Bioclar 250 Mg (10 Tab)

BIOCLAR 250 MG (10 TAB) by ZYDUS HEALTHCARE LIMITED

Name

• Brand Name: BIOCLAR 250 MG (10 TAB)
• Common Name: Clarithromycin

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Clarithromycin 250 mg
• Class: Macrolide antibiotic

Uses

BIOCLAR 250 MG Tablet is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. It is prescribed for:

• Respiratory Tract Infections: Including chest infections (bronchitis and pneumonia), throat infections (pharyngitis, tonsillitis), ear infections (otitis media), and sinus infections (sinusitis).
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Such as cellulitis, impetigo, folliculitis, and abscesses.
• Gastrointestinal Infections: Used in combination with other medicines to treat duodenal ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori and to prevent ulcer recurrence.
• Dental Infections: Such as periodontitis and dental abscesses.
• Mycobacterial Infections: Also used to manage disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in HIV patients.

Dosage and Administration

• BIOCLAR 250 MG Tablet should be taken orally, with or without food, exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew it.
• It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve earlier, to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule; do not double the dose.
• Avoid taking antacids within two hours of consuming BIOCLAR 250 MG Tablet to ensure optimal effectiveness.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, stomach upset, diarrhea
• Headache, dizziness
• Altered sense of taste or metallic taste in the mouth
• Loss of appetite, bloating, indigestion
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (sleeplessness)
• Skin rash

Serious, though rare, side effects can include severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling of the face/throat), liver problems, jaundice, or severe abdominal pain. Prolonged use may lead to an overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take BIOCLAR 250 MG if you are allergic to Clarithromycin or any other macrolide antibiotics.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver or kidney problems, as dose adjustments may be necessary. Regular monitoring of liver function may be advised in certain cases.
• Cardiac Conditions: Not recommended for patients with a history of heart rhythm disorders (such as ventricular cardiac arrhythmia, fast heart rhythm) and patients with long QT syndrome. Use with caution if you have coronary artery disease or severe heart failure.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use with caution. Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may be excreted in breast milk.
• Drug Interactions: BIOCLAR 250 MG can interact with several medications, including statins, anticoagulants, certain antifungals, cisapride, saquinavir, theophylline, carbamazepine, cyclosporine, digoxin, ergot alkaloids, tacrolimus, omeprazole, and triazolam. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol during treatment, as it may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness and confusion.
• Driving and Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness or confusion. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Use with caution if you have gastrointestinal problems, particularly colitis, due to the risk of severe diarrhea.
• Viral Infections: BIOCLAR 250 MG is an antibiotic and is not effective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.
• Children: Generally not recommended for children under 12 years of age, though some indications mention use in adolescents above 12 years.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store below 30°C.
• Protect from light and moisture.

What is BIOCLAR 250 MG used for?

BIOCLAR 250 MG, containing the active ingredient Clarithromycin, is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. These include upper and lower respiratory tract infections (such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis), ear infections (like acute otitis media), and skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., impetigo, cellulitis). It is also prescribed in combination with other medications to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which can cause duodenal ulcers, and to prevent or treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections.

How does BIOCLAR 250 MG work?

BIOCLAR 250 MG belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It does this by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of the bacteria, which prevents the bacteria from multiplying and growing. This action can be bacteriostatic (inhibits growth) or bactericidal (kills bacteria) depending on the organism and drug concentration.

What is the usual dosage of BIOCLAR 250 MG?

For adults with bacterial infections, a common dosage is 250 mg to 500 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days. For specific conditions like H. pylori infections, it might be 500 mg every 8 or 12 hours in combination with other drugs. The exact dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the specific infection being treated and your doctor's assessment. Doses for children are based on body weight and must be determined by a doctor.

What are the possible side effects of BIOCLAR 250 MG?

Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, and an altered sense of taste (often described as metallic). More serious, though less common, side effects can include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling of the face/throat, difficulty breathing), liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, upper abdominal pain), and heart rhythm changes (fast or irregular heartbeat). Rarely, it can cause severe diarrhea (Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea) that may occur even months after stopping the medication.

Is BIOCLAR 250 MG safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Clarithromycin is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy unless there are no alternative therapies and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, and while human data is limited, caution is advised, especially during the first trimester. Breastfeeding: Clarithromycin passes into breast milk in very small amounts. It is generally considered acceptable for use during breastfeeding with precautionary infant monitoring. Although unlikely to cause significant side effects, infants should be monitored for mild stomach upset, drowsiness, or oral thrush.

Can BIOCLAR 250 MG be taken with other medications?

Clarithromycin has numerous significant drug interactions. It should not be taken with certain medications like pimozide (for mental disorders), cisapride (for gastrointestinal issues), ergotamine or dihydroergotamine (for migraines), and some statins (e.g., simvastatin, lovastatin) due to increased risk of serious side effects. Caution is also advised with medications for epilepsy (carbamazepine, phenytoin), asthma (theophylline), gout (colchicine), heart problems (digoxin, antiarrhythmics), blood thinners (warfarin), certain HIV drugs, and some oral diabetes medications. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking BIOCLAR 250 MG?

Inform your doctor if you have allergies to clarithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics (like erythromycin or azithromycin). Discuss any history of liver or kidney disease, as dosage adjustments may be needed and monitoring of liver function might be required. Patients with heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongation, should use this medicine with caution due to an increased risk of heart issues. Also, avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it may increase the risk of side effects. Do not stop taking the medicine early, even if you feel better, as this can lead to the infection returning or developing antibiotic resistance.

What happens if a dose of BIOCLAR 250 MG is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should BIOCLAR 250 MG be stored?

BIOCLAR 250 MG tablets should be stored in a cool (15-30°C or 59-86°F) and dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original closed container and out of the reach of children. The oral suspension, once mixed, should not be refrigerated and typically needs to be discarded after 14 days. Do not use outdated medicine.