CLARITHROMYCIN (BIAXIN)

nursesesinghana

6 July 2017

Clarithromycin (Biaxin) is a macrolide antibiotic.

Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria, causing cell death.

Treatment of URIs caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, S. pneumoniae
Treatment of LRIs caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, S. pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis
Treatment of skin and skin-structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, S. pyogenes
Treatment of disseminated mycobacterial infections due to Myobacterium avium and M. intracellular
Treatment of active duodenal ulcer associated with Helicobacter pylori in combination with proton pump inhibitor
Treatment of acute otitis media, acute maxillary sinusitis due to H. influenzae, M. cararrhalis, S. pneumoniae
Treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia in adults

Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or any macrolide antibiotic.
Use cautiously with colitis, hepatic or renal impairment, pregnancy, lactation.

Tablets—250, 500 mg; granules for suspension—125, 250 mg/5 mL; ER tablets–500 mg

ADULTS

Pharyngitis, tonsillitis; pneumonia due to S. pneumoniae, M. pneumoniae; skin or skin-structure infections; LRIs due to S. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis: 250 mg PO q 12 hr for 7–14 days.
Acute maxillary sinusitis, LRI caused by H. influenzae: 500 mg PO q 12 hr for 7–14 days.
Mycobacterial infections: 500 mg PO bid.
Treatment of duodenal ulcers: 500 mg PO tid plus omeprazole 40 mg PO q AM for 14 days, then omeprazole 20 mg PO q morning for 14 days.
Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia: 250 mg PO q 12 hr for 7–14 days or 1,000 mg PO of ER tablet q 24 hr for 7 days.

PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Usual dosage, 15 mg/kg/day PO q 12 hr for 10 days.

Mycobacterial infections: 7.5 mg/kg PO bid.

GERIATRIC PATIENTS OR PATIENTS WITH IMPAIRED RENAL FUNCTION

Decrease dosage or prolong dosing intervals as appropriate.

CNS: Dizziness, headache, vertigo, somnolence, fatigue
GI: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting, melena, pseudomembranous colitis
Other: Superinfections, increased PT, decreased WBC

Drug-drug: Increased serum levels and effects of carbamazepine, theophylline, lovastatin, phenytoin
Drug-food: Food decreases the rate of absorption of clarithromycin but does not alter effectiveness
Decreased metabolism and risk of toxic effects if combined with grapefruit juice; avoid this combination.

Take drug with food if GI effects occur. Take the full course of therapy. Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this drug.
Shake suspension before use; do not refrigerate; do not cut, crush, or chew ER tablets; swallow them whole.
You may experience these side effects: Stomach cramping, discomfort, diarrhoea; fatigue, headache (medication may be ordered); additional infections in the mouth or vagina (consult with care provider for treatment).
Report severe or watery diarrhoea, severe nausea or vomiting, rash or itching, mouth sores, vaginal sores.