH?

It is possible for some people to develop a fungal infection called thrush because antibiotics may also kill the helpful bacteria that protect you against thrush.  

12. IS Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S SAFE FOR KIDNEYS?

Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S does not affect kidneys when kidney function is normal. If you have a history of kidney disease your doctor will either lower your dose or prescribe you a different medicine depending on your condition. 

13. HOW SHOULD Claritek XL 500mg Tablet 5 'S BE STORED?

Keep the medicine at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not keep it in the refrigerator or bathroom. Discard any unused medicine after 14 days. Keep all medications away from children and pets.