Klacid (Clarithromycin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Klacid Used For?
Klacid is an antibiotic that helps treat various bacterial infections by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Primary Uses
Klacid is primarily used for respiratory tract infections, ear infections, skin infections, and peptic ulcers. It also helps prevent certain bacterial infections associated with HIV.
How It Works
Klacid works by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause infections. It is ineffective against viral infections like colds or flu.
Good to know: Klacid is not addictive.
Continue Reading
Sign in to access the complete medication guide including dosage, side effects, warnings, and more.
How to Take Klacid
Follow your doctor's instructions for taking Klacid to ensure effective treatment.
Dosage Instructions
The usual adult dose for respiratory and skin infections is one 250 mg tablet taken twice daily. For more severe infections, the dose may be increased to one 500 mg tablet twice daily. Children under 12 years should use Klacid Powder for Oral Liquid, typically dosed at 7.5 mg/kg twice daily.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- stomach cramps and pains
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- oral thrush
- vaginal thrush
- change in taste sensation
- headache
- asthma
- shortness of breath
- muscle weakness
- pain or spasms
- conjunctivitis
- chills
- fatigue
- belching
- stomach distension
- flatulence
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- feeling unwell with poor appetite
- hearing disturbances
- chest pain
- dizziness
- confusion
- hallucinations
- convulsions
- fainting
- irregular heartbeat
- skin rash
- itching
- hives
- severe diarrhoea
- severe upper stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
Impulse Control Issues
No specific information about impulse control issues was mentioned.
Important Warnings
Be aware of specific conditions and medications that may affect your use of Klacid.
Who Should Not Take Klacid
Do not take Klacid if you are allergic to clarithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics, have severe liver problems, poor kidney function, an irregular heartbeat, or certain other conditions.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Inform your doctor if you have heart problems, liver issues, kidney problems, myasthenia gravis, or any electrolyte imbalances.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding to discuss the risks and benefits of taking Klacid.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Elderly patients, especially those with dementia, should use Klacid with caution.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications may interact with Klacid, affecting its efficacy or increasing side effects.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid grapefruit while taking Klacid, as it may affect how the medication works.
- astemizole
- terfenadine
- cisapride
- colchicine
- domperidone
- ergotamine
- ivabradine
- lomitapide
- lovastatin
- simvastatin
- midazolam
- pimozide
- ticagrelor
- ranolazine
- aminoglycosides
- calcium channel blockers
- carbamazepine
- phenytoin
- phenobarbital
- sodium valproate
- ciclosporin
- tacrolimus
- cilostazol
- digoxin
- quinidine
- disopyramide
- fluconazole
- itraconazole
- fluoxetine
- St John's Wort
- insulin
- hydroxychloroquine
- corticosteroids
- omeprazole
- quetiapine
- rifabutin
- rifapentine
- rifampicin
- sildenafil
- tadalafil
- vardenafil
- statins
- theophylline
- tolterodine
- triazolam
- alprazolam
- vinblastine
- warfarin
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and operating vehicles while on Klacid.
Alcohol
Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption while taking Klacid.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Exercise caution when driving or using machinery until you know how Klacid affects you.
Temperature Regulation
No specific temperature regulation warnings were mentioned.
Storage
Store Klacid tablets in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from light. Keep Klacid Powder for Oral Liquid below 30°C and protected from light. The reconstituted suspension should be used within 14 days and stored below 30°C; do not refrigerate.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose of Klacid, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre or go to the nearest hospital, even if no symptoms are present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Klacid typically starts to work within a few days, but it's important to complete the full course as prescribed.
Klacid can be taken with or without food.
No, Klacid is not considered addictive.
Do not stop taking Klacid suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may prevent the infection from clearing completely.
Consult your doctor regarding alcohol consumption while on Klacid.
Weight gain is not listed as a common side effect of Klacid.
Elderly patients should use Klacid with caution, especially those with dementia.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. Do not double up on doses.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.