Clarithromycin

Brand/Trade Names: Biaxin, Klacid, Klaricid, Zeclar

Description: Clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic similar to erythromycin and azithromycin, is effective against Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and is used for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori-associated peptic ulcer disease, community-acquired pneumonia, sinusitis, and chronic bronchitis. Clarithromycin is also used to treat respiratory tract, sexually transmitted, otitis media, and AIDS-related infections.
Clarithromycin is first metabolized to 14-OH clarithromycin. Like other macrolides, it then binds to the 50 S subunit of the 70 S ribosome of the bacteria, blocking RNA-mediated bacterial protein synthesis. Clarithromycin also inhibits the hepatic microsomal CYP3A4 isoenzyme and P-glycoprotein, an energy-dependent drug efflux pump.

Uses: For the treatment of bacterial infection of (pharyngitis/tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections) caused by H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, M. pneumoniae, S. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae (TWAR), S. aureus, S. pyogenes, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare.

Clarithromycin Structural Formula


Additional Information Data And Resources:
Biaxin XL Prescribing Information