Clarithromycin
🧬 Cross-allergy: Macrolides
JFDA label: Claridar Suspension
Mechanism of Action
Inhibitor of Bacterial 70S ribosome — Bacterial 70S ribosome inhibitor
| Target | Action | Gene / class |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial 70S ribosome efficacy | INHIBITOR |
Indications
Approved
- Bronchitis, acute bacterial exacerbation
- Helicobacter pylori eradication
- Mycobacterial infections, disseminated
- Otitis media
- Pharyngitis/tonsillitis
- Pneumonia, community-acquired
- Sinusitis
- Skin/skin structure infections
Off-label
- Bartonellosis infection (treatment/long-term suppressive therapy) in HIV-infected patients (adolescents and adults)
- Infective endocarditis (prophylaxis)
- Lyme disease
- Pertussis
- Pneumonia, community acquired (children)
Antimicrobial Spectrum
Expected / intrinsic spectrum (EUCAST breakpoints & labels) — not local resistance. Source: EUCAST v16 · curated.
Bacteria
| Organism | Activity | MIC |
|---|---|---|
| Haemophilus influenzae | Susceptible | 8.0 mg/L |
| Helicobacter pylori | Susceptible | 0.25 mg/L |
| Helicobacter pylori | Susceptible | 0.25 mg/L |
| Moraxella catarrhalis | Susceptible | 0.251 mg/L |
| Mycobacterium avium complex | Susceptible | 8.0 mg/L |
| Mycoplasma pneumoniae | Susceptible | 0.5 mg/L |
| Staphylococcus spp. | Susceptible | 11.0 mg/L |
| Streptococcus A/B/C/G | Susceptible | 0.251 mg/L |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae | Susceptible | 0.25 mg/L |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae | Susceptible | 0.251 mg/L |
| Streptococcus pyogenes | Susceptible | 0.25 mg/L |
| Helicobacter pylori | Resistant | 0.5 mg/L |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae | Resistant | 1.0 mg/L |
Class profile
| gramStatus | Both |
|---|---|
| spectrumBreadth | Broad |
| atypicalCoverage | Yes |
| isBactericidal | 0 |
| moaCategory | Protein synthesis inhibitor (50S ribosomal, 23S rRNA) |
| pdIndex | Time-dependent |
| postAntibioticEffect | Prolonged |
| mrsaCoverage | 0 |
| resistanceMechanisms | Target site methylation (erm genes),Active efflux (mef genes),Ribosomal mutation |
Contraindications
Source: Lexicomp · Curated
- Additional contraindications (not in US labeling): Severe hepatic failure in combination with renal impairment Absolute
- History of QT prolongation or concurrent QT-prolonging drugs Absolute
- Hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, erythromycin, any of the macrolide antibiotics, or any component of the formulation Absolute
- Pregnancy — teratogenic potential in first trimester Absolute
- concomitant use with astemizole, terfenadine, or ranolazine (not available in Canada) Absolute
- concomitant use with cisapride, pimozide, ergot alkaloids (eg, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors extensively metabolized by CYP3A4 (eg, lovastatin, simvastatin) Absolute
- concomitant use with colchicine in patients with renal or hepatic impairment Absolute
- concomitant use with saquinavir, midazolam (oral), colchicine (regardless of hepatic/renal impairment), ticagrelor Absolute
- history of QT prolongation (congenital or documented acquired QT prolongation or ventricular cardiac arrhythmia, including torsades de pointes Absolute
- history of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior use of clarithromycin Absolute
- hypokalemia Absolute
Adverse Reactions
Cardiac disorders (1)
Uncommon QT prolongation / torsades de pointes
Nervous system disorders (3)
Common Headache · Headache · insomnia
Hepatobiliary disorders (3)
Common Abnormal hepatic function tests
Uncommon Elevated liver enzymes
Rare Hepatotoxicity (cholestatic jaundice)
Renal and urinary disorders (1)
Common Increased blood urea nitrogen
Blood and lymphatic system disorders (1)
Common Prolonged prothrombin time
Immune system disorders (2)
Common Anaphylactoid reaction
Uncommon Hypersensitivity / rash
Gastrointestinal disorders (10)
Common Abdominal pain · abdominal pain · Abnormal taste / dysgeusia · diarrhea · Diarrhoea · Dysgeusia · dyspepsia · Nausea · nausea · vomiting
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (1)
Common Skin rash
Psychiatric disorders (1)
Common Insomnia
Infections and infestations (1)
Common Candidiasis (including oral)
Dosing
Source: Lexicomp
Warnings & Precautions
Source: Lexicomp
Altered cardiac conduction
Use has been associated with QT prolongation and infrequent cases of arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes (may be fatal); avoid use in patients with known prolongation of the QT interval, ventricular cardiac arrhythmia (including torsades de pointes), uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, clinically significant bradycardia, and patients receiving Class IA (eg, quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (eg, amiodarone, dofetilide, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents or other drugs known to prolong the QT interval.
Hepatic effects
Elevated liver function tests and hepatitis (hepatocellular and/or cholestatic with or without jaundice) have been reported; usually reversible after discontinuation of clarithromycin. May lead to hepatic failure or death (rarely), especially in the presence of preexisting diseases and/or concomitant use of medications. Discontinue immediately if symptoms of hepatitis (eg, anorexia, jaundice, abdominal tenderness, pruritus, dark urine) occur.
Hypersensitivity reactions
Severe acute reactions have been reported, including anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Henoch-Schönlein purpura (IgA vasculitis), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis; discontinue therapy and initiate treatment immediately for severe acute hypersensitivity reactions.
Superinfection
Use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis; CDAD has been observed >2 months postantibiotic treatment. Disease-related concerns:
CAD
Use with caution in patients with CAD. A clinical trial in patients with CAD demonstrated an increase in risk of all-cause mortality ≥1 year after the end of treatment in patients randomized to receive clarithromycin. Other epidemiologic studies evaluating this risk have variable results.
Myasthenia gravis
Use with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis; exacerbation of symptoms and new onset of symptoms has occurred.
Renal impairment
Use with caution in severe renal impairment; dosage adjustment required. Concurrent drug therapy issues:
Drug-drug interactions
Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information. Special populations:
Elderly
Use with caution; elderly patients may be at increased risk of torsades de pointes.
HIV patients
Decreased survival has been observed in HIV patients with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) receiving clarithromycin doses above the maximum recommended dose; maximum recommended dosing should not be exceeded in this population. Development of resistance to clarithromycin has been observed when used as prophylaxis and treatment of MAC infection (Biaxin Canadian product labeling 2016). Dosage form specific issues:
Extended release formulation
The presence of extended release tablets in the stool has been reported, particularly in patients with anatomic (eg, ileostomy, colostomy) or functional GI disorders with decreased transit times. Consider alternative dosage forms (eg, suspension) or an alternative antimicrobial for patients with tablet residue in the stool and no signs of clinical improvement.
Propylene glycol
Some dosage forms may contain propylene glycol; large amounts are potentially toxic and have been associated hyperosmolality, lactic acidosis, seizures, and respiratory depression; use caution (AAP 1997; Zar 2007). Other warnings/precautions:
Appropriate use
Helicobacter pylori eradication: Short-term combination therapy (≤7 days) has been associated with a higher incidence of treatment failure. Current guidelines recommend 10 to 14 days of therapy (triple or quadruple) for eradication of H. pylori in pediatric and adult patients (Chey 2007; NASPHGAN [Koletzko 2011]).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Caution
Avoid in T1 if possible. Switch to azithromycin or amoxicillin
Lactation
Clarithromycin and its active metabolite (14-hydroxy clarithromycin) are excreted into breast milk. The manufacturer recommends that caution be used if administered to nursing women. Decreased appetite, diarrhea, rash, and somnolence have been noted in nursing infants exposed to macrolide antibiotics (Goldstein 2009).
LactMed: monitor the infant.
Monitoring
| Efficacy | Culture and susceptibility testing; clinical resolution (temperature, WBC, CRP, procalcitonin) |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Renal function (dose adjustment in renal impairment); hepatic function for hepatically cleared agents; signs of C. difficile infection (diarrhoea) |
| Clinical pearl | Culture results guide de-escalation to narrower-spectrum therapy. Review antibiotic appropriateness at 48–72 h (antimicrobial stewardship). |
| Counseling | Complete the full course. Report persistent diarrhoea, rash, or lack of improvement after 48–72 h. |
Chemistry & Properties
| Formula | C38H69NO13 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 747.96 g/mol |
| IUPAC name | (3R,4S,5S,6R,7R,9R,11R,12R,13S,14R)-6-[(2S,3R,4S,6R)-4-(dimethylamino)-3-hydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-14-ethyl-12,13-dihydroxy-4-[(2R,4R,5S,6S)-5-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4,6-dimethyloxan-2-yl]oxy-7-methoxy-3,5,7,9,11,13-hexamethyl-oxacyclotetradecane-2,10-dione |
| CAS | 81103-11-9 |
| PubChem CID | 84029 |
| InChIKey | AGOYDEPGAOXOCK-KCBOHYOISA-N |
| logP | 2.44 (XLogP 3.2) |
| Polar surface area | 182.91 Ų |
| H-bond acceptors / donors | 14 / 4 |
| Drug-likeness (QED) | 0.27 |
| Lipinski violations | 2 |
SMILES
CC[C@H]1OC(=O)[C@H](C)[C@@H](O[C@H]2C[C@@](C)(OC)[C@@H](O)[C@H](C)O2)[C@H](C)[C@@H](O[C@@H]2O[C@H](C)C[C@H](N(C)C)[C@H]2O)[C@](C)(OC)C[C@@H](C)C(=O)[C@H](C)[C@@H](O)[C@]1(C)OBiology & Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics
| BBB penetrant | No |
|---|
Enzyme interactions
| Enzyme | Role | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| CYP2B6 | Inhibitor | — |
| CYP2C19 | Substrate | — |
| CYP3A4 | Inhibitor | Ki 5.49 µM |
| CYP3A4 | Substrate | — |
Transporters
BCRP (Inhibitor)BSEP (Inhibitor)BSEP (Inhibitor)MDR1 (Inhibitor)MRP1 (Inhibitor)MRP2 (Inhibitor)MRP3 (Inhibitor)MRP4 (Inhibitor)OAT2 (Inhibitor)OATP1A2 (Inhibitor)OATP1B1 (Inhibitor)OATP1B1 (Inhibitor)OATP1B3 (Inhibitor)OATP1B3 (Inhibitor)OATP2B1 (Inhibitor)P-gp (Inhibitor)MDR1 (Substrate)NTCP (Substrate)OATP1B1 (Substrate)OATP1B3 (Substrate)OATP2B1 (Substrate)OCT1 (Substrate)P-gp (Substrate)
Drug–drug interactions (100+, DDInter)
| Interacting drug | Severity | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Abemaciclib | major | |
| Acalabrutinib | major | |
| Alfentanil | major | |
| Alfuzosin | major | |
| Amiodarone | major | |
| Amisulpride | major | |
| Anagrelide | major | |
| Anisindione | major | |
| Arsenic trioxide | major | |
| Artemether | major | |
| Astemizole | major | |
| Atorvastatin | major | |
| Avanafil | major | |
| Avapritinib | major | |
| Axitinib | major | |
| Bedaquiline | major | |
| Benzhydrocodone | major | |
| Bepridil | major | |
| Berotralstat | major | |
| Betrixaban | major | |
| Bosutinib | major | |
| Brexpiprazole | major | |
| Brigatinib | major | |
| Budesonide | major | |
| Butorphanol | major | |
| Cabergoline | major | |
| Cabozantinib | major | |
| Capmatinib | major | |
| Carbamazepine | major | |
| Cariprazine | major | |
| Ceritinib | major | |
| Cerivastatin | major | |
| Chloroquine | major | |
| Cilostazol | major | |
| Cisapride | major | |
| Citalopram | major | |
| Cobimetinib | major | |
| Colchicine | major | |
| Conivaptan | major | |
| Copanlisib | major |
Showing 40 of 100+.
Registered Products (48)
| Brand | Form / strength | Pack | Agent | Citizen (JOD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eracid | Tablet 250 mg | 14 tab | THE JORDANIAN PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY/JORDAN | 3.670 |
| Claridar Suspension | Suspension 125 mg/5 ml | 60 ml pack varies | Dar Al Dawa Development and Investment Co Ltd/Jordan | 3.940 |
| Claritop 125mg/ | Suspension 125 mg/5 ml | 60 ml | AL-RAM PHARMA.INDUS.CO.LTD/JORDAN | 3.940 |
| CLARIDAR 250 TABLETS | Tablet 250 mg | 14 tab | Dar Al Dawa Development and Investment Co Ltd/Jordan | 4.320 |
| Claritop tablet | Tablet 250 mg | 14 tab pack varies | AL-RAM PHARMA.INDUS.CO.LTD/JORDAN | 4.320 |
| Joclar 250 Caplet | Tablet 250 mg | 14 tab | Jordan Sweden Medical & Sterilization Co. | 4.320 |
| Klarimid | Tablet 250 mg | 14 tab | MIDDLE EAST PHARMA&CHEMICAL IND/JORDAN | 4.320 |
| Macromax F.C. Tab | Film-Coated Tablet 250 mg | 14 tab | Hayat Pharmaceutical Industries CO.PLC/JORDAN | 4.320 |
| Klacid Susp.125 | Suspension 125 mg/5 ml | 60 ml pack varies | Abu Sheikha Drug Store | 4.500 |
| Klarimid 125 | Suspension 125 mg/5 ml | 75 ml pack varies | MIDDLE EAST PHARMA&CHEMICAL IND/JORDAN | 4.930 |
| Klacid Tab 250 | Tablet 250 mg | 14 tab | Abu Sheikha Drug Store | 5.110 |
| Klacid Susp.125 | Suspension 125 mg/5 ml | 100 ml pack varies | Abu Sheikha Drug Store | 6.500 |
| Claridar Suspension | Suspension 125 mg/5 ml | 100 ml pack varies | Dar Al Dawa Development and Investment Co Ltd/Jordan | 6.560 |
| Klarimid Susp | Suspension 125 mg/5 ml | 100 ml pack varies | MIDDLE EAST PHARMA&CHEMICAL IND/JORDAN | 6.560 |
| Klarimid Susp | Suspension 250 mg/5 ml | 75 ml pack varies | MIDDLE EAST PHARMA&CHEMICAL IND/JORDAN | 7.820 |
| Claridar Dar Al Dawa XL | Tablet 500 mg | 7 tab pack varies | Dar Al Dawa Development and Investment Co Ltd/Jordan | 8.120 |
| Claritt XL | Extended-Release Tablet 500 mg | 7 E.R.Tab | Sukhtian Group | 8.120 |
| Klacid XL | Tablet 500 mg | 7 tab pack varies | Abu Sheikha Drug Store | 8.910 |
| Claritt | Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab | Sukhtian Group | 9.560 |
| Claridar Suspension | Suspension 250 mg/5 ml | 100 ml | Dar Al Dawa Development and Investment Co Ltd/Jordan | 9.570 |
| Clamycin 500mg F.C Tab | Film-Coated Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab | Professional Drug Store | 9.590 |
| Klamed | Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab | Khoury Drug Store | 10.420 |
| Klarimid Susp | Suspension 250 mg/5 ml | 100 ml pack varies | MIDDLE EAST PHARMA&CHEMICAL IND/JORDAN | 10.430 |
| Joclar 500 Tab | Tablet 500 mg | 14 Caplet pack varies | Jordan Sweden Medical & Sterilization Co. | 11.250 |
| Klacid Susp. | Suspension 250 mg/5 ml | 100 ml | Abu Sheikha Drug Store | 12.200 |
| Claridar TABLETS | Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab pack varies | Dar Al Dawa Development and Investment Co Ltd/Jordan | 12.290 |
| Claritop | Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab pack varies | AL-RAM PHARMA.INDUS.CO.LTD/JORDAN | 12.290 |
| Clarix tab | Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab pack varies | Pharma International Company/ Jordan | 12.290 |
| Eracid | Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab | THE JORDANIAN PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY/JORDAN | 12.290 |
| Klarilide | Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab | UNITED PHARM.MFG.CO.LTD(UPM)/JORDAN | 12.290 |
| Klarimid 500 | Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab pack varies | MIDDLE EAST PHARMA&CHEMICAL IND/JORDAN | 12.290 |
| Macromax F.C Tab | Film-Coated Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab pack varies | Hayat Pharmaceutical Industries CO.PLC/JORDAN | 12.290 |
| Klacid Lyoph.Pow/Vial | Vial 500 mg | 1 vial | Abu Sheikha Drug Store | 13.030 |
| Klacid Tab | Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab pack varies | Abu Sheikha Drug Store | 13.660 |
| Claranta | Tablet 500 mg | 20 tab | Sahar Drug Store | 14.250 |
| Claridar Dar Al Dawa XL | Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab pack varies | Dar Al Dawa Development and Investment Co Ltd/Jordan | 15.430 |
| Joclar 500 Tab | Tablet 500 mg | 20 Caplet pack varies | Jordan Sweden Medical & Sterilization Co. | 16.070 |
| Klacid XL | Tablet 500 mg | 14 tab pack varies | Abu Sheikha Drug Store | 16.930 |
| Claridar TABLETS | Tablet 500 mg | 20 tab pack varies | Dar Al Dawa Development and Investment Co Ltd/Jordan | 17.560 |
| Claritop | Tablet 500 mg | 20 tab pack varies | AL-RAM PHARMA.INDUS.CO.LTD/JORDAN | 17.560 |
| Clarix tab | Tablet 500 mg | 20 tab pack varies | Pharma International Company/ Jordan | 17.560 |
| Klarimid 500 | Tablet 500 mg | 20 tab pack varies | MIDDLE EAST PHARMA&CHEMICAL IND/JORDAN | 17.560 |
| Macromax F.C Tab | Film-Coated Tablet 500 mg | 20 tab pack varies | Hayat Pharmaceutical Industries CO.PLC/JORDAN | 17.560 |
| Klacid Tab | Tablet 500 mg | 20 tab pack varies | Abu Sheikha Drug Store | 19.510 |
| Claritop | Tablet 250 mg | 700 tab pack varies | AL-RAM PHARMA.INDUS.CO.LTD/JORDAN | 183.600 |
| Clarix tab | Tablet 500 mg | 350 tab pack varies | Pharma International Company/ Jordan | 261.160 |
| Clarix tab | Tablet 500 mg | 700 tab pack varies | Pharma International Company/ Jordan | 522.330 |
| Claritop | Tablet 500 mg | 1000 tab pack varies | AL-RAM PHARMA.INDUS.CO.LTD/JORDAN | 741.050 |