Overview of Klaricid-OD
Quick Facts
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Clarithromycin |
| Form | Extended-release tablet (Once Daily / OD) |
| Pharmacological class | Macrolide antibiotic |
| Common use | Anti-infective agent (combating bacterial growth) |
| Origin | Semisynthetic |
What Type of Medicine is Klaricid-OD? (Identity and Classification)
Klaricid-OD is a prescription-only anti-infective agent containing the active ingredient Clarithromycin, which is formally classified as a macrolide antibiotic. Its general purpose is to manage systemic bacterial infections. Clarithromycin is characterized as a semisynthetic compound, produced by chemically modifying the natural antibiotic Erythromycin, a process that improves its stability and how it is processed by the body. Macrolides are clinically recognized for their effectiveness against a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens, including those that commonly affect the respiratory system.
Composition and Form: Understanding the Extended-Release Tablet
Klaricid-OD is a single-ingredient product supplied as a film-coated, extended-release tablet for oral route administration. The "OD" designation, meaning Once Daily, is a key differentiating feature signifying that the tablet is engineered to deliver the Clarithromycin gradually. This specialized dosage form utilizes a solid internal matrix of inactive excipients that controls the rate of drug release, ensuring the active drug is delivered consistently over approximately 24 hours. This controlled delivery system is specifically designed to provide convenience and maintain a steady therapeutic concentration in the bloodstream, unlike standard immediate-release forms of Clarithromycin, which require twice-daily dosing.
What is the General Purpose of Clarithromycin? (High-Level Function)
The primary purpose of Clarithromycin is to control and neutralize active bacterial infections within the body. The drug achieves this therapeutic effect by intervening in the bacterial proliferation process: it selectively binds to the bacteria's internal protein-making structures, known as ribosomes. By halting the synthesis of essential proteins, the drug limits the growth and multiplication of susceptible bacteria, thereby reducing the bacterial load. Macrolides, including Clarithromycin, are well-established for their role in inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which is the fundamental process by which they exert their antimicrobial effect.

