Rithmo Syrup is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the macrolide class. It is primarily used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Syrup formulation is mostly recommended for children and adults where a low dose of medicine is needed. The following are some common uses and indications of Rithmo Syrup:

  1. Respiratory Tract Infections: Rithmo Syrup is often used to treat respiratory infections, including:
    • Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
    • Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs.
    • Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses.
    • Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: Infection and inflammation of the throat and tonsils.
  2. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Rithmo Syrup can be used to treat skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
  3. Helicobacter pylori Eradication: Rithmo Syrup is often used as part of combination therapy to eradicate the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which is associated with peptic ulcers and some types of gastritis.
  4. Lyme Disease: In some cases, Rithmo Syrup may be used to treat certain manifestations of Lyme disease.
  5. Atypical Infections: Rithmo Syrup can be effective against atypical bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae, which can cause respiratory infections.
  6. Skin Infections: Rithmo Syrup can be used to treat skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
  7. Ear Infections: Rithmo Syrup may be prescribed for certain ear infections, such as acute otitis media (middle ear infection).
  8. Toxoplasmosis: Rithmo Syrup can be used as part of a combination therapy to treat toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
  9. Mycobacterial Infections: In combination with other medications, clarithromycin can be used to treat certain mycobacterial infections, such as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections in patients with advanced HIV infection.

Off-label Uses of Rithmo Syrup

  1. Gastrointestinal Conditions: Rithmo Syrup’s anti-inflammatory properties might lead to its off-label use in certain inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
  2. Acne: In some cases, Rithmo Syrup might be used off-label as part of combination therapy for severe cases of acne, particularly if other treatments have not been effective.
  3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Rithmo Syrup might be considered off-label for the management of COPD exacerbations, particularly in cases with suspected bacterial infections.
  4. Bronchiectasis: Rithmo Syrup may be used off-label as part of a treatment regimen for bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition characterized by dilated airways and recurrent infections.
  5. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Some studies have explored the use of Rithmo Syrup as an adjunctive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
  6. Cystic Fibrosis: Rithmo Syrup may be considered off-label in the treatment of cystic fibrosis-related lung infections, particularly those caused by specific bacteria.
  7. Interstitial Lung Disease: In some cases of interstitial lung disease, Rithmo Syrup might be used off-label as part of a treatment approach.
Rithmo Syrup Uses and Indications

What is Rithmo?

Rithmo Syrup is one of the leading brands of Clarithromycin, manufactured and marketed by Sami Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Rithmo Alternatives : Other Clarithromycin Syrups

The following are some alternative brands of Rithmo Syrup and their manufacturers.

Klaricid : Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Ltd.

E-Clar : Tabros Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Claritek : Getz Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Klaribact : Merck (Pvt) Ltd.

Maclacin : Bosch Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan

Canter : Indus Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Clarion : Ferozsons Laboratories, Pakistan.

Larith : Genix Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Megaklar : Barret Hodgson, Pakistan.

Clacin : Werrick Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Rithmo : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Rithmo is available in Syrup, Tablets, and Drop forms.

Rithmo Sysrup : 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml strengths.

Rithmo Tablet : 250mg and 500mg strengths.

Rithmo Drops : 125mg/5ml strength.

Who Should Not Use Rithmo?

Rithmo syrup is a type of antibiotic medication that is generally well-tolerated, but there are certain situations in which its use may be contraindicated or should be approached with caution. Contraindications are specific conditions or factors that make the use of medication potentially unsafe or not recommended.

Contraindications:

  1. Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Rithmo Syrup should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Rithmo Syrup, other macrolide antibiotics, or any of the components of the formulation.
  2. Concomitant Use with Certain Medications: Rithmo Syrup should not be used in combination with certain medications due to the potential for serious interactions. These include medications that can lead to potentially life-threatening arrhythmias, such as certain antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide) or certain medications metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4.

Precautions:

  1. Liver Dysfunction: Rithmo Syrup is metabolized by the liver, and its use should be approached with caution in individuals with impaired liver function. Dose adjustments may be necessary in such cases.
  2. Kidney Dysfunction: While Rithmo Syrup is excreted primarily through the liver, caution should be exercised in individuals with severe kidney impairment, as it can affect the elimination of the drug.
  3. QT Interval Prolongation: Rithmo Syrup may cause QT interval prolongation on the electrocardiogram (ECG), which can lead to a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia called torsades de pointes. It should be used with caution in individuals with a history of QT interval prolongation, electrolyte imbalances, or those taking medications known to prolong the QT interval.
  4. Myasthenia Gravis: Rithmo Syrup may exacerbate symptoms of myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder. Caution should be exercised, and the drug should be used with close monitoring in individuals with this condition.
  5. Porphyria: Rithmo Syrup may exacerbate symptoms of porphyria, a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the nervous system or skin. Its use should be approached with caution in individuals with porphyria.
  6. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Rithmo Syrup use during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. It should be used with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Recommended Daily Dosage of Rithmo Syrup

Rithmo Syrup Dose for Adults and Children (over 12 years):

  • 250 mg (5 ml of syrup) to 500 mg (10 ml of syrup) twice daily.
  • In some cases, higher doses may be used for more severe infections.

Rithmo Syrup Dose for Children (under 12 years):

  • The dosing for children is often based on their weight.
  • 7.5 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg of body weight per day, divided into two doses.
  • The total daily dose should not exceed 500 mg.

How Rithmo Works?

Rithmo exerts its antibacterial effects by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis. Its mode of action involves targeting the ribosomes within bacterial cells, which are responsible for assembling proteins. Here’s an overview of how Rithmo works:

Binding to Ribosomes: Rithmo is taken up by bacterial cells, where it binds to the bacterial ribosomes, specifically the 50S subunit of the ribosome. This binding occurs in a region known as the peptidyl transferase center.

Inhibition of Protein Synthesis: By binding to the ribosomes, Rithmo disrupts the process of protein synthesis. The ribosomes are responsible for reading the genetic code carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) and using it to assemble amino acids into proteins. Rithmo prevents the proper alignment of amino acids and blocks the formation of peptide bonds between them.

Preventing Translocation: Rithmo interferes with the translocation step of protein synthesis. During this step, the ribosome moves along the mRNA strand, allowing the growing protein chain to extend. Rithmo’s binding to the ribosome inhibits this movement, preventing the addition of new amino acids to the growing protein.

Bacteriostatic Effect: In lower concentrations, Rithmo has a bacteriostatic effect, which means it inhibits bacterial growth and reproduction. This allows the immune system to better target and eliminate the bacteria.

Bactericidal Effect (at Higher Concentrations): At higher concentrations, Rithmo can have a bactericidal effect, which means it directly kills the bacterial cells.

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Rithmo Side Effects