KEY POINTS
- Clarithromycin (Biaxin) is a macrolide antibiotic that works against susceptible organisms by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, which results in protein inhibition
- Uses include upper respiratory tract infection, Lyme disease, H. pylori, Mycobacterial infections, and more
- Usual dose of immediate release is 250 to 500mg twice daily
- Adjust dose when CrCl < 30mL/min
- Usual dose of immediate release is 250 to 500mg twice daily
- Two major side effects to beware are altered cardiac conduction & hepatic effects
- Beware drug-drug interactions, clarithromycin is a major CYP3A4 substrate and strong inhibitor of CYP3A4
- In general clarithromycin and erythromycin are used less frequently than azithromycin, because azithromycin has a more favorable adverse effect profile and less drug-drug interactions
RESOURCES
- Clarithromycin Package Insert
- H. pylori Guideline – American College of Gastroenterology
- Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Diseases
- Opportunistic Infections Guideline – AIDSinfo.gov
- IDSA Practice Guidelines