Clarithromycin 500 mg Tablet: Complete Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe allergic reaction: swelling of face, lips, throat, difficulty breathing
- Signs of liver problems: yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain
- Heart rhythm changes: palpitations, dizziness, fainting
- Severe or bloody diarrhea
- Signs of a new infection: fever, sore throat, unusual tiredness
- Severe skin rash or blistering
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is clacin 500 tablet used for?
Clarithromycin 500 mg is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, skin infections, and H. pylori. It works by stopping bacterial protein synthesis. It is taken orally, usually every 12 hours, and the full course must be completed.
- Generic Name: Clarithromycin
- Manufacturer: Zota Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 clacin 500 tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा क्लैरिथ्रोमाइसिन 500 मिलीग्राम की टैबलेट है, जिसका उपयोग बैक्टीरियल संक्रमणों के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह श्वसन तंत्र के संक्रमण, त्वचा के संक्रमण, और पेट के अल्सर में हेलिकोबैक्टर पाइलोरी के इलाज में प्रभावी है। यह वायरल संक्रमण जैसे सर्दी-जुकाम के लिए प्रभावी नहीं है। इसका सेवन डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही करें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, दस्त, पेट दर्द, सिरदर्द और स्वाद में बदलाव शामिल हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्के और अस्थायी होते हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं लेकिन इनमें एलर्जी, लीवर की समस्या और हृदय की धड़कन में गड़बड़ी शामिल हो सकती है। यदि आपको कोई गंभीर लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। दवा का कोर्स पूरा करें, भले ही आप बेहतर महसूस करें। अपने डॉक्टर को अन्य सभी दवाओं के बारे में बताएं जो आप ले रहे हैं। इस दवा के साथ शराब न लें। गंभीर दस्त होने पर बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के दस्त रोकने की दवा न लें।
💊 clacin 500 tablet Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Community-acquired pneumonia","description":"Used to treat pneumonia caused by susceptible bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis","description":"Helps clear bacterial infections in the airways of people with chronic lung disease.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Skin and soft tissue infections","description":"Effective against infections like cellulitis and erysipelas caused by susceptible organisms.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Helicobacter pylori eradication","description":"Used in combination with other antibiotics and acid suppressants to treat H.
- pylori infection in peptic ulcer disease.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection","description":"Used for prevention and treatment of disseminated MAC in patients with advanced HIV infection.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Lyme disease","description":"Sometimes used as an alternative for early Lyme disease when other antibiotics are not suitable.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Pertussis (whooping cough)","description":"May be used to reduce transmission, though azithromycin is preferred.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Bacterial infections
Also treats: Respiratory tract infections, Skin infections, Helicobacter pylori infection, Mycobacterium avium complex infection
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Clarithromycin |
| Brand Name | Acnesol CL Gel |
| Manufacturer | Zota Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Macrolides |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep away from moisture and heat. Keep in the original container. |
| Shelf Life | Typically 2 years from the date of manufacture. Check the expiry date on the package. |
| WHO Guideline | Clarithromycin is included in WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for the treatment of certain bacterial infections. It is recommended as part of combination therapy for H. pylori eradication and for disseminated MAC in HIV patients. |
| ICMR Guideline | ICMR guidelines recommend clarithromycin as a first-line agent for community-acquired pneumonia in adults, and as part of combination therapy for H. pylori eradication. It is also recommended for prophylaxis and treatment of MAC in HIV-infected individuals. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. Specifically, it blocks the translocation step of peptide chain elongation, preventing the bacteria from building essential proteins needed for growth and replication. This action is primarily bacteriostatic, but it can be bactericidal at higher concentrations against certain organisms.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take clacin 500 tablet
Strength: Tablet, 500 mg
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 250 mg to 500 mg taken orally every 12 hours, depending on the type and severity of the infection. For H. pylori eradication, it is often used as part of a combination regimen. The duration of treatment varies from 7 to 14 days. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may have reduced renal function and are more susceptible to side effects. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal function. Consult your doctor. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), the dose of this medicine should be reduced by half or the dosing interval extended. Consult your doctor for specific recommendations. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is provided for hepatic impairment, but caution is advised. Monitor liver function. Consult your doctor. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose is 1000 mg (500 mg twice daily) for most infections. For severe infections, up to 1000 mg twice daily may be used, but only under medical supervision. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of clacin 500 tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Major | |
| Simvastatin | Major | |
| Ergotamine | Major | |
| Cisapride | Major | |
| Digoxin | Moderate | |
| Carbamazepine | Moderate | |
| Cyclosporine | Moderate | |
| Fluconazole | Moderate | |
| Rifampicin | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Ergotamine/dihydroergotamine
- Cisapride
- Pimozide
- Terfenadine
- Warfarin
- Statins (simvastatin, lovastatin)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Carbamazepine
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Fluconazole
- Rifampicin
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may increase the risk of liver toxicity and gastrointestinal side effects. It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics","Concomitant use with ergotamine or dihydroergotamine","Concomitant use with cisapride, pimozide, or terfenadine","History of QT prolongation or ventricular arrhythmias","Severe hepatic impairment"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose adjustment may be needed.","May prolong QT interval; avoid in patients with known QT prolongation or taking other QT-prolonging drugs.","Can cause severe diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile; do not treat with anti-diarrheal agents without consulting a doctor.","May exacerbate myasthenia gravis symptoms.","Avoid in pregnancy unless clearly needed; consult your doctor.","Not recommended during breastfeeding; consult your doctor for alternatives."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Clarithromycin is excreted in breast milk. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential infant side effects. Consult your doctor for alternative options.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose may cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, liver toxicity, and cardiac arrhythmias. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Hemodialysis does not effectively remove clarithromycin from the blood.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop treatment early, even if you feel better. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially blood thinners, statins, and antiarrhythmics. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. If you develop severe diarrhea, tell your doctor before taking any anti-diarrheal medication. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more likely to have reduced renal function and may be at higher risk of side effects, especially heart rhythm problems. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Regular monitoring is advised.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Clarithromycin is generally avoided during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative antibiotic.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your surgeon that you are taking this medicine. It may interact with anesthetics and other medications used during surgery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It may interact with certain antibiotics or anesthetics used in dentistry.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
You may continue light exercise if you feel up to it, but avoid strenuous activity if you have fever or fatigue. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness or altered taste, which could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving if you feel dizzy. Most people can continue their normal activities, but rest if you feel unwell.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. Stopping early can lead to bacterial resistance and recurrence of infection. If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may lead to bacterial resistance and superinfections. It can also rarely cause liver toxicity and hearing loss. Regular monitoring may be required if used for prolonged periods. Consult your doctor for any concerns.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Another macrolide antibiotic with a longer half-life and shorter treatment duration.
Evidence: Well-establishedA penicillin antibiotic that may be used for similar infections if the patient is not allergic.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine does not interact with vaccines. However, if you are due for any live vaccines, consult your doctor as antibiotics may affect the immune response to certain vaccines.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid temperature extremes. If traveling across time zones, adjust dosing times gradually, but maintain the 12-hour interval as closely as possible. Consult your doctor before travel if you have any concerns.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: You may start feeling better within 2-3 days, but it is important to complete the full course as prescribed.
A: Yes, you can take it with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for clacin 500 tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
stayhappi clarithromycin 500mg tabletSarvagunaushdhi Pvt Ltd ₹78.75 47.5% CHEAPER
-
clarigal 500mg tabletGalpha Laboratories Ltd ₹100.78 32.8% CHEAPER
-
broclars kid 500mg tabletShreeyam Healthcare ₹112.50 25% CHEAPER
-
unitrocin 500mg tabletGlenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹131.42 12.4% CHEAPER
-
clarics 500mg tabletOsper Formulations Pvt Ltd ₹159.38 6.3% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Clarithromycin can cure viral infections like the flu.
Fact: Clarithromycin is an antibiotic and is only effective against bacterial infections. It does not treat viral infections. - Myth: You can stop taking clarithromycin once you feel better.
Fact: You must complete the full prescribed course to prevent bacterial resistance and ensure the infection is fully cleared. - Myth: Clarithromycin is safe to take with any other medication.
Fact: Clarithromycin interacts with many drugs, some seriously. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Clarithromycin 500 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Claribid 500 Tablet