Helicure

Helicure Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It acts by inhibiting microsomal protein synthesis by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome. Clarithromycin is active against most gram-positive bacteria, Chlamydia, some gram-negative bacteria and Mycoplasmas.

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic whose spectrum of activity includes many gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, S. pneumoniae, and S. pyogenes) and gram-negative aerobic bacteria (Haemophilus influenzae, H. parainfluenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis), many anaerobic bacteria, some mycobacteria, and some other organisms including Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Chlamydia, Toxoplasma, and Borrelia. Other aerobic bacteria that clarithromycin has activity against include C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae. Clarithromycin has an in-vitro activity that is similar or greater than that of erythromycin against erythromycin-susceptible organisms. Clarithromycin is usually bacteriostatic, but may be bactericidal depending on the organism and the drug concentration.

Metronidazole, a nitroimidazole has an extremely broad spectrum antiprotozoal and antimicrobial activities, with high activity against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. Metronidazole is usually completely and rapidly absorbed after oral administration. The half-life in plasma is about 8 hours. About 10% of the drug is bound to plasma proteins. Metronidazole penetrates well into body tissues and fluids. The liver is the main site of metabolism. Both unchanged Metronidazole and metabolites are excreted in various proportions in the urine after oral administration.

Metronidazole treats amebiasis, trichomoniasis, and giardiasis, exerting both antibacterial and antiprotozoal activities. Metronidazole is an effective treatment for some anaerobic bacterial infections. Metronidazole has shown antibacterial activity against the majority of obligate anaerobes, however, during in vitro studies, it does not demonstrate significant action against facultative anaerobes or obligate aerobes. The nitro group reduction of metronidazole by anaerobic organisms is likely responsible for the drug's antimicrobial cytotoxic effects, causing DNA strand damage to microbes.

A note on convulsions and neuropathy and carcinogenesis

It is important to be aware of the risk of peripheral neuropathy and convulsions associated with metronidazole, especially at higher doses. If convulsions or numbness of an extremity occur, discontinue the drug immediately. Metronidazole has been found to be carcinogenic in mice and rats. The relevance to this effect in humans is unknown. It is advisable to only administer metronidazole when clinically necessary and only for its approved indications.

Omeprazole belongs to a class of antisecretory compounds, the substituted benzimidazoles, that suppress gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system at the secretory surface of the gastric parietal cell. Because this enzyme system is regarded as the acid (proton) pump within the gastric mucosa, omeprazole has been characterized as a gastric acid-pump inhibitor, in that it blocks the final step of acid production. This effect is dose-related and leads to inhibition of both basal and stimulated acid secretion irrespective of the stimulus.

Clinical advantage of omeprazole mups tablet compared to conventional modified-release omeprazole tablets and pellet-filled omeprazole capsules:

Ensures greater bioavailabilityEnsures uniform emptying of micro pellets from stomach into small intestine facilitates rapid dissolution of enteric coating and drug release resulting in early Tmax and Cmax (peak time and peak plasma concentration)Ensures lesser possibility of dose dumpingIs a combination of fast acting and sustained actionEnsures uniform drug releaseOnce daily dosingEnsures lesser chance of localized irritationEnsures better and more uniform drug absorptionBetter than capsules in reducing the esophageal residence timeMinimizes fluctuation in plasma concentration of drugEffects on gastric acid secretion

This drug decreases gastric acid secretion . After oral administration, the onset of the antisecretory effect of omeprazole is usually achieved within one hour, with the maximum effect occurring by 2 hours after administration. The inhibitory effect of omeprazole on acid secretion increases with repeated once-daily dosing, reaching a plateau after four days .

Trade Name Helicure
Generic Clarithromycin + Metronidazole + Omeprazole
Weight 250mg, 400mg, 20mg, 25mg
Type Tablet, Syrup
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer Ferozsons Laboratoies Ltd, , Egyphar, Ugolab Productions (nig) Ltd
Available Country Pakistan, India, Nigeria
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Helicure
Helicure

Uses

  • LRTIs for example, acute and chronic bronchitis and pneumonia.
  • URTIs for example, sinusitis and pharyngitis.
  • Community-acquired pneumonia, atypical pneumonia
  • Skin and soft tissue infection
  • Adjunct in the treatment of duodenal ulcers to eradicate of H. pylori

Metronidazole is used for:

  • All forms of amoebiasis (intestinal and extra-intestinal disease including liver abscess and that of symptomless cyst passers)
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Giardiasis
  • Bacterial vaginosis
  • Acute ulcerative gingivitis
  • Anaerobic infections including septicaemia, bacteraemia, peritonitis, brain abscess, necrotising pneumonia, osteomyelitis, puerperal sepsis, pelvic abscess, pelvic cellulitis etc.
  • Anaerobically-infected leg ulcers and pressure sores
  • Acute dental infections (e.g. acute pericoronitis and acute apical infections)
  • Surgical prophylaxis (prevention of postoperative infections due to anaerobic bacteria, particularly species of bacteroides and anaerobic streptococci
  • Chronic symptomatic peptic ulcer disease (as an agent of triple therapy to eradicate H. pylori-the most important aetiological factor of peptic ulcer)

Each film coated MUPS tablet contains 20 mg Omeprazole enteric coated micro pellets

Omeprazole (Multiple-Unit Pellet System) is indixated in-

  • Duodenal and Gastric ulcers
  • NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers
  • Reflux Oesophagitis
  • GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
  • Eradication of H. pylori with appropriate antibiotics
  • Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

MUPS is abbreviation for Multiple-Unit Pellet System. However, from pharmaceutical industry and research perspective, the term in general refers to MUPS compacted into tablets. Thus, the resulting tablets prepared by compaction of modified release coated multiparticulates or pellets are called as MUPS. It is the more recent and challenging technology that combines the advantages of both tablets and pellet filled capsules in one dosage form.

MUPS ensure rapid and uniform gastric emptying and subsequently uniform drug dissolution of pellets in the gastrointestinal tract due to their small size and larger surface, uniform drug absorption is facilitated which results in consistent and controlled pharmacological action.

A further reduction in inter- and intra-subject variability in drug absorption and clinical response is facilitated since the number of pellets per MUPS dosage form is much more than a conventional pellet-filled capsule and possibility of dose dumping(in stomach) and incomplete drug release is further minimized.

Helicure is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis (ABECB), Acute maxillary sinusitis, Bacterial Infections, Bartonellosis, Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP), Duodenal ulcer caused by helicobacter pylori, Infective Endocarditis, Lyme Disease, Mycobacterial Infections, Otitis Media (OM), Pertussis, Streptococcal Pharyngitis, Streptococcal tonsillitis, Uncomplicated skin and subcutaneous tissue bacterial infectionsAbscess, Intra-Abdominal, Acne Rosacea, Amebiasis, Anaerobic Infection, Bacteremia, Bacterial Endocarditis, Bacterial Peritonitis, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Balantidiasis, Bloodstream Infections, Bone and Joint Infections, Brain abscess, CNS Infection, Candidal Vulvovaginitis, Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI), Empyema, Endometritis, Endomyometritis, Facial Rosacea, Giardiasis, Gynaecological infection, Helicobacter Pylori Infection, Infection, Bacteroides, Intraabdominal Infections, Lower Respiratory Infection, Lower respiratory tract infection bacterial, Lung Abscess, Meningitis, Mixed Vaginal Infections, Parasitic infection NOS, Periodontitis, Pneumonia, Postoperative Infections, Pouchitis, Septicemia bacterial anaerobic, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Bacterial Infections, Tetanus, Trichomonal Vaginitis, Trichomonas Vaginitis, Tubo-ovarian abscess, Urethritis, Vulvovaginitis, Asymptomatic Trichomoniasis, Entamoeba histolytica, Hepatic abscess, Refractory Sinusitis, Skin and skin-structure infections, Symptomatic Trichomoniasis, Asymptomatic InfectionsAnkylosing Spondylitis (AS), Duodenal Ulcer, Erosive Esophagitis, Gastric Ulcer, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Healing, Heartburn, Helicobacter Pylori Infection, NSAID Associated Gastric Ulcers, Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid Arthritis, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, Hypersecretory conditions, Multiple endocrine adenomas

How Helicure works

Clarithromycin is first metabolized to 14-OH clarithromycin, which is active and works synergistically with its parent compound. Like other macrolides, it then penetrates bacteria cell wall and reversibly binds to domain V of the 23S ribosomal RNA of the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, blocking translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA and polypeptide synthesis. Clarithromycin also inhibits the hepatic microsomal CYP3A4 isoenzyme and P-glycoprotein, an energy-dependent drug efflux pump.

The exact mechanism of action of metronidazole has not been fully established, however, it is possible that an intermediate in the reduction of metronidazole which is only made by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa, binds deoxyribonucleic acid and electron-transport proteins of organisms, blocking nucleic acid synthesis. After administration, metronidazole enters cells by passive diffusion. Following this, ferredoxin or flavodoxin reduce its nitro group to nitro radicals. The redox potential of the electron transport portions of anaerobic or microaerophilic microorganisms renders metronidazole selective to these organisms, which cause nitro group reduction, leading to the production of toxic metabolites. These include N-(2-hydroxyethyl) oxamic acid and acetamide, which may damage DNA of replicating organisms.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) secretion into the gastric lumen is a process regulated mainly by the H(+)/K(+)-ATPase of the proton pump , expressed in high quantities by the parietal cells of the stomach. ATPase is an enzyme on the parietal cell membrane that facilitates hydrogen and potassium exchange through the cell, which normally results in the extrusion of potassium and formation of HCl (gastric acid) .

Omeprazole is a member of a class of antisecretory compounds, the substituted benzimidazoles, that stop gastric acid secretion by selective inhibition of the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme system. Proton-pump inhibitors such as omeprazole bind covalently to cysteine residues via disulfide bridges on the alpha subunit of the H+/K+ ATPase pump, inhibiting gastric acid secretion for up to 36 hours . This antisecretory effect is dose-related and leads to the inhibition of both basal and stimulated acid secretion, regardless of the stimulus .

Mechanism of H. pylori eradication

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is frequently associated with Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection (NSAIDs) . The treatment of H. pylori infection may include the addition of omeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors as part of the treatment regimen , . H. pylori replicates most effectively at a neutral pH . Acid inhibition in H. pylori eradication therapy, including proton-pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, raises gastric pH, discouraging the growth of H.pylori . It is generally believed that proton pump inhibitors inhibit the urease enzyme, which increases the pathogenesis of H. pylori in gastric-acid related conditions .

Dosage

Helicure dosage

Clarithromycin may be given with or without meals.

Adults (12 years or above):

250 mg twice daily for 7 days. Dose may be increased to 500 mg twice daily for up to 14 days in pneumonia or severe infections.

Combination therapy for H. pylori infection:

Clarithromycin 500 mg (two 250 mg tablets or one 500 mg tablet) twice daily in combination with Amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily and Omeprazole 20 mg twice daily should be continued for 10 days.

Children:

The usual recommended daily dosage is 15 mg/kg in 2 divided doses for 10 days.

Approximate Calculation of dose:

1. For 9kg body weight 2.5ml 12 hourly for 10 days

2. For 17kg body weight 5ml 12 hourly for 10 days

3. For 25kg body weight 7.5ml 12 hourly for 10 days

4. For 33kg body weight 10ml 12 hourly for 10 days

Direction for reconstitution of suspension:

Shake the bottle to loosen granules. Add 35 ml of boiled and cooled water with the help of the supplied cup, to the dry granules of the bottle. For ease of preparation, add water to the bottle in two proportions. Shake well after each addition until all the granules is in suspension.

Note: Shake the suspension well before each use. Keep the bottle tightly closed. The reconstituted suspension should be stored in a cool and dry place, preferably in refrigerator.

Tablet and Suspension:

Amoebic dysentery: Duration 5-10 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 750 mg t.i.d. Children- (7-10 years) 500 mg t.i.d. (3-7 years) 250 mg q.i.d. (1-3 years) 250 mg t.i.d.
  • For Suspension: Adults- 800 mg t.i.d. Children- (7-10 years) 500 mg t.i.d. (3-7 years) 200 mg q.i.d. (1-3 years) 200 mg t.i.d.

Asymptomatic amoebiasis: Duration 5-10 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 500-750 mg t.i.d. Children- (7-10 years) 250-500 mg t.i.d. (3-7 years) 250 mg q.i.d. (1-3 years) 250 mg t.i.d.
  • For Suspension: Adults- 500-800 mg t.i.d. Children- (7-10 years) 200-500 mg t.i.d.; (3-7 years) 200 mg q.i.d.; (1-3 years) 200 mg t.i.d.

Hepatic extraintestinal amoebiasis : Duration 5-10 Days (or 2days);

  • For Tablet: Adults- 500-750 mg t.i.d.; Children- (7-10 years) 250-500 mg t.i.d.; (3-7 years) 250 mg q.i.d.; (1-3 years) 250 mg t.i.d.
  • For Suspension: Adults- 500-800 mg t.i.d.; Children- (7-10 years) 200-500 mg t.i.d.; (3-7 years) 200 mg q.i.d.; (1-3 years) 200 mg t.i.d.

Giardiasis: Duration 3 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 2 g once daily; Children-(7-10 years) 1g once daily; (3-7 years) 750 mg once daily; (1-3 years) 500 mg once daily.
  • For suspension: Adults- 2 g once daily; Children-(7-10 years) 1g once daily; (3-7 years) 800 mg once daily; (1-3 years) 500 mg once daily.

Trichomoniasis: Duration 7 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 250 mg t.i.d.; Children- (7-10 years) 100 mg t.i.d.; (3-7 years) 100 mg b.i.d.; (1-3 years) 50 mg t.i.d.
  • For Suspension: Adults- 200 mg t.i.d.; Children- (7-10 years) 100 mg t.i.d.; (3-7 years) 100 mg b.i.d.; (1-3 years) 50 mg t.i.d.

Trichomoniasis: Duration 1 Day;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 2 g single dose;
  • For Suspension: Adults- 2 g single dose;

Vincent's infection (Ulceration of mucous membrane of respiratory tract & mouth): Duration 3 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 250 mg t.i.d. or 500 mg b.i.d; Children- (7-10 years) 100 mg t.i.d.; (3-7 years) 100 mg b.i.d.; (1-3 years) 50 mg t.i.d.
  • For Suspension: Adults- 200 mg t.i.d. or 500 mg b.i.d; Children- (7-10 years) 100 mg t.i.d.; (3-7 years) 100 mg b.i.d.; (1-3 years) 50 mg t.i.d.

Periodontal infection: Duration 3 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 250 mg t.i.d.; Children- (7-10 years) 100 mg t.i.d.; (3-7 years) 100 mg b.i.d.; (1-3 years) 50 mg t.i.d.
  • For Suspension: Adults- 200 mg t.i.d.; Children- (7-10 years) 100 mg t.i.d.; (3-7 years) 100 mg b.i.d.; (1-3 years) 50 mg t.i.d.

Severe dental infection: Duration 3 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 500 mg t.i.d.; Children- (7-10 years) 100 mg t.i.d.; (3-7 years) 100 mg b.i.d.; (1-3 years) 50 mg t.i.d.
  • For Suspension: Adults- 500 mg t.i.d.; Children- (7-10 years) 100 mg t.i.d.; (3-7 years) 100 mg b.i.d.; (1-3 years) 50 mg t.i.d.

Anaerobic infection: Duration 7 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 500 mg t.i.d.; Children- 7.5 mg/kg body weight t.i.d.
  • For Suspension: Adults- 500 mg t.i.d.; Children- 7.5 mg/kg body weight t.i.d.

Postoperative anaerobic infection (specially in operation abdominal or gynecological surgery): Duration 7 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 500 mg t.i.d. before and after operation; Children- 7.5 mg/kg body weight t.i.d.
  • For Suspension: Adults- 500 mg t.i.d. before and after operation; Children- 7.5 mg/kg body weight t.i.d.

Bacterial vaginitis: Duration 7 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 500 mg b.i.d.
  • For Suspension: Adults- 500 mg b.i.d.

Leg ulcers: Duration 1 Day;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 2 g as a single dose
  • For Suspension: Adults- 2 g as a single dose

Pressure sores: Duration 7 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 500 mg t.i.d.
  • For Suspension: Adults- 500 mg t.i.d.

H. pylori infection: Duration 7 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 500 mg b.i.d
  • For Suspension: Adults-500 mg b.i.d

Antibiotic Associated Pseudomembranus colitis: Duration 7 Days;

  • For Tablet: Adults- 500 mg b.i.d
  • For Suspension: Adults- 500 mg b.i.d

Vaginal Gel:

The recommended dose is one applicator full of Metronidazole GEL (approximately 5 grams containing approximately 37.5 mg of Metronidazole) intravaginally once or twice a day for 5 days. For once a day dosing, Metronidazole GEL should be administered at bedtime.

Suppository:

Anaerobic infections:

  • Adult: 1 g 8 hrly for 3 days, then 12 hrly thereafter until oral medication is possible.
  • Child: 5-10 yr 500 mg. All doses to be given 8 hrly for 3 days, then 12 hrly thereafter until oral medication is possible.

Prophylaxis of postoperative anaerobic bacterial infections:

  • Adult: 1 g 2 hr before surgery, repeated 8 hrly for 3 days, then 12 hrly thereafter until oral medication is possible.
  • Child: 5-10 yr 500 mg 2 hr before surgery, repeated 8 hrly for 3 days, then 12 hrly thereafter until oral medication is possible.

IV Infusion:

Metronidazole injection should be infused intravenously at an approximate rate of 5 ml/min. Oral medication should be substituted as soon as feasible. Treatment for 7 days should be satisfactory for most patients, but the physician might decide to prolong treatment.

  • For bacterial infections: Adults: 500 mg (100 ml) 8 hourly. Children: 7.5 mg/kg (1.5 ml/kg) 8 hourly.
  • For treatment before and during surgery: Adults: 500 mg (100 ml) shortly before operation, repeated 8 hourly. Children: 7.5 mg/kg (1.5 ml/kg) 8 hourly

Adult:

  • GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease):20 mg Once daily for 4 weeks
  • Gastric ulcer:20 mg Once daily for 4-8 weeks; in severe cases Twice daily
  • Duodenal ulcer:20 mg Once daily for 2-4 weeks; in severe cases Twice daily
  • NSAID-induced ulceration:20 mg Once daily for 4-8 weeks
  • Reflux esophagitis:20 mg Once daily for 4-8 weeks; in severe cases Twice daily
  • H. pylori eradication (Omeprazole MUPS tablet with Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin or Metronidazole):20 mg Twice daily for 1 week
  • Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome:60 mg Once daily; Usual maintenance, 20-120mg daily

Children:

  • Acid regurgitation in GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease):20 mg Once daily for 2-4 week
  • Reflux esophagitis:20 mg Once daily for 4-8 weeks

This may be given with or without meals.

The usual duration of treatment is 6 to 14 days.

Children older than 12 years: As for adults.

Eradication of H. pylori in patients with duodenal ulcers: Adults: The usual duration of treatment is 6 to 14 days.

45 ml of water is to be added to the granules in the bottle and shaken to yield 70 ml of reconstituted suspension. The concentration of clarithromycin in the reconstituted suspension is 125 mg per 5 ml.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. The tablet must not be chewed or crushed. OR

If the patients have trouble swallowing the tablets, put the tablet into a glass of water (Do not use other liquids). Stir the preparation until the tablets disintegrate. Then drink the liquid within 30 minutes. Stir the mixture just always before drinking.

Side Effects

The most frequently reported events in adults taking Clarithromycin were diarrhoea (3%), nausea (3%), abnormal taste (3%), dyspepsia (2%), abdominal pain/discomfort (2%), headache (2%) and oral monilia.

Side effects of Metronidazole include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, coated tongue, dryness of mouth and unpleasant metallic or bitter taste, headache, pruritus and skin rashes and less frequently, vertigo, depression, insomnia, drowsiness, urethral discomfort, and darkening of the urine. Occasionally there may be temporary moderate leucopenia. Peripheral neuropathy has been reported in patients on prolonged therapy.

Toxicity

Symptoms of toxicity include diarrhea, nausea, abnormal taste, dyspepsia, and abdominal discomfort. Transient hearing loss with high doses has been observed. Pseudomembraneous colitis has been reported with clarithromycin use. Allergic reactions ranging from urticaria and mild skin eruptions to rare cases of anaphylaxis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have also occurred. Rare cases of severe hepatic dysfunctions also have been reported. Hepatic failure is usually reversible, but fatalities have been reported. Clarithromycin may also cause tooth decolouration which may be removed by dental cleaning. Fetal abnormalities, such as cardiovascular defects, cleft palate and fetal growth retardation, have been observed in animals. Clarithromycin may cause QT prolongation.

LD50 information

The oral LD50 of metronidazole in rats is 5000 mg/kg

Overdose information

Adverse effects that may be exaggerated with an overdose include peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system toxicity, seizures, disulfiram-like effect (if combined with alcohol) dark urine, a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, epigastric discomfort, and vertigo, in addition to neutropenia. There is no specific antidote for metronidazole overdose. Symptomatic and supportive treatment should be employed in addition to the administration of activated charcoal to remove the unabsorbed drug from the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to the above measures, contact the local poison control center for updated information on the management of a metronidazole overdose.

Oral acute (LD50): 4000 mg/kg (mouse), 2210 mg/kg (rat) .

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, tachycardia, nausea, diaphoresis, flushing, headache, and dry mouth.

Carcinogenesis and mutagenesis

In 24-month studies in rats, a dose-related significant increase in gastric carcinoid tumors and ECL cell hyperplasia was seen in male and female animals. Carcinoid tumors have also been found in rats treated with a fundectomy or long-term treatment with other proton pump inhibitors, or high doses of H2-receptor antagonists .

Omeprazole showed positive clastogenic effects in an in vitro human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration study, in one of two in vivo mouse micronucleus tests, and in an in vivo bone marrow cell chromosomal aberration test. Omeprazole tested negative in the in vitro Ames test, an in vitro mouse lymphoma cell forward mutation assay, and an in vivo rat liver DNA damage assay .

The use in breastfeeding

Limited data indicate that omeprazole may be present in human milk. There is currently no information on the effects of omeprazole on the breastfed infant or production of milk. The benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the level of need for omeprazole and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from omeprazole .

Effects on fertility

Effects of omeprazole at oral doses up to 138 mg/kg/day in rats (about 34 times an oral human dose) was found to have no impact on fertility and reproductive performance .

Precaution

Caution should be taken in administering this antibiotic to patients with impaired hepatic and renal function. Prolonged or repeated use of Clarithromycin may result in an overgrowth of nonsusceptible bacteria or fungi. If superinfection occurs, Clarithromycin should be discontinued.

Pharmaceutical precaution

Clarithromycin tablet should be stored in a cool and dry place and away from sunlight.

Metronidazole should not be used in patients with blood dyscrasia. It is suggested that it should not be given in the first three months of pregnancy. When given in conjunction with alcohol, Metronidazole may provoke a disulphiram like effect.

Omeprazole tablet should be used carefully if the patient has severe liver dysfunction and severe renal impairment.

Interaction

Concomitant use of Clarithromycin who are receiving Theophylline may be associated with an increase in serum Theophylline concentrations. Clarithromycin may alter the metabolism of Terfenadine. The effects of digoxin may be potentiated with concomitant administration of Clarithromycin. Clarithromycin resulted in decrease in serum levels of Rifabutin, followed by an increased risk of uveitis.

Metronidazole interacts with warfarin, nicoumalone, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, fluorouracil, disulfiram, lithium, cimetidine etc.

Omeprazole is metabolized through CYP2C19 . When starting or stopping treatment with Omeprazole should be taken into account potential interactions with medicines which are CYP2C19 metabolized.

Volume of Distribution

Metronidazole is widely distributed throughout the body and various body fluids. They include the bile, saliva, breastmilk, cerebrospinal fluid, and the placenta. Steady-state volume distribution of metronidazole in adults ranges from 0.51 to 1.1 L/kg. It attains 60 to 100% of plasma concentrations in various tissues, such as the central nervous system, however, is not measured in high concentrations in the placental tissue.

Approximately 0.3 L/kg, corresponding to the volume of extracellular water .

Elimination Route

Clarithromycin is well-absorbed, acid stable and may be taken with food.

After the intravenous infusion of a 1.5g dose, peak concentration was reached within 1 hour and was peak level of 30-40 mg/L. When a multiple-dose regimen of 500mg three times a day administered intravenously, steady-state concentrations were achieved within about 3 days and peak concentration was measured at 26 mg/L. When administered orally in the tablet form, metronidazole is absorbed entirely absorbed, showing a bioavailability of greater than 90%. One resource indicates that Cmax after a single oral dose of 500mg metronidazole ranges from 8 to 13 mg/L, with a Tmax of 25 minutes to 4 hours. The AUC following a single 500mg oral dose of metronidazole was 122 ± 10.3 mg/L • h.

A note on the absorption of topical preparations

Insignificant percutaneous absorption of metronidazole occurs after the application of 1% metronidazole cream topically. Healthy volunteers applied one 100 mg dose of 14C-labelled metronidazole 2% cream to unbroken skin. After 12 hours, metronidazole was not detected in the plasma. Approximately 0.1% to 1% of the administered metronidazole was measured in the urine and feces.

Omeprazole delayed-release capsules contain an enteric-coated granule formulation of omeprazole (because omeprazole is acid-labile), so that absorption of omeprazole begins only after the granules exit the stomach .

Absorption of omeprazole occurs rapidly, with peak plasma concentrations of omeprazole achieved within 0.5-3.5 hours .

Absolute bioavailability (compared with intravenous administration) is approximately 30-40% at doses of 20-40 mg, largely due to pre-systemic metabolism. The bioavailability of omeprazole increases slightly upon repeated administration of omeprazole delayed-release capsules .

Half Life

3-4 hours

The elimination half-life of metronidazole is 7.3 ± 1.0 after a single 500mg IV dose in healthy subjects. Another resource indicates that the elimination half-life for metronidazole ranges from 6 to 10 hours.

0.5-1 hour (healthy subjects, delayed-release capsule)
Approximately 3 hours (hepatic impairment)

Clearance

Dose adjustments may be required in patients with hepatic impairment, as clearance is impaired in these patients. The clearance of metronidazole in the kidneys is estimated at 10 mL/min/1.73 m2. The total clearance from serum is about 2.1 to 6.4 L/h/kg.

Healthy subject (delayed release capsule), total body clearance 500 - 600 mL/min

Geriatric plasma clearance: 250 mL/min

Hepatic impairment plasma clearance: 70 mL/min

Elimination Route

After a 250 mg tablet every 12 hours, approximately 20% of the dose is excreted in the urine as clarithromycin, while after a 500 mg tablet every 12 hours, the urinary excretion of clarithromycin is somewhat greater, approximately 30%.

Metronidazole and metabolites are 60 to 80% eliminated in the urine, and 6-15% excreted in the feces.

After a single dose oral dose of a buffered solution of omeprazole, negligible (if any) amounts of unchanged drug were excreted in urine. Most of the dose (about 77%) was eliminated in urine as at least six different metabolites. Two metabolites were identified as hydroxyomeprazole and the corresponding carboxylic acid. The remainder of the dose was found in the feces. This suggests significant biliary excretion of omeprazole metabolites. Three metabolites have been identified in the plasma, the sulfide and sulfone derivatives of omeprazole, and hydroxyomeprazole. These metabolites possess minimal or no antisecretory activity .

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Clarithromycin is not recommended for pregnant women. Breast milk from mothers receiving Clarithromycin should not be given to infants until treatment is completed. Clarithromycin may be used in neonates and children in appropriate doses.

Not recommended during first & later trimesters. Breast feeding should be delayed until 48 hours after discontinuing metronidazole in the mother.

Not known to be harmful. Omeprazole can be used during pregnancy. Omeprazole is excreted in breast milk but is not likely to influence the child when therapeutic doses are used.

Contraindication

Hypersensitive to Clarithromycin, Erythromycin or any of the macrolide antibiotics. Patients receiving terfenadine who have pre-existing cardiac abnormalities or electrolyte disturbances.

Metronidazole is contraindicated in patients with prior history of hypersensitivity to Metronidazole or other Nitroimidazole derivatives.

Omeprazole is contraindicated in those patients who have known hypersensitivity to any other components of the formulation.

Special Warning

Clarithromycin may be used in neonates and children in appropriate doses.

Acute Overdose

Signs & Symptoms : Ingestion of large amounts of Clarithromycin can be expected to produce gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms of overdose may largely correspond to the profile of side effects.

Management: There is no specific antidote on overdose. Serum levels of Clarithromycin can not be reduced by haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Storage Condition

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.

Store in a cool and dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children

Store in a cool (below 30° C) and dry place, protected from light and moisture.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Helicure


*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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