Clarithromycin
Generic Name: clarithromycin
Brand Names:
Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antimicrobial agent available as 250 mg and 500 mg light yellow biconvex film-coated tablets for oral administration.
Overview
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antimicrobial agent available as 250 mg and 500 mg light yellow biconvex film-coated tablets for oral administration.
Uses
Clarithromycin tablets are indicated for treating mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, acute otitis media in pediatric patients, disseminated mycobacterial infections, and Helicobacter pylori infection with duodenal ulcer disease in adults.
Dosage
Adults: 250-500 mg every 12 hours for 7-14 days depending on infection type. H. pylori eradication: 500 mg every 8 or 12 hours for 10-14 days in combination therapy. Pediatric: 15 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours for 10 days. Mycobacterial infections: 500 mg every 12 hours adults; 7.5 mg/kg up to 500 mg every 12 hours pediatric. Dosage adjustments required for renal impairment.
Side Effects
Most frequent: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dysgeusia. Less frequent include taste perversion, headache, rash, dyspepsia, liver function abnormalities, anaphylactic reaction, candidiasis, insomnia. Postmarketing reports include thrombocytopenia, ventricular arrhythmia, deafness, hepatic failure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Interactions
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4, causing increased concentrations of substrates including disopyramide, quinidine, digoxin, warfarin, carbamazepine, itraconazole, colchicine, quetiapine, calcium channel blockers, statins, benzodiazepines, theophylline, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Requires monitoring or dose adjustment.
Warnings
Severe acute hypersensitivity reactions requiring immediate discontinuation. QT prolongation with risk of torsades de pointes, especially in patients with hypokalemia/hypomagnesemia or taking Class I/III antiarrhythmics. Hepatotoxicity with potential liver failure. Increased all-cause mortality 1+ years post-treatment in coronary artery disease patients. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea risk. Embryo-fetal toxicity in pregnant women. Hypersensitivity to clarithromycin or macrolides. Cisapride and pimozide contraindicated due to cardiac arrhythmia risk.
Pregnancy
Not recommended in pregnant women except when no alternative therapy is appropriate. Animal studies demonstrated embryo-fetal toxicity and fetal malformations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clarithromycin used for?▼
Clarithromycin tablets are indicated for treating mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, acute otitis media in pediatric patients, disseminated mycobacterial infections, and Helicobacter pylori infection with duodenal ulcer disease in adults.
What are the side effects of Clarithromycin?▼
Most frequent: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dysgeusia. Less frequent include taste perversion, headache, rash, dyspepsia, liver function abnormalities, anaphylactic reaction, candidiasis, insomnia. Postmarketing reports include thrombocytopenia, ventricular arrhythmia, deafness, hepatic failure, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Can I take Clarithromycin during pregnancy?▼
Not recommended in pregnant women except when no alternative therapy is appropriate. Animal studies demonstrated embryo-fetal toxicity and fetal malformations.
What are the important warnings for Clarithromycin?▼
Severe acute hypersensitivity reactions requiring immediate discontinuation. QT prolongation with risk of torsades de pointes, especially in patients with hypokalemia/hypomagnesemia or taking Class I/III antiarrhythmics. Hepatotoxicity with potential liver failure. Increased all-cause mortality 1+ years post-treatment in coronary artery disease patients. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea risk. Embryo-fetal toxicity in pregnant women. Hypersensitivity to clarithromycin or macrolides. Cisapride and pimozide contraindicated due to cardiac arrhythmia risk.
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.