Composition and form of the product
The active ingredient in the product is clarithromycin. The component is highly active against many types of pathogenic microorganisms.
Klacid is produced in the form of tablets, in which the active substance can be contained in quantities of 250 and 500 mg. This is the most popular form of the drug. You can also purchase:
- Long-acting film-coated capsules containing.
- Powder in granules for suspension containing 125 or 250 mg of active substance in 5 ml.
- Lyophilisate in infusion bottles containing 500 mg of active substance.
The tableted drug and suspension are used for oral administration. The tablets are oval in shape and yellowish in color. The suspension powder is white or almost white in color and has a pleasant fruity aroma.
What does the drug treat?
A complete list of pathogenic microorganisms sensitive to the active substance, which contains the antibiotic Klacid, is given in the instructions for use of the medicinal product. A special feature of the medicine is its rapid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, which guarantees quick results.
Klacid, the instructions for use confirm this, is considered effective in the treatment of infectious diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract. It is most often prescribed for diagnosis:
- Pneumonia.
- Bronchitis.
- Sinusitis.
- Pharyngitis.
Klacid is indicated, indicating this, for the treatment of infectious diseases of the skin and soft tissues. Also
It is also used for the treatment of other pathologies caused by various pathogenic microorganisms. The decision to prescribe medication should always be made by a doctor. Self-medication can have dangerous consequences.
Instructions for use Klacida (Method and dosage)
Instructions for use of Klacid for children and adults include taking the drug orally, regardless of food intake.
Adult patients are advised to take 250 mg of clarithromycin twice a day. If severe diseases, mycobacterial infections are being treated, the dose can be increased to 500 mg twice a day. In most cases, treatment lasts from 5 to 14 days.
If Klacid suspension is prescribed for treatment, the instructions for use must be strictly followed. The suspension is prescribed for treatment for children; it can be taken regardless of food intake, and can be taken with milk. To prepare the suspension for use, you need to gradually add water to the bottle to the mark, then shake. 5 ml of 60 ml suspension contains 125 mg of clarithromycin; 5 ml of 100 ml suspension contains 250 mg of clarithromycin. The suspension can be stored for two weeks at room temperature.
Before giving the antibiotic Klacid to children, shake the suspension thoroughly. It is recommended to use a dose of 7.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight twice a day for children. The highest permissible dose is 500 mg twice a day. Therapy can last from 5 to 10 days.
Klacid: contraindications
A contraindication to taking the drug is hypersensitivity to macrolides and other components of the drug. Their list is indicated in the instructions for use.
Drug treatment is not prescribed during pregnancy and lactation. This is due to the fact that appropriate studies that would confirm the absence of negative effects of the drug on the fetus and newborn child have not been conducted. For the same reason, the drug is contraindicated for children under the age of 12 years.
Absolute contraindications include the hereditary pathology of porphyria. The disease is associated with metabolic disorders. A characteristic feature of hereditary pathology is extensive symptoms.
Klacid should be prescribed with caution if there are problems with liver function. This is primarily due to the fact that the main substance is mainly excreted by this organ. Treatment with the drug for renal failure should be carried out under strict supervision. It is also important to consider the interaction of Klacid with other drugs.
Negative effects and overdose
Negative reactions when taking the drug were noted in the gastrointestinal tract. These are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and pain in the abdomen. Klacid 500 can cause changes in taste sensations and headaches.
Very rarely, even when the dosage was observed, malfunctions in the liver were observed. This was expressed by the manifestation of jaundice. But at the same time, liver dysfunction disappears naturally after stopping the medication.
When administered orally, there is a risk of allergic reactions. They manifest themselves as rashes on the skin, and in severe cases, urticaria. Additionally, insomnia and internal anxiety may occur. If the conditions of contraindications are violated, hallucinations and confusion are observed.
The instructions for the drug indicate other side effects that may occur when taking the drug. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with them before starting treatment. If any negative manifestations occur, the drug should be discontinued.
An overdose causes pronounced disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system. In severe cases, mental disorders may occur. If negative reactions occur, it is important to immediately perform gastric lavage, take absorbents and carry out symptomatic therapy.
Klacid®
The use of the following drugs with clarithromycin is contraindicated due to the potential for serious side effects:
Cisapride, pimozide, terfenadine and astemizole
When clarithromycin was co-administered with cisapride, pimozide, terfenadine or astemizole, increased plasma concentrations of the latter were reported, which could lead to QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and torsade de pointes (TdP) (see section "Contraindications").
Ergot alkaloids
Post-marketing studies show that when clarithromycin is used together with ergotamine or dihydroergotamine, the following effects associated with acute poisoning with ergotamine drugs are possible: vascular spasm, ischemia of the limbs and other tissues, including the central nervous system. Concomitant use of clarithromycin with ergot alkaloids is contraindicated (see section “Contra-indications”).
Midazolam for oral use
When midazolam was coadministered with clarithromycin tablets (500 mg twice daily), midazolam AUC increased 7-fold after oral administration. Concomitant use of clarithromycin with oral midazolam is contraindicated (see section "Contraindications").
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
Concomitant use of clarithromycin with lovastatin or simvastatin is contraindicated (see section "Contraindications") due to the fact that these statins are largely metabolized by the CYP3A4 isoenzyme, and combined use with clarithromycin increases their serum concentrations, which leads to an increased risk of developing myopathy, including Rhabdomyolysis Cases of rhabdomyolysis have been reported in patients taking clarithromycin concomitantly with these drugs. If clarithromycin is necessary, lovastatin or simvastatin should be discontinued during therapy.
Clarithromycin should be used with caution in combination therapy with other statins. If coadministration is necessary, it is recommended to take the lowest dose of statin. It is recommended to use statins that do not depend on the metabolism of the CYP3A isoenzyme (for example, fluvastatin). The development of signs and symptoms of myopathy should be monitored.
Effect of other drugs on clarithromycin
Drugs that are inducers of the CYP3A isoenzyme (for example, rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, St. John's wort) can induce the metabolism of clarithromycin. This may result in subtherapeutic concentrations of clarithromycin, resulting in reduced effectiveness. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the concentration of the CYP3A inducer in the blood plasma, which may increase due to the inhibition of the CYP3A isoenzyme by clarithromycin. When rifabutin and clarithromycin were used together, an increase in plasma concentrations of rifabutin and a decrease in serum concentrations of clarithromycin were observed with an increased risk of developing uveitis.
The following drugs have a proven or suspected effect on clarithromycin plasma concentrations; if used concomitantly with clarithromycin, dosage adjustments or switching to alternative treatment may be required.
Efavirenz, nevirapine, rifampicin, rifabutin and rifapentine
Strong inducers of the cytochrome P450 system, such as efavirenz, nevirapine, rifampicin, rifabutin and rifapentine, can accelerate the metabolism of clarithromycin and, thus, reduce the concentration of clarithromycin in plasma and at the same time increase the concentration of 14-OH-clarithromycin, a metabolite that is also microbiologically active. Since the microbiological activity of clarithromycin and 14-OH-clarithromycin differs against different bacteria, the therapeutic effect may be reduced when clarithromycin is used together with enzyme inducers.
Etravirine
The concentration of clarithromycin decreases with the use of etravirine, but the concentration of the active metabolite 14-OH-clarithromycin increases. Because 14-OH-clarithromycin has low activity against Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections, overall activity against these pathogens may be affected, and alternative treatments should be considered for the treatment of MAC.
Fluconazole
Coadministration of fluconazole 200 mg daily and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily in 21 healthy volunteers resulted in an increase in mean clarithromycin minimum steady-state concentration (Cmin) and AUC by 33% and 18%, respectively. However, co-administration did not significantly affect the average steady-state concentration of the active metabolite 14-OH-clarithromycin. No dose adjustment of clarithromycin is required when taking fluconazole concomitantly.
Ritonavir
A pharmacokinetic study showed that coadministration of ritonavir 200 mg every eight hours and clarithromycin 500 mg every 12 hours resulted in a marked suppression of the metabolism of clarithromycin. When co-administered with ritonavir, clarithromycin Cmax increased by 31%, Cmin increased by 182% and AUC increased by 77%. Almost complete suppression of the formation of 14-OH-clarithromycin was noted. Due to the wide therapeutic range of clarithromycin, dose reduction is not required in patients with normal renal function. In patients with renal failure, it is advisable to consider the following dose adjustment options: with CC 30 - 60 ml/min, the dose of clarithromycin should be reduced by 50%; with CC less than 30 ml/min, the dose of clarithromycin should be reduced by 75%. Ritonavir should not be co-administered with clarithromycin in doses exceeding 1 g/day.
Similar dosage adjustments should be considered in patients with reduced renal function if ritonavir is used as a pharmacokinetic enhancer when using other HIV protease inhibitors, including atazanavir and saquinavir (see section "Bidirectional Drug Interactions").
Effect of clarithromycin on other drugs
Antiarrhythmic drugs (quinidine and disopyramide)
Ventricular tachycardia of the “pirouette” type may occur with the combined use of clarithromycin and quinidine or disopyramide. When clarithromycin is coadministered with these drugs, the electrocardiogram should be regularly monitored for prolongation of the QT interval, and serum concentrations of these drugs should also be monitored.
During post-marketing use, cases of hypoglycemia have been reported during co-administration of clarithromycin and disopyramide. It is necessary to monitor the concentration of glucose in the blood while using clarithromycin and disopyramide.
Oral hypoglycemic agents/insulin
When clarithromycin is used together with oral hypoglycemic agents (for example, sulfonylureas) and/or insulin, severe hypoglycemia may occur. Concomitant use of clarithromycin with certain hypoglycemic drugs (for example, nateglinide, pioglitazone, repaglinide and rosiglitazone) may lead to inhibition of the CYP3A isoenzyme by clarithromycin, which may result in hypoglycemia. Careful monitoring of glucose concentrations is recommended.
Interactions due to CYP 3 A
Co-administration of clarithromycin, which is known to inhibit the CYP3A isoenzyme, and drugs primarily metabolized by the CYP3A isoenzyme, may be associated with a mutual increase in their concentrations, which may increase or prolong both therapeutic and side effects. Clarithromycin should be used with caution in patients receiving drugs that are substrates of the CYP3A isoenzyme, especially if these drugs have a narrow therapeutic index (for example, carbamazepine) and/or are extensively metabolized by this enzyme. If necessary, the dose of the drug taken together with clarithromycin should be adjusted. Also, whenever possible, serum concentrations of drugs primarily metabolized by the CYP3A isoenzyme should be monitored.
The following drugs/classes are metabolized by the same CYP3A isoenzyme as clarithromycin, e.g. alprozolam, carbamazepine, cilostazol, cyclosporine, disopyramide, methylprednisolone, midazolam, omeprazole, indirect anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin), atypical antipsychotics (e.g. quetiapine) , quinidine, rifabutin, sildenafil, tacrolimus, triazolam and vinblastine. Also, agonists of the CYP3A isoenzyme include the following drugs that are contraindicated for combined use with clarithromycin: astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, terfenadine, lovastatin, simvastatin and ergot alkaloids (see section “Contraindications”). Drugs that interact in this manner through other isoenzymes within the cytochrome P450 system include phenytoin, theophylline, and valproic acid.
Indirect anticoagulants
When taking warfarin and clarithromycin together, bleeding and a marked increase in INR and prothrombin time are possible. In case of combined use with warfarin or other indirect anticoagulants, it is necessary to monitor the INR and prothrombin time.
Omeprazole
Clarithromycin (500 mg every 8 hours) was studied in healthy adult volunteers in combination with omeprazole (40 mg daily). When clarithromycin and omeprazole were co-administered, steady-state plasma concentrations of omeprazole were increased (Cmax, AUCo-24 and T1/2 increased by 30%, 89% and 34%, respectively). The mean 24-hour gastric pH was 5.2 when omeprazole was taken alone and 5.7 when omeprazole was taken with clarithromycin.
Sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil
Each of these phosphodiesterase inhibitors is metabolized, at least in part, by the CYP3A isoenzyme. At the same time, the CYP3A isoenzyme can be inhibited in the presence of clarithromycin. Concomitant use of clarithromycin with sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil may result in increased phosphodiesterase inhibitory effects. When using these drugs together with clarithromycin, consider reducing the dose of sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil.
Theophylline, carbamazepine
When clarithromycin and theophylline or carbamazepine are used together, the concentration of these drugs in the systemic circulation may increase.
Tolterodine
The primary metabolism of tolterodine occurs through the 2D6 isoform of cytochrome P450 (CYP2D6). However, in part of the population lacking the CYP2D6 isoenzyme, metabolism occurs through the CYP3A isoenzyme. In this population, inhibition of CYP3A results in significantly higher serum tolterodine concentrations. In populations that are poor metabolizers of CYP2D6, a dose reduction of tolterodine may be required in the presence of CYP3A inhibitors such as clarithromycin.
Benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam)
When midazolam was co-administered with clarithromycin tablets (500 mg twice daily), midazolam AUC increased by 2.7 times after intravenous midazolam administration. If intravenous midazolam is used concomitantly with clarithromycin, the patient's condition should be carefully monitored for possible dose adjustment. Administration of a drug through the oral mucosa, which bypasses presystemic drug elimination, is likely to result in an interaction similar to that observed with intravenous midazolam rather than with oral administration.
The same precautions should be applied to other benzodiazepines that are metabolized by CYP3A, including triazolam and alprazolam. For benzodiazepines whose elimination is not dependent on the CYP3A isoenzyme (temazepam, nitrazepam, lorazepam), a clinically significant interaction with clarithromycin is unlikely.
When clarithromycin and triazolam are used together, effects on the central nervous system (CNS), such as drowsiness and confusion, are possible. Therefore, if coadministration occurs, it is recommended to monitor for symptoms of CNS impairment.
Interactions with other drugs
Colchicine
Colchicine is a substrate of both CYP3A and the P-glycoprotein (Pgp) transporter protein. It is known that clarithromycin and other macrolides are inhibitors of the CYP3A and Pgp isoenzymes. When clarithromycin and colchicine are taken together, inhibition of Pgp and/or CYP3A may result in increased effects of colchicine. There have been post-marketing reports of cases of colchicine poisoning when taken concomitantly with clarithromycin, most often in elderly patients. Some of the reported cases occurred in patients suffering from kidney failure. Some cases were reported to be fatal. The simultaneous use of clarithromycin and colchicine is contraindicated (see section "Contraindications").
Digoxin
Digoxin is suspected to be a Pgp substrate. Clarithromycin is known to inhibit Pgp. When clarithromycin and digoxin are co-administered, inhibition of Pgp by clarithromycin may result in increased effects of digoxin. Post-marketing studies have shown that coadministration of digoxin and clarithromycin may also result in increased serum concentrations of digoxin. Some patients have experienced clinical symptoms of digoxin toxicity, including potentially fatal arrhythmias. Serum digoxin concentrations should be carefully monitored when clarithromycin and digoxin are coadministered.
Zidovudine
Concomitant use of clarithromycin tablets and oral zidovudine by adult HIV-infected patients may result in decreased steady-state zidovudine concentrations.
Because clarithromycin interferes with the oral absorption of zidovudine, the interaction can be largely avoided by taking clarithromycin and zidovudine 4 hours apart.
This interaction was not observed in HIV-infected children taking clarithromycin pediatric suspension with zidovudine or dideoxyinosine. Since clarithromycin may interfere with the absorption of zidovudine when administered concomitantly orally in adult patients, such an interaction is unlikely to occur when clarithromycin is used intravenously.
Phenytoin and valproic acid
There is evidence of interactions between CYP3A inhibitors (including clarithromycin) and drugs that are not metabolized by CYP3A (phenytoin and valproic acid). For these drugs, when used together with clarithromycin, it is recommended to determine their serum concentrations, as there are reports of their increase.
Bidirectional drug interactions
Ltazanavir
Clarithromycin and atazanavir are both substrates and inhibitors of the CYP3A isoenzyme. There is evidence of a bidirectional interaction between these drugs. Coadministration of clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily) and atazanavir (400 mg once daily) may result in a twofold increase in clarithromycin exposure and a 70% decrease in 14-OH-clarithromycin exposure, with an increase in atazanavirane AUC of 28%. Due to the wide therapeutic range of clarithromycin, dose reduction is not required in patients with normal renal function. In patients with moderate renal failure (creatinine clearance 30 - 60 ml/min), the dose of clarithromycin should be reduced by 50%. In patients with CC less than 30 ml/min, the dose of clarithromycin should be reduced by 75% using the appropriate dosage form of clarithromycin. Clarithromycin in doses exceeding 1000 mg per day should not be used in conjunction with protease inhibitors.
Blockers of "slow" calcium channels
When using clarithromycin simultaneously with blockers of “slow” calcium channels that are metabolized by the CYP3A4 isoenzyme (for example, verapamil, amlodipine, diltiazem), caution should be exercised as there is a risk of arterial hypotension. Plasma concentrations of clarithromycin, as well as slow calcium channel blockers, may increase with simultaneous use. Arterial hypotension, bradyarrhythmia and lactic acidosis are possible when taking clarithromycin and verapamil simultaneously.
Itraconazole
Clarithromycin and itraconazole are substrates and inhibitors of the CYP3A isoenzyme, which determines the bidirectional interaction of the drugs. Clarithromycin may increase plasma concentrations of itraconazole, while itraconazole may increase plasma concentrations of clarithromycin. Patients taking itraconazole and clarithromycin concomitantly should be closely monitored for symptoms of increased or prolonged pharmacological effects of these drugs.
Saquinavir
Clarithromycin and saquinavir are substrates and inhibitors of the CYP3A isoenzyme, which determines the bidirectional interaction of the drugs. Co-administration of clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily) and saquinavir (soft gelatin capsules, 1200 mg three times daily) in 12 healthy volunteers increased the AUC and Cmax of saquinavir by 177% and 187%, respectively, compared with saquinavir administered alone. separately. The AUC and Cmax values of clarithromycin were approximately 40% higher than with clarithromycin monotherapy. When these two drugs are used together for a limited time at the doses/formulations indicated above, no dose adjustment is required. Results from drug interaction studies using saquinavir soft gelatin capsules may not be consistent with the effects observed with saquinavir hard gelatin capsules. The results of drug interaction studies with saquinavir monotherapy may not be consistent with the effects observed with saquinarine/ritonavir therapy. When taking saquinavir with ritonavir, consider the potential effect of ritonavir on clarithromycin.
Rules of application
The effectiveness of the drug is not affected by food intake. But at the same time, the tablet must be swallowed and washed down with a sufficient amount of clean water.
The recommended dosage of the tablet according to the instructions is 2 tablets of 250 mg per day in two doses. On the doctor’s recommendation, a similar regimen of 500 mg tablets is prescribed for the treatment of severe infectious diseases. Against the background of renal failure, the dosage is halved: 1 tablet per day. Duration of treatment is 5-14 days.
For infusion, a solution is prepared from the lyophilisate. The administration takes place over an hour or more.
The recommended dose is 1 g/day, which should be divided into 2 doses. A suspension can be used to treat children. The dosage is calculated depending on the weight and age of the child.
Klacid for children
Klacid for children can be used from the age of three. In most cases, children are prescribed Klacid suspension. Reviews for children indicate that this drug is quite effective. At the same time, the price of the suspension is quite high. The dosage for children is as follows: 7.5 mg per 1 kg of child’s weight twice a day. The highest daily dose is 500 mg.
Children over 12 years of age are prescribed 250 mg (tablets) twice a day. There is evidence that children tolerate Klacid more easily than other antibiotics. Therefore, the drug is often prescribed for sore throat , bronchitis , pneumonia , etc. However, we should not forget that side effects still occur.
special instructions
Long-term treatment with Klacid, the instructions focus on this, can lead to an increase in the number of bacteria insensitive to the active substance. Also, the use of an antibacterial drug can lead to the death of microflora in the stomach, which will cause digestive problems.
There are no data on the effect of Klacid on psychomotor reactions. But caution should be observed when driving a car during treatment due to possible adverse reactions of the body in the form of dizziness.
