Clarithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antimicrobial for oral use. Chemically, it is 6- 0 -methylerythromycin. The molecular formula is C 38 H 69 NO 13 , and the molecular weight is 747.96. The structural formula is: Figure 1: Structure of Clarithromycin Clarithromycin is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is soluble in acetone, slightly soluble in methanol, ethanol, and acetonitrile, and practically insoluble in water. Each white to off-white oval film-coated immediate-release clarit...

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Clarithromycin is a macrolide antimicrobial indicated for mild to moderate infections caused by designated, susceptible bacteria in the following: Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis in Adults Acute Maxillary Sinusitis Community-Acquired Pneumonia Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections Acute Otitis Media in Pediatric Patients Treatment and Prophylaxis of Disseminated Mycobacterial Infections Helicobacter pylori Infection and Duodenal Ulcer Disease...

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Adults: clarithromycin 250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours for 7–14 days H. pylori eradication (in combination with lansoprazole/amoxicillin, omeprazole/amoxicillin, or omeprazole): clarithromycin 500 mg every 8 or 12 hours for 10-14 days. See full prescribing information (FPI) for additional information. Pediatric Patients: clarithromycin 15 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours for 10 days Mycobacterial Infections: clarithromycin 500 mg every 12 hours; clarithromycin 7.5 mg/kg up to 500 mg every 12 hours ...

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Hypersensitivity to clarithromycin or any macrolide drug Cisapride and pimozide History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction with use of clarithromycin Colchicine in renal or hepatic impairment Lomitapide, lovastatin, and simvastatin Ergot alkaloids (ergotamine or dihydroergotamine) 4.1 Hypersensitivity Clarithromycin is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or any of the macrolide antibacterial drugs . 4.2 Cisapride and Pimozide Concom...

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Severe Acute Hypersensitivity Reactions: Discontinue clarithromycin if occurs QT Prolongation: Avoid clarithromycin in patients with known QT prolongation or receiving drugs known to prolong the QT interval, ventricular arrhythmia ( torsades de pointes ), hypokalemia/hypomagnesemia, significant bradycardia, or taking Class IA or III antiarrhythmics Hepatotoxicity: Discontinue if signs and symptoms of hepatitis occur Serious adverse reactions can occur due to drug interactions of clarithromycin w...

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Co-administration of clarithromycin is known to inhibit CYP3A, and a drug primarily metabolized by CYP3A may be associated with elevations in drug concentrations that could increase or prolong both therapeutic and adverse effects of the concomitant drug. Clarithromycin should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment with other drugs known to be CYP3A enzyme substrates, especially if the CYP3A substrate has a narrow safety margin (e.g., carbamazepine) and/or the substrate is extensivel...

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Based on findings from animal studies, clarithromycin is not recommended for use in pregnant women except in clinical circumstances where no alternative therapy is appropriate. If pregnancy occurs while taking clarithromycin, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus . Limited data from a small number of published human studies with clarithromycin use during pregnancy are insufficient to inform drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse materna...

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