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Klaricid-OD

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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.

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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.

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What side effects are possible with Klaricid-OD?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Clarithromycin, the active ingredient in Klaricid-OD, is categorized according to frequency and affected system as documented in official regulatory labeling. These classifications establish the risk profile without offering clinical advice.


Official Adverse Reaction Frequencies

The most frequently observed adverse reactions are classified as Common (affecting up to 1 in 10 patients) in regulatory documents and primarily involve Gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia. Nervous system effects like headache and dysgeusia (taste disturbance) are also included in this category, alongside reports of insomnia and abnormal liver function test results.

Reactions classified as Uncommon (affecting up to 1 in 100 patients) include conditions such as cellulitis, anxiety, vertigo, and gastritis.


Serious Safety Restrictions and Adverse Reactions

Official labeling defines several serious adverse reactions and safety restrictions. The label explicitly notes the potential for severe, low-frequency events, including QT prolongation and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, such as Torsade de Pointes. Severe cutaneous reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, are also documented, as is the potential for hepatic failure and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Use is formally contraindicated in individuals with a known history of QT prolongation or other cardiac arrhythmias. Furthermore, the official profile notes the requirement for dose modification in patients with severe renal impairment.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory information states that overdose with Klaricid-OD (Clarithromycin) is primarily characterized by the exacerbation of known adverse effects, particularly involving the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. Management is centered on supportive care, as no specific antidote is known.

Domain Official Regulatory Statements
Documented Overdose Presentations Primarily presents as the exacerbation of known adverse gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Psychiatric symptoms such as confusional state, hallucination, and psychotic disorder have also been reported.
Physiological Systems Affected Cardiovascular system (risk of QT interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia, including Torsades de pointes). Hepatic system (risk of severe hepatic failure). Neurologic effects may include convulsions.
Emergency-response statements Treatment is directed toward prompt elimination of unabsorbed drug and supportive measures. No specific antidote is known.
When immediate medical help is required Seek immediate medical attention for suspected overdose. Contact emergency services immediately if the individual has collapsed, has a seizure, or is otherwise unresponsive.

Overdose Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Official Regulatory Statement
Severity classification The profile includes manifestations that are typically managed as a medical emergency due to the potential for life-threatening events, specifically ventricular arrhythmias and hepatic failure.
Population-specific Overdose Notes Elderly patients may show greater susceptibility to the QT-prolonging effects. Those with renal impairment are at higher risk due to reduced drug clearance.

Resulting Overdose Structure

Official overdose statements:

  • Overdose may result in severe gastrointestinal symptoms and neurological effects.
  • The risk of serious outcomes includes QT interval prolongation and potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias.
  • Immediate action involves seeking medical attention and implementing supportive measures.

Regulatory documents define the clarithromycin overdose profile by two main features: the common occurrence of severe gastrointestinal distress and the critical, potentially fatal risk to the cardiovascular system. Official guidance explicitly requires that individuals seek immediate medical attention for suspected overdose, regardless of the severity of initial symptoms, due to the recognized high potential for life-threatening outcomes.

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Therapeutic Uses of Klaricid-OD

Klaricid-OD: Main Uses and Therapeutic Support

Klaricid-OD is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, addressing symptoms related to systemic imbalance and localized discomfort. This medication is relevant for use in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms such as certain lower respiratory tract conditions, sinus conditions, and skin and soft tissue conditions. It is also used in conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort, such as those associated with H. pylori (stomach ulcers).


Key Symptomatic Domains

The medicine is often used when symptoms intensify and supportive relief is needed, particularly in clinical settings involving distressing symptoms like persistent cough, fever, facial pain, or localized skin discomfort. Using this medication supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing the overall symptom burden and may assist with maintaining functional stability when symptoms become more noticeable. It contributes to improved comfort during symptomatic periods and assists with easing the overall symptom load across different condition categories.


Quick Fact

Quick Fact: Supportive management for Heightened Respiratory Discomfort Klaricid-OD is commonly used to help manage symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states that may cause chest congestion and difficulty breathing.

Regulatory References

  1. U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) DailyMed
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Klaricid-OD (Clarithromycin Extended-Release) has strict eligibility requirements defined by regulatory agencies. Use is contraindicated and must be avoided in populations with a known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin or any macrolide antibacterial drug. Absolute non-eligibility also applies to patients with a history of QT prolongation or ventricular cardiac arrhythmia, as well as those with uncorrected electrolyte imbalances like hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia. The medicine is also strictly prohibited for patients taking certain concomitant medications, including Simvastatin and Cisapride.


Eligibility Constraints

  • Age Restrictions: The extended-release tablet is indicated only for use in adults for its approved conditions. Pediatric use is not established for this formulation.
  • Organ Function: Use is contraindicated in cases of severe hepatic failure combined with renal impairment. Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) require caution and special consideration.
  • Reproductive Status: Use is not recommended in pregnant women due to the potential for fetal harm, and use during lactation requires balancing potential risks and benefits to the infant.
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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Klaricid-OD Interactions with other medicines and products

The active ingredient in Klaricid-OD, Clarithromycin, is officially documented as an inhibitor of the metabolic enzyme Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp). This characteristic defines the majority of its clinically significant interactions, as noted in official prescribing information.

Formal Contraindicated Combinations

Certain medicinal products are formally prohibited for co-administration with Klaricid-OD due to the documented risk of serious adverse reactions, including QT prolongation and severe muscle toxicity (rhabdomyolysis):

  • HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: Lovastatin, Simvastatin
  • Ergot Alkaloids: Ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine
  • Other Agents: Cisapride, Pimozide, Astemizole, Terfenadine, Lomitapide, Lurasidone, Oral Midazolam, Domperidone

Documented Exposure Modifications

Co-administration with Klaricid-OD can lead to increased plasma levels of several medicines, including Digoxin, Theophylline, and Carbamazepine, requiring careful monitoring. Official documents also note that the use of Warfarin with Clarithromycin necessitates monitoring due to increased anticoagulant effects. Conversely, the concentration of Zidovudine may be reduced if not administered separately.

Other Official Restrictions

Interaction Type Requirement/Restriction as per Official Label
Population-Specific Co-administration with Colchicine is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment (elevated toxicity risk).
Food Interaction Food is documented to increase the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of the active ingredient.
Timing Separation Dosing of Zidovudine should be staggered to avoid decreased concentrations of that medicine.
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Mechanism of Action

Inhibition of Essential Bacterial Protein Synthesis

This core mechanistic domain is defined by the drug's high-affinity binding to the 23S ribosomal RNA within the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit. By physically blocking the peptide exit tunnel , Clarithromycin disrupts the crucial protein synthesis pathway, thereby preventing the bacteria from creating the proteins required for growth and division. The resulting cellular consequence is the halt of bacterial protein synthesis, leading to failure of growth and replication.

️ Secondary Modulation of Host Inflammatory Pathways

Clarithromycin also engages a secondary, non-antimicrobial mechanism by influencing cellular signaling. This mechanism is associated with the modulation of pro-inflammatory mediator production (e.g., IL-8). This action is a pharmacodynamic effect on host processes, independent of the direct antimicrobial action.

️ Understanding Mechanistic Resistance

This domain addresses the biological constraints on the drug's function arising from counter-mechanisms in the target bacteria. These mechanisms include ribosomal methylation (altering the 23S rRNA binding site), gene mutations that reduce affinity, and the activation of efflux pumps that actively expel the drug. These processes result in a reduction of Clarithromycin's binding affinity or its intracellular concentration at the 50S ribosomal subunit.

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Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Klaricid-OD

The administration of Klaricid-OD (clarithromycin extended-release) is designed to ensure the medication functions as intended. This product is an oral medication and is administered only as a film-coated, extended-release tablet.

Official Dosing and Frequency

Klaricid-OD is characterized by its once-daily (q24h) dosing pattern, which is central to its therapeutic use. The standard dose for most adult indications, such as community-acquired pneumonia and acute sinusitis, is 1,000 mg per day. The overall treatment duration typically requires a course of either 7 days or 14 days, depending on the condition addressed.

Administration Conditions

To ensure proper absorption, the tablet is taken with food. This is required for the medication to achieve the necessary bioavailability. A critical procedural condition is that the extended-release tablet must be swallowed whole; it must not be crushed, broken, or chewed. Manipulation of the tablet destroys the sustained-release mechanism, leading to rapid, potentially excessive drug release.

Population-Specific Use Restrictions

The use of the extended-release form is subject to specific restrictions for certain patient groups. Klaricid-OD is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Furthermore, it is generally not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) because the fixed-dose 500 mg tablet cannot be split to achieve the necessary reduced dose.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Klaricid-OD

Evidence for Use in Lower Respiratory Tract Conditions

The evidence base includes multiple Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comparative studies, where researchers observed patterns in populations over defined time intervals. Research was conducted during periods of increased symptom activity for conditions such as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB). These trials often compared the once-daily extended-release tablet against the standard immediate-release version, as well as against other existing antibiotics.

Studies exploring long-term outcomes, such as the full durability of the effect or the prevention of future episodes, indicate that evidence is limited, as trials focused on short-term monitoring. Research described patterns related to cardiovascular events and mortality that were observed in the studied populations during the long-term monitoring. This evidence contributes to the broader evidence landscape for the drug class, but research provides limited context for long-term outcomes specific to the extended-release formulation.

Evidence for Use in Upper Respiratory Tract and Sinus Conditions

This medicine was studied for its use in conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms, including acute maxillary sinusitis and related infections like pharyngitis. The evidence base includes both Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and subsequent post-marketing observational studies designed to assess short-term symptom patterns.

Studies monitored outcomes related to physical discomfort and physiological strain, alongside objective assessments, such as radiographic success for sinusitis. Findings described patterns observed in the studies related to the changes measured during the study period. There is limited information for long-term outcomes, as the research focused on short-term symptom patterns rather than the prevention of recurrence or management of chronic conditions.

Research Considerations for H. pylori Eradication

This medicine was also evaluated in research exploring its role in multi-drug combination regimens for H. pylori infection, which is often associated with stomach ulcers. Research describing comparative data reported that outcomes monitored for the extended-release formulation were sometimes observed as lower in measurement compared to results related to the immediate-release form. Given this comparative data, evidence for the extended-release formulation in H. pylori treatment is limited and heterogeneous, particularly when compared to the established immediate-release standard.

Key Studies & References CLARITHROMYCIN tablet, film coated, extended release - Full Prescribing Information

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How should Klaricid-OD be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Klaricid-OD?

Klaricid-OD (clarithromycin extended-release tablets) requires specific storage and handling to maintain its stability. The product must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, defined as 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).

Storage Requirements

  • Store the tablets in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place.
  • The medication must be protected from light.
  • Always store the product out of the reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

  • Remaining medication must be discarded after the treatment is complete.
  • Disposal of unused or expired Klaricid-OD must comply with local regulations. Users should consult a pharmacy or medical institution if proper disposal methods are unknown.
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Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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