Clarikan SR tablets are an innovative oral medication containing the active ingredient clarithromycin. Clarithromycin belongs to a group of antibiotics known as macrolides, which are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria. What distinguishes Clarithromycin SR is its sustained-release (SR) formulation, which is specially designed to release the medication slowly and steadily into the body over a longer period of time. This technology allows for less frequent dosing throughout the day (usually once daily), improving ease of use and adherence to treatment, especially for individuals who find it difficult to remember to take their medication multiple times a day. Clarithromycin works by inhibiting bacteria's ability to produce essential proteins they need to grow and multiply, ultimately halting or killing the bacteria, thereby treating various bacterial infections affecting multiple parts of the body.
The active ingredient in Clarikan SR tablets
Clarikan SR tablets contain the following active ingredient, which is the basis of its therapeutic effect as an antibiotic:
Clarithromycin: A semi-synthetic antibiotic belonging to the macrolide group. Its chemical structure makes it effective against a wide spectrum of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including many Gram-positive (such as streptococci and staphylococci) and Gram-negative (such as Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis) bacteria, as well as some other microorganisms such as chlamydia, mycoplasma, and mycobacteria. Clarithromycin works by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and thus halting or killing the bacteria. In the SR formulation, the drug is encapsulated in a way that allows it to be released gradually in the gastrointestinal tract, maintaining an effective therapeutic concentration of the drug for a longer period and reducing the need for repeated doses.
Available Strengths
Clarikan SR tablets are typically available in one or more strengths of extended-release clarithromycin, providing treatment options tailored to the severity and type of infection:
500 mg: This strength is the most common for adults and adolescents to treat a wide range of bacterial infections using a once-daily dosage regimen.
One 500 mg Clarican SR tablet is usually taken once daily. It can be taken with or without food, but it is preferable to take it with food if stomach upset occurs. It is important to swallow the tablet whole and not to break, crush, or chew it, as this may affect the extended-release mechanism of the drug and result in the release of too much drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects and reducing its effectiveness over the course of treatment. Careful adherence to your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment is essential.
Indications for use of Clarikan SR tablets
Clarikan SR tablets are used to treat a variety of bacterial infections caused by organisms susceptible to clarithromycin, with the advantage of a once-daily dosing regimen:
Upper respiratory tract infections: such as strep throat (strep throat), tonsillitis, and acute sinusitis.
Lower respiratory tract infections: such as acute bronchitis and mild to moderate pneumonia.
Skin and soft tissue infections: such as impetigo, cellulitis, and wound infections.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Helicobacter pylori): Clarithromycin is used as part of triple or quadruple therapy to eradicate this bacterium that causes peptic ulcers and gastritis. The SR formulation may be used in some treatment regimens.