📋 Indications & Clinical Dosage
*Respiratory-tract infections, Mild to moderate skin and soft-tissue infections, Otitis media:*
ORAL: Adult & Children above 12 yrs: 250 mg twice daily usually for 7-14 days, increased to 500 mg twice daily, if required in severe infections (e.g. pneumonia).
Children 1 month-11 yrs: Body-weight up to 8 kg: 7.5 mg/kg twice daily; Body-weight 8-11 kg: 62.5 mg twice daily; Body-weight 12-19 kg: 125 mg twice daily; Body-weight 20-29 kg: 187.5 mg twice daily; Body-weight 30-40 kg: 250 mg twice daily.
BY IV INF: Adult: 500 mg every 12 hours max. duration5 days, switch to oral route when appropriate, to be administered into a large proximal vein.
*Lyme disease:*
ORAL: Adult & Children above 12yrs: 500 mg twice daily for 14-21 days.
*Prevention of pertussis:*
ORAL: Adult & Children above 12yrs: 500 mg twice daily for 7 days.
Children 1 month-11 yrs: Body-weight up to 8 kg: 7.5 mg/kg; Body-weight 8-11 kg: 62.5 mg; Body-weight 12-19 kg: 125 mg; Body-weight 20-29 kg: 187.5 mg; Body-weight 30-40 kg: 250 mg. All doses twice daily for 7 days.
*Helicobacter pylori eradication in combination with a proton pump inhibitor and amoxicillin:*
ORAL: Adult: 500 mg twice daily. In combination with a proton pump inhibitor and metronidazole: Adult: 250 mg twice daily.
*Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis, Sinusitis:*
ORAL: Adult: 500 mg every 12 hr for 14 days.
Children: 6 months and older: 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hr for 10 days.
*Prevention & Treatment of Mycobacterium Avium Complex:*
BY IV INF: Adults: 1000 mg twice daily. Children: 20 months: 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hr. Max: 500 mg every 12 hr.
💊 Mode of Administration
Clarithromycin should not be given as a bolus or an IM injection; for IV administration only. 500 mg should be administered into one of the larger proximal veins as an IV infusion over 60 mins, using a solution concentration of about 2 mg/ml.
🔄 Drug Interactions
Cisapride, ergot derivatives, theophyffine, oral anticoagulants, digoxin
⚠️ Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
Dyspepsia, headache, hyperhidrosis, insomnia, taste disturbances, anorexia, anxiety, blood disorders, chest pain, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, flatulence, gastritis, glossitis, hepatic dysfunction including jaundice, leucopenia, malaise, myalgia, stomatitis, tinnitus, tremor, confusion, convulsions, depression, hypoglycaemia, interstitial nephritis, myopathy, paraesthesia, psychotic disorders, renal failure, tongue and tooth discoloration