Macrobid Tablet (Clarithromycin 150mg): Complete Information
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe or bloody diarrhea
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as severe rash or hives
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is macrobid tablet used for?
This medicine contains clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It works by stopping bacteria from making proteins they need to survive. It is taken orally, usually every 12 hours, and must be prescribed by a doctor.
- Generic Name: Clarithromycin (150mg)
- Manufacturer: Hema Laboratories
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 macrobid tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा क्लैरिथ्रोमाइसिन नामक एंटीबायोटिक है, जिसका उपयोग बैक्टीरियल संक्रमणों के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह श्वसन तंत्र के संक्रमण, त्वचा के संक्रमण, और हेलिकोबैक्टर पाइलोरी के इलाज में प्रभावी है। यह वायरल संक्रमण जैसे सर्दी-जुकाम के लिए काम नहीं करती। इसे डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, दस्त, पेट दर्द, स्वाद में बदलाव और सिरदर्द शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन तेज दस्त, पीलिया, या एलर्जी की प्रतिक्रिया हो सकती है। कोई भी गंभीर लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें और कोर्स पूरा करें। इसे भोजन के साथ लेने से पेट की परेशानी कम हो सकती है। शराब का सेवन न करें। अपने डॉक्टर को अन्य सभी दवाओं के बारे में बताएं। इसे बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 macrobid tablet Uses & Benefits
- [{"condition":"Community-acquired respiratory tract infections","description":"Used to treat bacterial bronchitis, pneumonia, and other lower respiratory infections caused by susceptible organisms.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Skin and soft tissue infections","description":"Effective against many bacterial skin infections such as cellulitis and impetigo when caused by susceptible bacteria.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Helicobacter pylori eradication","description":"Used as part of combination regimens 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"},{"condition":"Sexually transmitted infections","description":"May be used for certain infections such as chlamydia when other options are not suitable.","evidence":"Moderate"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Chronic rhinosinusitis","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label for persistent sinus infections when other antibiotics are not effective.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Lyme disease","description":"Occasionally used off-label for early Lyme disease in patients who cannot take doxycycline.","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 (150mg) |
| Brand Name | macrobid tablet |
| Manufacturer | Hema Laboratories |
| 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) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ 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, blocking the translocation step of protein synthesis. This prevents the bacteria from building essential proteins, which stops their growth and multiplication. Because human cells do not have a 50S ribosomal subunit, the medicine selectively targets bacteria with minimal effect on human protein production.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take macrobid tablet
Strength: Clarithromycin 150 mg immediate-release tablet
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 some infections, a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours may be used. The duration of treatment varies from 7 to 14 days, but may be longer for certain infections. 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 be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially cardiac effects and hearing loss. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal function. Consult a doctor for appropriate dosing. |
| 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 a doctor for appropriate dose adjustment. |
| Hepatic Impairment | In patients with severe hepatic impairment, caution is advised. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult a doctor. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose is 1000 mg (500 mg twice daily) for most indications, but higher doses may be used in certain severe infections under medical supervision. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of macrobid 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 | |
| Cisapride | Major | |
| Simvastatin | Major | |
| Carbamazepine | Moderate | |
| Digoxin | Moderate | |
| Fluconazole | Moderate | |
| Rifampicin | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor | |
| Oral contraceptives | Minor | |
| Theophylline | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Cisapride
- Pimozide
- Ergotamine
- Lovastatin and simvastatin
- Warfarin
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Carbamazepine
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Fluconazole
- Rifampicin
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may worsen stomach irritation, nausea, and dizziness associated with this medicine. 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 cisapride, pimozide, ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine","History of QT prolongation or ventricular arrhythmias","Severe hepatic impairment","Concomitant use with lovastatin or simvastatin"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose adjustment may be needed.","May cause severe diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile; discontinue if suspected.","Can prolong QT interval; avoid in patients with risk factors.","May exacerbate myasthenia gravis symptoms.","Avoid in pregnancy unless clearly needed.","Not recommended during breastfeeding.","May interact with many drugs; review all medications before starting."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Clarithromycin is excreted in breast milk. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding unless the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the infant. Consult your doctor.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine may cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Contact a poison control center or emergency department immediately if overdose is suspected.
⏰ 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 take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and do not skip doses or stop early even if you feel better. Complete the full course to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, with or without food, but taking it with food may help if you get stomach upset. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine because it can worsen stomach irritation and dizziness. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, especially blood thinners, heart rhythm medicines, and migraine medicines, because clarithromycin can interact with many drugs. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, and keep it out of reach of children.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more prone to side effects such as hearing loss, cardiac arrhythmias, and renal impairment. Dose adjustment may be needed based on kidney function.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. It is generally avoided during pregnancy unless clearly needed.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Inform your surgeon if you are taking this medicine before surgery, as it may interact with anesthetic agents.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, as it may interact with certain antibiotics or anesthetics used during dental procedures.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
If you experience dizziness or fatigue while taking this medicine, avoid strenuous exercise until you feel better.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness or tiredness in some people. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel unwell.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. Complete the full prescribed course even if you feel better. If you experience severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may lead to antibiotic resistance, altered gut flora, and rarely liver or heart issues. It is usually prescribed for short courses. Prolonged use should be monitored by a doctor.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Another macrolide antibiotic that may be used as an alternative for certain infections.
Evidence: Well-establishedA penicillin antibiotic that may be used for some respiratory and skin infections.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine does not interact with vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for a live vaccine, consult your doctor as antibiotics may affect the vaccine's effectiveness.
📦 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. Store at room temperature and protect from extreme heat or moisture. If traveling across time zones, adjust dosing times gradually in consultation with your doctor. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: You may start feeling better within 1 to 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: This medicine is generally avoided during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Consult your doctor.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for macrobid tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
claridase 150mg dry syrupOrdain Health Care Global Pvt Ltd ₹144.09 171% COSTLIER
-
cymosin 150mg injectionDr. Edwin Lab ₹1,600.00 2909.8% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure viral infections like the common cold.
Fact: This medicine is an antibiotic and only works against bacterial infections. It does not treat viral infections. - Myth: You can stop taking this medicine as soon as you feel better.
Fact: You must complete the full prescribed course to prevent the infection from returning and to avoid antibiotic resistance. - Myth: This medicine is safe to take with any other medication.
Fact: This medicine can interact with many drugs, including blood thinners and heart medicines. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you take.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Clarithromycin 150 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Macrobid Tablet