Claritek Side Effects

Claritek is an antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. As with any medication, it can cause side effects. Common and less common side effects of Claritek include.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal upset, including nausea and vomiting, is a common side effect. Taking Claritek with food can help reduce these symptoms.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea can occur as a side effect of Claritek. In some cases, it can be severe or accompanied by the presence of blood or mucus, which may indicate a more serious condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea). If severe diarrhea occurs, contact your healthcare provider.
• Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort while taking this medication.
• Taste Changes: Claritek can alter the sense of taste or cause a metallic taste in the mouth.
• Headache: Headaches are a relatively common side effect.
• Skin Rashes: Skin rashes, itching, or hives can occur in some individuals.

Less Common but Potentially Serious Side Effects

• Liver Problems: Claritek can rarely cause liver problems, which may manifest as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or abdominal pain.
• Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, severe allergic reactions with symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
• Clostridium difficile Infection: The use of antibiotics like Claritek can lead to an overgrowth of the bacteria Clostridium difficile in the colon, causing a serious infection with symptoms like severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
• Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia): Claritek can potentially lead to irregular heartbeats. It may be more concerning if you have preexisting heart conditions.
• Muscle Weakness: In rare cases, Claritek may lead to muscle weakness or muscle pain, which could be a sign of a condition called rhabdomyolysis.
• Hearing Problems: Some individuals may experience hearing problems, such as hearing loss or tinnitus, especially with high doses or prolonged use.

Claritek is one of the leading brands of Clarithromycin, manufactured and marketed by Getz Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Presently, Claritek is Available in Tablets, Syrup, and Drops forms.

Claritek Tablet : 250mg and 500mg strengths.

Claritek Syrup : 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml strengths.

Claritek Drops : 125mg/5ml strength

• Drugs That Inhibit CYP3A4 Enzyme: Claritek is a substrate and potent inhibitor of the CYP3A4 enzyme. Other drugs that inhibit or are metabolized by CYP3A4 can interact with Claritek.

1. Antifungal medications: Such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole.
2. Protease inhibitors: Used to treat HIV, like ritonavir and atazanavir.
3. Calcium channel blockers: Such as verapamil and diltiazem

• Warfarin: Claritek can increase the levels of the blood thinner warfarin, potentially leading to a higher risk of bleeding. Frequent monitoring of your International Normalized Ratio (INR) is necessary if you are taking both drugs.
• Digoxin: Claritek can increase the levels of digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions. This can lead to an increased risk of digoxin toxicity, which may manifest as irregular heartbeats or other symptoms. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your digoxin dosage.
• Colchicine: Combining Claritek with colchicine can lead to muscle toxicity. This can be particularly dangerous, so it’s crucial to use them cautiously or avoid this combination if possible.
• Statins: Certain statin drugs, used to lower cholesterol, like atorvastatin and simvastatin, can interact with Claritek, leading to an increased risk of muscle pain or damage. Your healthcare provider may consider lowering the statin dose or switching to a different statin.
• Antiarrhythmics: Some antiarrhythmic drugs, like quinidine, disopyramide, and amiodarone, can interact with Claritek, potentially leading to irregular heart rhythms. Your healthcare provider should closely monitor you if you’re taking both types of medications.
• Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Drugs: Claritek may increase the risk of bleeding when used in combination with anticoagulants (e.g., heparin) or antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin and clopidogrel).
• Ergot Alkaloids: Combining Claritek with ergot alkaloids, used to treat migraines, can lead to severe vasoconstriction and other adverse effects.
• Theophylline: Claritek can increase the levels of theophylline, a medication used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This can lead to theophylline toxicity.
• Oral Hypoglycemic Agents or Insulin: Claritek can affect blood sugar levels, and individuals with diabetes may need adjustments in their oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin doses.