Zoclar 500 mg Tablet

Zoclar 500 mg Tablet is a prescription antibiotic tablet that contains 500 mg of clarithromycin in each tablet. It belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics and is used to treat certain bacterial infections, including infections of the lungs, sinuses, skin, and throat, as well as some stomach infections caused by bacteria. Because it is a higher-strength tablet, Zoclar 500 mg Tablet is typically chosen when a doctor wants a full-strength dose in a convenient tablet form.

How it works: Clarithromycin works by blocking bacteria from making proteins they need to grow and multiply. In tablet form, Zoclar 500 mg Tablet is swallowed and then absorbed so the medicine can travel through the body to help clear the bacterial infection.

Zoclar 500 mg Tablet is a higher-strength clarithromycin tablet, so it is not meant for casual use or self-dosing. A doctor may choose this strength when an adult needs a standard full tablet dose, when fewer tablets are preferred, or when the infection calls for a stronger per-dose amount than lower strengths would provide.

• Certain bacterial respiratory tract infections
• Sinus infections caused by susceptible bacteria
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Throat or tonsil infections
• Some stomach infections caused by H. pylori, with other medicines

• Swallow Zoclar 500 mg Tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless your doctor or pharmacist specifically says it is okay.
• Take it exactly as prescribed, at the same times each day if you are told to take it more than once daily.
• It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
• Finish the full course even if you start feeling better, unless your prescriber tells you to stop.
• Do not take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose; take the next dose when scheduled unless it is almost time for the next one.

Each Zoclar 500 mg Tablet provides 500 mg of clarithromycin. Depending on the infection, a doctor may prescribe it once daily or twice daily, and the exact number of tablets per day depends on the condition being treated and the patient’s medical history. Do not exceed the prescribed daily amount; the maximum daily dose is set by the prescriber and should be followed exactly for this strength.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Clarithromycin may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain or indigestion
• Bad or metallic taste in the mouth
• Vomiting
• Headache

• Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart rhythm problems or prolonged QT interval, because clarithromycin can raise that risk.
• Use extra caution if you have liver disease or kidney problems, since dose adjustment or closer monitoring may be needed.
• Inform your prescriber about any other medicines you take, especially heart medicines, blood thinners, statins, or migraine medicines.
• If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, ask your doctor whether Zoclar 500 mg Tablet is appropriate for you.
• Avoid alcohol if it worsens stomach upset or dizziness while taking this antibiotic.
• Do not use this tablet for viral illnesses like colds or flu, because it treats bacterial infections only.
• Do not stop early just because you feel better, since stopping too soon can allow the infection to return.

• Warfarin and other blood thinners
• Statins such as simvastatin or lovastatin
• Antiarrhythmics and other medicines that can prolong QT interval
• Colchicine
• Certain seizure, transplant, or HIV medicines

Store Zoclar 500 mg Tablet at room temperature in the original strip/box, away from moisture, heat, and direct light.