Clarithromycin

Generic Details

Generic Name

Clarithromycin

Other Names

  • Biaxin
  • Klacid

Drug Class

  • Macrolide antibiotic

Chemical Formula

C38H69NO13

Molecular Weight

747.95 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit

Indications

  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Helicobacter pylori eradication for peptic ulcers
  • Mycobacterial infections

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet
  • Suspension

Typical Dosage

  • 250-500 mg every 12 hours

Pediatric Dosage

  • 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours

Geriatric Dosage

  • May require dosage adjustment based on renal function

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Taste disturbances
  • Headache

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to macrolide antibiotics

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out

Lactation Safety

  • Caution advised, excretion into breast milk possible

Drug Interactions

  • Increased risk of statin-related myopathy with statins
  • Increased risk of QT prolongation with certain medications like antiarrhythmics

Overdose Symptoms

  • Excessive vomiting
  • GI disturbances
  • Hypokalemia

Antidote for Overdose

  • Supportive care

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract
  • Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues
  • Metabolism: Partially hepatic via CYP3A4
  • Excretion: Mainly excreted unchanged in the urine

Precautions

  • Patients with hepatic impairment
  • Patients with renal impairment

Warnings

  • Risk of QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias
  • Prolonged use may result in superinfection

Others

  • Clarithromycin is often used in combination therapy for the treatment of various bacterial infections.