The age and health of the patient are some of the factors affecting a clarithromycin dose. The type of bacteria causing the infection might also determine dosage. Ailments caused by haemophilus strains of bacteria, for example, require higher concentrations of the antibiotic than infections caused by streptococcal organisms. The clarithromycin dose also depends on whether a physician prescribes fast acting or extended release tablets. Clarithromycin is used to eradicate susceptible bacteria that cause infections of the gastrointestinal tract, skin, respiratory or other body locations.
Doctors determine clarithromycin dose for children based on individual body weight. Young patients generally require 7.5 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of weight every 12 hours for a prescribed number of days. Adults may receive 250 to 500 mg twice a day for seven to 14 days. Patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori require 500 mg of clarithromycin in addition to a prescription for an acid-reducing medication. Individuals taking the extended release form of the medication usually receive 1,000 mg once every 24 hours for seven days.
Patients diagnosed with kidney disease require an clarithromycin dose that is adjusted for how much diminishment there is in renal function. Following laboratory testing, which includes assessing creatinine clearance, dosages may be reduced by 75%. Individuals having liver impairment might require adjustments of the clarithromycin dose, especially if accompanied by renal malfunction. Studies indicate some patients experience hepatic toxicity when taking the anti-infective in the presence of liver or liver and kidney disease.
The most frequently experienced side effects of clarithromycin occur within the gastrointestinal system. Patients may have abdominal discomfort along with diarrhea and nausea. Some develop an abnormal taste in the mouth while others complain of headaches. Risks of clarithromycin include taking the medication when having any type of inflammatory bowel disease. Pharmaceutical companies strongly advise against pregnant women using the antibiotic.
As major clarithromycin drug interactions occur with over 90 different medications, individuals should ensure that physicians and pharmacists have an adequate record of current prescriptions. The antibiotic interferes with metabolic enzymes and may increase the blood levels of anticoagulants and diabetic medications. Studies indicate that taking the antibiotic with antipsychotic formulations may increase the levels of these drugs anywhere from 100 to 600%.
Individuals using colchicine for gout may also require a dosage adjustment as the anti-infective causes cumulative effects of this medication. Clarithromycin combined with cholesterol lowering statin medications can cause a muscle deteriorating condition known as rhabdomyolysis. Clarithromycin taken with zidovudine or other antiviral medications reduces the blood levels and effectiveness of these drugs.
