Drug Class: Macrolide Antibiotic | Form: Film-Coated Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Klaracid 250mg Tablet?
Klaracid 250mg Tablet contains Clarithromycin 250mg — a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply. Without these proteins, bacteria cannot survive, and the infection clears up.
Klaracid is prescribed by doctors for chest, throat, ear, skin, and stomach infections caused by bacteria. It must only be taken with a valid prescription and for the exact number of days your doctor has advised — stopping early can allow the infection to come back.
What is Klaracid 250mg Used For?
- Chest and lung infections — bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia (سینے کا انفیکشن)
- Throat and sinus infections — pharyngitis (گلے کی تکلیف) and sinusitis (ناک بند ہونا)
- Ear infections — acute otitis media in adults (کان کا درد)
- Skin and soft tissue infections — cellulitis, folliculitis, and abscesses (جلد کا انفیکشن)
- Dental infections — periapical abscess (دانت کا پھوڑا)
- H. pylori eradication — used in combination with other medicines to treat peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria (معدے کا السر)
- Mycobacterial infections — Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections, including in HIV-positive patients
How Does Klaracid 250mg Work?
Clarithromycin enters bacteria and binds to their ribosome — the part of the cell responsible for making proteins. By blocking this process, the bacteria can no longer grow or reproduce.
The body's immune system then clears the remaining bacteria. Clarithromycin is effective against a broad range of gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria commonly responsible for respiratory, skin, and ear infections.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Always take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Complete the full course even if you feel better.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest / throat / ear infections | 1 tablet (250mg) | Twice daily | 7–14 days |
| Skin infections | 1 tablet (250mg) | Twice daily | 7–14 days |
| H. pylori eradication | 1–2 tablets | Twice daily (with other medicines) | 7 days |
| MAC infections | 2 tablets (500mg) | Twice daily | As directed by doctor |
- Can be taken with or without food — but take with food if it causes stomach upset
- Swallow whole with a full glass of water
- Do not skip doses or stop early — this can cause antibiotic resistance
- Take at evenly spaced times each day (e.g., morning and evening)
Active Ingredient
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Clarithromycin | 250mg |
Who Should NOT Take Klaracid 250mg?
Do not take this medicine if you:
- Are allergic to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or any other macrolide antibiotic
- Have a history of liver problems or jaundice caused by clarithromycin
- Have low blood potassium or magnesium levels
- Have a heart rhythm condition (QT prolongation)
- Are taking certain medicines that interact seriously with clarithromycin (see Drug Interactions below)
Always tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Klaracid.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhoea — usually mild; take with food to reduce
- Headache or dizziness
- Altered or metallic taste in the mouth — temporary and harmless
- Mild skin rash or itching
Serious Side Effects — Stop Taking and Seek Medical Help Immediately:
- Severe allergic reaction — rash all over body, swelling of face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Liver problems — yellowing of eyes or skin (یرقان / jaundice), dark urine, severe stomach pain
- Severe diarrhoea with blood or mucus — may indicate a serious gut infection (C. difficile colitis)
- Irregular heartbeat or chest pain — clarithromycin can rarely affect heart rhythm
- Severe skin reaction — blistering or peeling skin; stop immediately and go to hospital
Drug Interactions
| Medicine / Substance | Possible Interaction |
|---|---|
| Statins (e.g., Simvastatin, Atorvastatin) | Risk of serious muscle damage — doctor may pause your statin during treatment |
| Blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin) | Clarithromycin increases Warfarin's blood-thinning effect — bleeding risk increases |
| Digoxin (heart medicine) | Clarithromycin raises Digoxin levels in the blood — toxicity risk |
| Colchicine (gout medicine) | Very serious — risk of life-threatening colchicine toxicity; avoid combination |
| Antifungals (e.g., Fluconazole, Itraconazole) | Increased clarithromycin levels and QT prolongation risk |
| Antiepileptics (e.g., Carbamazepine, Phenytoin) | Clarithromycin significantly increases their blood levels — toxicity risk |
| Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium | May reduce clarithromycin absorption — take Klaracid at least 2 hours apart |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place
- Protect from direct sunlight and moisture
- Keep in original packaging until use
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I stop taking Klaracid when I feel better?
No — always complete the full course your doctor prescribed. Stopping early can allow surviving bacteria to become resistant, making the infection harder to treat next time.
Q: Can Klaracid be taken on an empty stomach?
Yes, it can be taken with or without food. However, if it causes stomach discomfort, take it with a meal or immediately after eating.
Q: Is Klaracid safe during pregnancy?
Klaracid is generally avoided during pregnancy unless no safer alternative exists. Always consult your doctor before taking any antibiotic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one — never take two doses together to make up for a missed one.
Q: Why does Klaracid cause a strange taste in the mouth?
An altered or metallic taste is a known and harmless side effect of clarithromycin. It goes away once you finish the course of treatment.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This description is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Never self-medicate with antibiotics.