Кларикар

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Кларикар

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Clarithromycin
Pharmacological Class Macrolide Antibiotic
Common Forms Tablet, Extended-Release Tablet, Oral Suspension
Route of Administration Oral (by mouth)
Origin Semi-synthetic (derived from a natural compound)

What Type of Medicine is Кларикар (Claricar)?

Кларикар is a prescription antibiotic medication primarily used to address various bacterial infections. Its single active ingredient is Clarithromycin, which is effective against a specific spectrum of bacterial pathogens.

Clarithromycin belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics, a group of medicines specifically designed to neutralize bacterial threats. As a semi-synthetic compound, it is chemically modified from the older antibiotic erythromycin to enhance its absorption and stability. This classification confirms the drug's role is strictly to resolve a bacterial infection.

Forms, Composition, and General Benefit

Кларикар is a single-product medicine, containing only Clarithromycin as the therapeutic agent. It is designed for oral administration and is available in multiple forms, including standard tablets, extended-release (XR) tablets, and a powder for oral suspension.

This product diversity, particularly the availability of the liquid and extended-release forms, allows for flexible use and can simplify treatment adherence. The general benefit of using this drug is its reliable ability to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis. By halting the bacteria's ability to grow and reproduce, the medicine assists the body in regaining control and recovering from the underlying infection.

What side effects are possible with Кларикар?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for this medicine, based on regulatory documentation, defines possible side effects by System-Organ Class and frequency.

Common Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported side effects are generally mild and temporary. These have been classified in regulatory documents as Common (occurring in ge 1/100 to <1/10 patients) and involve the Nervous System and Gastrointestinal System. These include headache, somnolence (drowsiness), and fatigue, as well as dry mouth.

Serious Adverse Reactions

While rare, the official safety documentation highlights the risk of serious adverse effects that require immediate medical attention, classified as Very Rare (occurring in <1/10,000 patients) or frequency Not Known:

  • Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions: Including anaphylaxis and angioedema (swelling of the face, tongue, or throat).
  • Cardiovascular Effects: Documented potential for tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and palpitations.
  • Hepatic Events: Isolated cases of abnormal liver function and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) have been reported.
  • Neurological: Rare documented cases of seizures (convulsions).
  • Other Very Rare Effects: Dizziness, nausea, gastritis, and abnormal hair loss.

Safety Considerations for Specific Populations

Official regulatory information requires specific caution for certain groups:

  • Renal or Hepatic Impairment: Patients with severe liver disease or kidney disease may require a dose adjustment, as the drug's elimination from the body may be slower.
  • Drug Interactions: Concomitant use with other medicines known to affect the metabolism of this drug (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, cimetidine) can potentially increase the concentration of this medicine in the body, leading to an increased risk of side effects.
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU): Certain dosage forms, such as chewable tablets, contain aspartame (a source of phenylalanine), which is a safety restriction for individuals with PKU.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory information describes a Clarithromycin overdose (the active ingredient in Кларикар) primarily through its clinical manifestations and the required emergency response.

Overdose is most commonly associated with pronounced gastrointestinal effects, which include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Regulatory documentation also notes the potential for altered mental status or confusion in overdose cases, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.

Severe Manifestations and Mandatory Actions

Serious, life-threatening outcomes are documented, including cardiac toxicity marked by QT interval prolongation and the risk of developing dangerous ventricular arrhythmias (Torsades de Pointes). Overdose may also lead to severe hepatotoxicity.

Immediate medical attention must be sought for any suspected overdose exposure. Individuals experiencing severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, seizures, or collapse must immediately contact emergency services.

Management and Monitoring

As no specific antidote is known for this overdose, treatment must be symptomatic and supportive. Regulatory guidelines require close clinical observation and continuous ECG monitoring to assess and manage the risk of cardiac effects. Supportive management may include procedures to eliminate unabsorbed drug, such as gastric lavage, as determined by medical professionals in a controlled setting. The elderly population may be more susceptible to the drug's effects on the QT interval.

Therapeutic Uses of Кларикар

Quick Facts: Uses of Кларикар

  • Respiratory Support: May be prescribed for respiratory tract concerns, including bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia.
  • Ear and Sinus: Used as a therapeutic option for acute sinus infections and acute otitis media in pediatric populations.
  • Skin: Appropriate for managing uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.
  • Ulcer Management: Utilized as part of a combination regimen for individuals with H. pylori infection associated with duodenal ulcers.
  • Other: Recommended for treatment and prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, often in individuals with advanced HIV infection.

What Кларикар Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Кларикар (which contains the active substance clarithromycin) is a prescription medicine intended to manage a range of bacterial infections. It is a macrolide antimicrobial that is utilized to support clinical stability in various therapeutic domains.

Key areas of use include addressing certain respiratory conditions, such as pharyngitis/tonsillitis and acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. It also serves as a therapeutic option for mild to moderate skin infections and infections of the sinuses and middle ear.

For digestive health, this medication is a component of combination therapy for the eradication of H. pylori, a bacterium associated with duodenal ulcer disease. Furthermore, it is a recommended agent for both the treatment and prophylaxis of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems. Its use should always be guided by clinical suspicion and susceptibility testing to help reduce the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It may be considered an alternative for patients who cannot use first-line treatments for certain infections.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus guidance

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Кларикар — Official Regulatory Information

The eligibility for using Clarithromycin (Кларикар) is defined by age, pre-existing conditions, and specific co-administered medications, as detailed in regulatory documents (FDA, EMA, etc.).

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults and adolescents (ge 12 years) are eligible. Children (6 months to < 12 years) are eligible for the oral suspension form.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to macrolides; history of cholestatic jaundice from prior clarithromycin use; severe hepatic failure combined with renal impairment; QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmia, or uncorrected hypokalemia/hypomagnesemia.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min) requires a 50% dosage reduction. Caution is advised in patients with impaired hepatic function or Myasthenia Gravis.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Not recommended for pregnant women except when therapeutic benefit outweighs fetal risk. Not recommended for nursing mothers as the drug is excreted into breast milk.
Eligibility-related restrictions Contraindicated when co-administered with lovastatin, simvastatin, colchicine (in renal/hepatic impairment), cisapride, pimozide, ergotamine, or lurasidone.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile: Regulatory bodies define who can use the medicine by establishing absolute prohibitions (contraindications) for populations at severe cardiac or hepatic risk. Eligibility is conditionally restricted based on age minimums and the degree of organ function impairment, necessitating reduced use in severely affected populations.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section describes the interactions documented in official regulatory labeling for clarithromycin.

Contraindicated Combinations

Co-administration is prohibited with several medicinal products due to the risk of significant adverse effects arising from altered drug exposure. This includes:

  • Certain Heart Rhythm Drugs: Including Astemizole, Cisapride, Pimozide, and Terfenadine, as co-administration carries an additive risk of QT prolongation and severe arrhythmias.
  • Ergot Alkaloids: Such as Ergotamine and Dihydroergotamine, due to the regulatory classification of a risk for acute ergot toxicity (vasospasm).
  • Specific Statins: Lovastatin and Simvastatin are contraindicated because clarithromycin significantly increases their plasma concentration, raising the risk of muscle damage, including rhabdomyolysis.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

The regulatory profile documents that clarithromycin inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme and P-glycoprotein transporter, which reduces the clearance of many co-administered substances. This interaction requires monitoring or dose adjustment for drugs such as:

  • Digoxin: Its serum concentration may become elevated, requiring careful monitoring.
  • Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin): Co-administration may potentiate the anticoagulant effect, requiring regular measurement of prothrombin time (INR).
  • Colchicine: The co-administration of colchicine is strictly prohibited in patients with pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment.

Administration Requirements

A mandatory timing rule applies to the extended-release formulation, which is required to be administered with food for correct absorption. The immediate-release tablet and oral suspension may be taken without regard to food.

Mechanism of Action

The action of Кларикар (Clarithromycin) is defined by its highly specific molecular interaction with the core machinery of bacterial cells, complemented by unique distribution properties that enhance its presence at the biological site of action.

Targeting the 50S Ribosomal Subunit to Halt Proliferation

The primary mechanism involves a direct, molecular intervention on the pathogen. The drug seeks out and binds to the 23S ribosomal RNA located within the bacteria's 50S ribosomal subunit. This binding action physically blocks the translocation step of bacterial translation, effectively stalling the ribosome and inhibiting the synthesis of essential proteins. This cascade prevents the pathogen from growing and replicating, resulting in the inhibition of bacterial proliferation.

Synergistic Action and Enhanced Tissue Penetration

The drug's overall effect is shaped by the body's metabolism, which generates an active compound, 14-hydroxyclarithromycin, that shares and maintains the primary ribosomal blocking action. Furthermore, the drug possesses a specific affinity for the body’s phagocyte (immune) cells, allowing it to be transported directly to the site of infection. This distribution mechanism ensures high local drug concentrations and is associated with the modulation of inflammatory cytokine release.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Guidelines for Кларикар

Кларикар (Clarithromycin) is administered primarily by the oral route, available as immediate-release (IR) tablets, extended-release (XR) tablets, and an oral suspension. The intravenous (IV) route is also approved but is reserved for short-term parenteral use in clinical settings before transitioning to oral therapy.

Dosing and Timing Rules

Feature Guideline
Standard Adult Dose IR Tablet: 250 mg or 500 mg, twice daily (q12hr). XR Tablet: 1000 mg, once daily (q24hr).
Timing with Food IR forms may be taken with or without food. XR tablets must be taken with food to ensure proper absorption.
Pediatric Use Oral suspension is the standard form for children under 12; dosing is calculated based on body weight.
Administration Restriction XR tablets must be swallowed whole and must not be crushed, broken, or chewed, as this compromises the extended-release mechanism.

Course Duration and Adjustment

The full course of therapy typically ranges from 6 to 14 days, but for specific infections, a minimum duration of 10 days is required. A critical modification is required for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min), where the total daily dosage is reduced by half.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Кларикар

This overview describes the types of research and clinical studies conducted with Clarithromycin, focusing only on the structure of the evidence and what has been measured, without offering any clinical advice or individual predictions. Findings reflect group patterns observed in research settings.


Evidence for use in Respiratory Tract Infections

Research has examined Clarithromycin in studies involving adults and children with conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes. Researchers utilized comparative clinical trials to monitor how patient outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance evolved over defined time intervals. Studies reported measurements of clinical endpoints in study groups, and the reported measurements were observed in some studies during research exploring short-term symptom changes.

The main aspects that remain uncertain relate to the drug's role as a sole agent (monotherapy) for severe infections, as the majority of contemporary research evidence is limited to its use in combination with other drugs. Long-term outcomes that track patients well past the resolution of the acute infection are not fully established by the core evidence base.


Evidence for use in Eradicating H. pylori

Clarithromycin was studied for its use as a component in multi-drug regimens designed to eliminate the H. pylori bacterium. The research in this area relies heavily on systematic reviews and meta-analyses that pool data from numerous past clinical trials. The central outcome that research examined was the H. pylori eradication rate.

Recent evidence data show patterns related to a decline in these reported eradication measurements in many geographic areas. This finding research describes as being related to the rise in antibiotic resistance among H. pylori strains. The reported variability in achieving eradication goals for standard clarithromycin-based regimens represents a persistent uncertainty in the evidence landscape.


Evidence in Specific Populations

The research includes specific comparative clinical trials that examined the use of Clarithromycin oral suspension in pediatric patients (children) for outcomes related to physical discomfort. Research was evaluated in patient groups where certain other types of antibiotics were not utilized. Furthermore, specialized research was conducted in immune-compromised adults for the treatment and prevention of Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC) infection, where studies monitored patient progress for several months or years to track survival and the potential for the infection to return.

Key Studies & References

  1. Rates of Antimicrobial Resistance in Helicobacter pylori Isolates from the US and Europe
  2. The Safety and Effectiveness of Clarithromycin in Preventing Disseminated Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) Infection in HIV-Infected Patients With CD4 Counts <= 100 Cells/mm3 (NCT00002336)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Кларикар (FAQ)


Q: How quickly is Кларикар expected to start working?

According to official regulatory documents, the highest concentration of the drug in the bloodstream is generally attained within 2 to 3 days after therapy is started. The medicine is gradually processed and removed from the body over time.


Q: Can older adults use Кларикар safely?

Official documents do not establish a unique safety profile for older adults based on age alone. Eligibility for use is described in official documents by the absence of specific conditions, such as pre-existing cardiac arrhythmia risks or signs of severe renal (kidney) or hepatic (liver) impairment, which can affect how the body processes the medication.


Q: Can I stop taking Кларикар as soon as I feel better?

Regulatory guidance and official patient information indicate that the medication is intended to be used for the full time of treatment prescribed. Stopping the medicine before the full course is completed may affect the desired outcome of treatment.


Q: Is it necessary to finish the entire course of Кларикар, even if symptoms improve?

Official instructions indicate that the medicine should be continued for the full prescribed duration. This adherence is intended to help reduce the risk of incomplete treatment and support the desired therapeutic goal.


Q: What does the official patient leaflet say about long-term use of Кларикар?

The official evidence base for long-term outcomes is described as limited, meaning studies tracking patients well past the acute infection are not fully established. Use for specific, long-term conditions is addressed through specialized and monitored regimens in clinical settings.


Q: Does Кларикар cause drowsiness or affect ability to drive?

The drug is documented as sometimes causing side effects such as dizziness, confusion, or drowsiness (somnolence). Official warnings state that driving or operating machinery should be avoided if individuals experience these effects.


Q: Are there any foods or drinks I need to avoid while on Кларикар?

Official information specifies that extended-release (XR) tablets must be taken with food for the medication to be properly absorbed by the body. Outside of this timing requirement for the XR form, there are no general regulatory restrictions on common foods or drinks listed in the official documents.


Q: Does taking Кларикар affect the results of any common lab tests?

The medication has been documented to potentially affect laboratory test results for markers of liver function and the INR (prothrombin time) when co-administered with certain blood thinners. Testing in these areas may require monitoring.


Q: Does Кларикар have a generic version available?

The single active ingredient in Кларикар is Clarithromycin. Clarithromycin is an established and widely recognized compound that is commonly available as a generic formulation.


Q: Can Кларикар be used for pain relief?

This medicine is classified as an antibiotic and its regulatory indications are strictly for the treatment of bacterial infections. Official documents do not list its use for pain relief.


Q: What are the most common side effects people report when taking Кларикар?

Data from clinical trials indicate that the most frequently reported adverse reactions include gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and a change in taste sensation, often described as taste perversion.


Q: What happens if I forget to take a dose of Кларикар?

Official instructions advise that if a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the individual should then return to the regular schedule. Taking double doses is not advised.


Q: Does Кларикар interact with birth control pills?

Official guidance indicates that the medicine may affect the concentrations of co-administered substances due to its effect on the CYP3A4 enzyme. Specific information regarding the potential effects on hormonal contraception is usually detailed in the respective contraceptive leaflet.


Q: Are there any restrictions on activity while taking Кларикар?

The primary activity restriction noted in official documents relates to tasks requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. This restriction applies only if the patient experiences side effects like dizziness, confusion, or drowsiness.


Q: What conditions is Кларикар officially approved to treat?

Official regulatory documents indicate its use for the treatment of specific bacterial infections, including conditions like strep throat, community-acquired pneumonia, skin infections, and as part of a combination treatment to eliminate the bacterium H. pylori.


Q: What should I do if I experience a skin rash while taking Кларикар?

Regulatory guidance emphasizes that the appearance of a skin rash, hives, or swelling of the face or throat may indicate a serious allergic reaction. Such signs are considered a safety warning and require immediate attention.


Q: What is the typical duration of effect after taking one dose of Кларикар?

Pharmacokinetic data indicates that the highest concentration of the drug is generally achieved within a few hours. The medicine is then processed by the body, with the elimination time for the active compound varying depending on the formulation used.


Q: Is it common to feel tired after starting Кларикар?

Clinical trial data lists Fatigue and somnolence (drowsiness) among the common adverse reactions reported by people taking this medication. These are generally described as mild and temporary effects.


Q: What are the signs of an allergic reaction to Кларикар?

Official documents list signs such as skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing as potential indicators of a severe allergic reaction. These are considered key safety warnings.


Q: Why do some people say they get a metallic taste from this drug?

A change in taste sensation, described by patients as a metallic taste or 'taste perversion,' is reported as a common side effect in clinical data. This is documented as a known temporary effect of the medication.


Q: What happens in the body when Кларикар starts to take effect?

After being absorbed, the drug works by binding to a specific structure on bacteria called the 50S ribosomal subunit. This action physically stops the synthesis of proteins essential for the bacteria, thereby inhibiting their growth and proliferation.


Q: Can I crush or split the tablet form of Кларикар?

The extended-release (XR) tablets are required to be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, broken, or chewed, as this compromises the extended-release function. Regulatory guidance for the standard immediate-release (IR) tablets indicates they may be dispersed or crushed if necessary.


Q: What clinical trials support the use of Кларикар?

The use of this medicine is supported by randomized, controlled clinical trials that have examined its effects in specific patient populations. Studies have focused on infections such as those in the respiratory tract and the treatment of H. pylori.


Q: Why is Кларикар sometimes prescribed for a seemingly unrelated condition?

While regulatory labels specify the main approved uses, authoritative sources also mention that the drug is sometimes used to address other specific infections not officially listed. This is known as an 'unlabeled' use.


Q: What is the difference between immediate-release and extended-release forms of Кларикар?

The key difference relates to how the medicine is taken: Immediate-release (IR) forms are generally taken twice daily, while extended-release (XR) forms are formulated for once-daily use. The XR form is designed to release the medicine slowly over a longer period.


Q: Are there specific times of day Кларикар is usually taken?

Official dosage instructions generally direct the medicine to be taken at set intervals, such as twice daily for the immediate-release form or once daily for the extended-release form. These intervals are designed to maintain a consistent concentration of the medicine in the body.

How should Кларикар be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Clarithromycin (Claricar)

Official regulatory guidelines mandate specific conditions for storing Clarithromycin to maintain stability and effectiveness.

Clarithromycin tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C. The medicine must be kept in its original, tightly closed container and protected from moisture and light.

Special Handling

The reconstituted oral suspension must not be refrigerated or frozen. Any unused suspension must be discarded after 14 days of preparation.

Safety and Disposal

All forms of the medicine must be stored out of the reach and sight of children. Expired or unused Clarithromycin must not be disposed of in household waste or wastewater. Instead, it should be returned via a local pharmaceutical take-back program or disposed of according to local regulatory requirements for waste medicine.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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