Understanding Klacid (Clarithromycin)
Klacid, with the active substance clarithromycin, belongs to a class of medications known as macrolide antibiotics [1.6.3]. It functions by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, making it an effective treatment for a range of infections [1.6.1]. It is commonly prescribed for pediatric patients to treat bacterial infections affecting the respiratory system (like pneumonia and bronchitis), ears, sinuses, and skin [1.6.3]. Clarithromycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic derived from erythromycin [1.4.6]. It is supplied as granules for oral suspension which must be mixed with water before it can be administered [1.2.1].
Critical Information Before You Begin
Before preparing the suspension, it is vital to be aware of several precautions.
- Allergies: Do not administer Klacid if the child is known to be allergic to clarithromycin, other macrolide antibiotics like azithromycin or erythromycin, or any other ingredients listed in the product leaflet [1.2.3].
- Contraindications: Inform your doctor if the child has a history of heart rhythm disorders, abnormally low potassium or magnesium levels, or severe liver or kidney problems [1.2.3, 1.4.1].
- Drug Interactions: Klacid must not be taken with certain other medications, including some cholesterol-lowering drugs (simvastatin, lovastatin), migraine medications (ergotamine), and others that can cause serious disturbances in heart rhythm [1.2.3, 1.4.8]. Always provide your doctor and pharmacist with a complete list of all medications the child is taking [1.2.3].
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Klacid Suspension
Preparing the Klacid suspension, a process called reconstitution, involves mixing the granules with a specific amount of water. Always follow the directions on the label or those provided by your pharmacist [1.2.2].
Preparation Steps:
- Read the Label: Check the bottle to determine the final volume (e.g., 50ml, 70ml, 100ml) and the amount of water needed for reconstitution [1.3.1].
- Loosen the Granules: Tap the bottle gently to ensure all the powder flows freely [1.3.4].
- Add Water in Two Stages: Add approximately half the required volume of cool, boiled water (or purified water as specified) to the bottle [1.2.1, 1.2.7]. Avoid using hot water.
- First Shake: Close the cap securely and shake the bottle vigorously until all the powder is thoroughly mixed and suspended [1.2.1, 1.3.5].
- Add Remaining Water: Add the remainder of the water up to the fill line marked on the bottle or label [1.2.1, 1.3.5].
- Final Shake: Close the cap again and shake well to ensure the suspension is uniform [1.2.1]. Allow it to stand for a few minutes to let any air bubbles settle [1.2.7].
Administering the Dose
Dosage is typically based on the child's body weight and must be determined by a doctor [1.2.3, 1.4.4]. Use the provided dosing syringe or spoon to measure the exact amount prescribed [1.2.4].
- Shake Before Each Use: The particles can settle over time, so always shake the bottle well immediately before drawing up each dose [1.3.4].
- Measure Carefully: Use the oral syringe or dosing spoon that came with the medication to measure the prescribed dose accurately [1.4.2].
- Administer: The suspension can be given with or without food, though taking it with food may help if it causes an upset stomach [1.4.2, 1.4.3]. Klacid is usually given twice a day, once in the morning and once in the early evening [1.2.3].
Storage and Disposal
Proper storage is essential to maintain the medication's effectiveness.
- Before Mixing: Store the unmixed granules in a cool, dry place, below 30°C (86°F), and protected from light [1.5.4].
- After Mixing: Once reconstituted, the Klacid suspension should be stored at room temperature (between 15°C and 30°C or 59°F and 86°F) [1.5.3, 1.5.4].
- Do Not Refrigerate: Refrigerating the mixed suspension is explicitly not recommended, as it can affect the taste [1.5.2, 1.5.4, 1.5.6].
- Discard After 14 Days: Throw away any unused portion of the mixed suspension after 14 days [1.5.1, 1.5.2].
| Feature | Clarithromycin (Klacid) | Azithromycin |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing Frequency | Typically twice daily [1.2.3] | Typically once daily [1.7.4] |
| Course Duration | Often 7-14 days [1.6.7] | Often 3-5 days [1.7.4] |
| Food Interaction | Can be taken with or without food [1.4.3] | Can be taken with or without food |
| Common Side Effects | Diarrhea, nausea, changes in taste (metallic) [1.6.3, 1.7.4] | Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea [1.7.4] |
| Drug Interactions | More potential interactions, notably with some statins [1.7.4] | Fewer drug-drug interactions than clarithromycin [1.7.3] |
Conclusion
Knowing how to prepare Klacid suspension is a critical responsibility for any caregiver. By carefully following the reconstitution steps, measuring doses accurately with the provided syringe, and adhering to storage guidelines, you ensure the medication is both safe and effective for treating your child's bacterial infection. Always complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance [1.6.3]. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
For more detailed patient information, you can refer to resources like the Klacid Paediatric Suspension Patient Information Leaflet.
