Introduction
Claritek 250 mg is a brand name formulation of clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic widely used to treat various bacterial infections.
Claritek 250 mg is designed to inhibit bacterial growth in a broad range of infections—particularly in the respiratory tract, skin, soft tissues, and some gastrointestinal conditions.
Because of its effectiveness, favourable tissue penetration, and tolerability, it is a common choice in many treatment protocols.
Claritek 250 mg Uses
Claritek 250 mg is indicated (used) for infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to clarithromycin. Some of the typical uses include:
- Upper respiratory tract infections: such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis
- Lower respiratory tract infections: bronchitis, pneumonia
- Ear infections: acute otitis media
- Skin and soft tissue infections: e.g., cellulitis, erysipelas, folliculitis, abscesses
- Helicobacter pylori eradication: as part of combination therapy in peptic ulcer disease
- Mycobacterial infections: disseminated or localised infections with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)
- Leprosy: sometimes used in multi-drug regimens
- Prophylaxis or alternative therapy: in some protocols, clarithromycin is used as an alternative when there is a penicillin allergy or in prophylaxis of endocarditis under certain conditions.
Thus, Claritek has a fairly broad spectrum among macrolide antibiotics. It is often chosen when a bacterial cause is suspected and when patients cannot tolerate penicillins or other first-line options.
Claritek Ingredients
Active ingredient: Clarithromycin USP 250 mg (each tablet)
How It Works (Mechanism of Action)
Claritek (clarithromycin) belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics. It acts by:
- Binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, specifically inhibiting the translocation step in protein synthesis.
- By preventing the bacteria from making essential proteins, the bacteria cannot grow or multiply, and this eventually leads to bacterial death or suppression (bacteriostatic or partially bactericidal effect).
- Clarithromycin also has an active metabolite (14-hydroxy clarithromycin) that contributes to its antibacterial effect, especially in tissues.
- Claritek is well absorbed and distributed widely in body tissues and fluids; its concentration in tissues (like the lung, tonsils, and skin) often exceeds that in blood, giving it good efficacy at infection sites.
Claritek Dosage
Adults Standard dose: 250 mg twice daily (i.e., every 12 hours) for many infections (duration often 7–14 days)
Children: The paediatric dose is commonly calculated as 7.5 mg per kg body weight twice daily, up to a maximum of 500 mg twice daily.
Duration is often 5–10 days, adjusted depending on pathogen and severity. If using a suspension (liquid form)
Claritek Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion)
- Altered taste
- Headache
- Rash or mild skin reactions
- Elevated liver enzymes (transient)
- Taste disturbances
- Mouth irritation
- Tongue discolouration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I take Claritek with food?
Claritek can be taken with or without food. Food may slightly delay absorption but does not reduce the overall amount absorbed.
2. How quickly does Claritek start working?
Some symptom relief (e.g., reduction in fever, pain) may occur within 24–48 hours, but full eradication of infection takes days, and you should complete the full course as prescribed.
3. Is Claritek safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Clarithromycin (active ingredient) is excreted in breast milk and may pose a risk to the foetus; use only if benefits outweigh risks. Your healthcare provider must evaluate risks/benefits.
4. Can I stop taking Claritek early if I feel better?
No. Stopping early may lead to relapse or antibiotic resistance. Always complete the full course.
5. Can Claritek treat viral infections like the common cold or flu?
No. It works only against susceptible bacteria, not viruses.
Conclusion
Claritek 250 mg tablets (×10) are a formulation of clarithromycin—a versatile macrolide antibiotic used to treat a broad range of bacterial infections, from respiratory and skin infections to certain gastrointestinal and mycobacterial diseases.
Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. When dosed appropriately (commonly 250 mg twice daily in adults) and for the correct duration, Claritek is generally effective and well tolerated.
However, like all antibiotics, there is potential for side effects, drug interactions, and complications such as antibiotic resistance or superinfection.
