SKU	251
Generic For	Biaxin
Strength	250mg
Active Ingredient	Clarithromycin

Product Description

Zoclar 250mg (Clarithromycin) – Affordable Biaxin Alternative

Zoclar 250mg Tablet contains clarithromycin, a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic that effectively treats a variety of bacterial infections. It is commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis, and sinusitis, as well as skin and soft tissue infections, and ear infections. Clarithromycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, stopping the growth of harmful bacteria, and thereby controlling the infection.

Zoclar 250mg provides quick relief from infection-related symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough, congestion, and pain. It should be taken orally, with or without food, as directed by a healthcare professional. To achieve the best results, patients must complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier, as premature discontinuation may lead to recurrence or resistance.

Precautions

Precautions

Tell the doctor before consuming Zoclar 250 mg:

If you are hypersensitive to the drug, or its components
If you are suffering from liver diseases
If you are suffering from kidney diseases
If you have ever had seizures
If you are suffering from a medical condition causing abnormal weakness of certain muscles
If you have high blood pressure
If you are a woman of childbearing potential. You should discuss the positives and negatives of taking Clarithromycin, at the time of pregnancy
Breastfeeding women are advised not to take Clarithromycin as it may pass into the breast milk and harm the nursing baby
The drug may cause dizziness. Do not drive, or use machinery, while taking Clarithromycin as these activities may require a high degree of mental attention

General

Do not forget to see the expiry date of the product.
Store the tablets in a dry place and out of the direct light.
It should be stored at a room temperature.
Place the medicine away from infants.

What medications interact with Zoclar 250mg?

Avoid consuming Clarithromycin, if you are taking the medicines that are given below:

Hexobarbital
Astemizole
Cyclosporine
Fluconazole
Lovastatin
Tacrolimus
Rifabutin
Phenytoin
Zidovudine
Theophylline
Valproate
Terfenadine
Carbamazepine
Ritonavir
Pimozide
Carbamazepine
Disopyramide
Bromocriptine

Dosage Instructions

How should Zoclar 250 mg be taken?

The drug is present in the tablet form on our website otherwise it is also present in an extended release tablet, and syrup. You may take the drug with, or without a meal. Swallow the medicine with an adequate amount of water.
Take the tablet exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not alter the dosage plan.
250 mg- 500 mg is the preferred dose of Zoclar 250mg, and it is to be consumed as two times a day.
The dose regimen varies from patient to patient; it depends on the age, weight, and condition of the patients.
Take Synclar tablets strictly according to your doctor’s instruction. Do not alter the dosage plan unless your physician advises you to do so.
Take the medicine regularly to get the best results.
To help you remember, take the tablets at the same time, each day.
In some cases, the condition may become worse when the intake of the medicine is stopped suddenly. Your dose may need to be slowly decreased.
Overdose: Seek medical attention immediately, in the case of an overdose of Clarithromycin.
Take the tablets for as long as your physician recommends.

Missed dose of Zoclar 250 mg

If you have forgotten a dose, take it as soon you remember and go back to your usual dosing schedule. If the time to take the next dose is near, leave the forgotten dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to compensate the forgotten one.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Zoclar 250mg?

Like other medicines, Clarithromycin may cause adverse effects. Seek medical attention, in case the given troubles arise:

Abnormal taste
Nausea
Rash
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea

Some less common and rare adverse effects that need serious consideration are listed below:

Indigestion
Headache
Behaviour changes
Anxiety
Disorientation
Confusion
Inflammation of the mouth
Nightmares
Tooth discoloration
Mental problems
Hallucinations
Dizziness
Hearing loss
Tremor
Very low blood sugar level
Swelling of your tongue
Tongue discoloration
Liver problems
Fungal infections of the mouth
Altered sense of smell
Allergic reactions
Sleeping problems

How to Use

Infographics

FAQ

What is Zoclar 250mg used for?

Zoclar 250mg contains clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic that is widely used to treat respiratory tract infections. It is prescribed for community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, throat infections, tonsillitis, and ear infections. Clarithromycin is also used for skin and soft tissue infections and, importantly, as part of triple therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) — the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers. It is a popular choice because it is effective against both typical and atypical bacteria (like Mycoplasma and Chlamydia pneumoniae) that cause chest infections.

Who should not take Zoclar 250mg?

Zoclar 250mg should not be taken by anyone allergic to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or other macrolide antibiotics. It should be avoided by people with a history of heart rhythm problems (particularly a condition called QT prolongation — an abnormality in the heart's electrical activity), liver disease, or severely impaired kidney function (without dose adjustment). Clarithromycin has a significant number of drug interactions — it is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine you are taking before starting this antibiotic.

What is the standard dose of Zoclar 250mg?

The usual adult dose is one 250mg tablet taken twice daily (every 12 hours) for most infections. Treatment typically lasts 5 to 14 days — 5–7 days for milder infections like sinusitis or throat infections, and 7–14 days for chest infections or pneumonia. For H. pylori eradication, a specific combination regimen prescribed by a gastroenterologist is used. Always follow your doctor's instructions precisely and complete the full prescribed course even if you feel better before the end.

Should Zoclar 250mg be taken with or without food?

Zoclar 250mg can be taken with or without food. Food does not significantly affect the absorption of clarithromycin, so you can take it whichever way you prefer. However, taking it with food can help reduce any nausea or stomach discomfort, which are among the more commonly reported side effects. Taking the tablet at the same two times each day (for example, morning and evening) is more important than whether it is taken with a meal. Swallow each tablet whole with a full glass of water.

Is Zoclar 250mg safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Clarithromycin is generally avoided during pregnancy — particularly in the first trimester — as some studies have raised concerns about a possible increased risk of pregnancy complications. It is usually only used in pregnancy when no safer alternative is available and the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. Clarithromycin does pass into breast milk in significant amounts and is generally not recommended while breastfeeding. Always tell your doctor you are pregnant or breastfeeding — they will choose a safer alternative antibiotic if possible.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Zoclar 250mg?

There is no direct dangerous interaction between clarithromycin and alcohol. However, both clarithromycin and alcohol are processed in the liver, and combining them can increase the burden on the liver and worsen nausea or stomach upset — which are already more common with clarithromycin than with many other antibiotics. Alcohol also impairs immunity and slows recovery from infection. For the duration of the antibiotic course, it is sensible to avoid alcohol entirely. This is particularly important if clarithromycin has been prescribed for a serious infection like pneumonia.

How does Zoclar 250mg compare to azithromycin for chest infections?

Clarithromycin and azithromycin are both macrolide antibiotics used for chest infections, but they differ in dosing and duration. Azithromycin is taken once daily for a shorter course (usually 3–5 days), while clarithromycin is taken twice daily for 7–14 days. Clarithromycin has slightly stronger activity against some bacteria and is preferred for certain infections such as H. pylori eradication regimens, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections, and some skin infections. Azithromycin is often preferred for simplicity and convenience. Your doctor will choose based on the infection type and your circumstances.

Does Zoclar 250mg interact with other medicines?

Yes — clarithromycin has a large number of important drug interactions. It inhibits an enzyme in the liver (CYP3A4) that breaks down many other medicines, meaning it can raise the blood levels of drugs like statins (raising the risk of muscle damage), blood thinners (warfarin), certain blood pressure medicines, some antifungals, and others. It can worsen the QT-prolonging effect of certain heart medicines. Always provide a complete list of all your medicines to your doctor and pharmacist before starting clarithromycin — more than for most other antibiotics.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zoclar 250mg?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and carry on with the regular schedule. Do not take two tablets at once. With twice-daily dosing, try to maintain roughly 12-hour intervals between doses. Consistent antibiotic levels are particularly important for clarithromycin because it works partly by building up to sustained concentrations in tissues — irregular dosing can reduce this effect. Setting phone reminders for morning and evening doses is an effective way to stay consistent.

Why might my doctor choose clarithromycin for a chest infection when it's 'atypical'?

Some chest infections are caused by bacteria that do not show up on standard sputum cultures and do not respond to penicillin-type or cephalosporin antibiotics. These include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila — collectively called atypical organisms. Clarithromycin, azithromycin, and doxycycline are the antibiotics of choice for these infections. If your doctor describes your chest infection as 'atypical' or prescribes clarithromycin when a penicillin might seem expected, this is usually the reason — atypical bacteria are responsible.

What are the common side effects of clarithromycin?

Clarithromycin tends to cause more digestive side effects than many other antibiotics. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and an unusual or metallic taste in the mouth. Some people notice changes in their sense of smell or taste that can persist for a short while after the course ends. Headache and dizziness are also reported. As with all antibiotics, oral or vaginal thrush (yeast infection) can develop due to disruption of the body's normal bacterial balance. Most effects are mild and settle once the course is finished.

What side effects of clarithromycin require urgent medical attention?

Seek emergency care immediately for signs of a serious allergic reaction — sudden widespread rash or hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or collapse. Clarithromycin can cause heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) including potentially serious QT prolongation — if you notice a fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting while taking it, seek urgent medical review. Severe diarrhoea (watery or bloody) may indicate C. difficile colitis. Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) or severe abdominal pain may signal liver problems — contact a doctor immediately.

Zoclar 250mg