What is Clarithromycin
ClarithromycinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryClarithromycin is an antibiotic derived from erythromycin. It works by inhibiting the production of proteins in bacteria, which prevents them from multiplying. Depending on the concentration of the drug, it can either stop the bacteria from growing or kill them.
Biaxinis the brand name
Clarithromycin Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Biaxin
Clarithromycin
1991
187
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Clarithromycin, also known as Biaxin, is approved by the FDA for 13 uses which include Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Mycobacterial Infections .Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Used to treat Helicobacter Pylori Infection in combination with Amoxicillin
Mycobacterial Infections
Bacterial Infections
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Otitis Media (OM)
Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
Mycobacterium Infections
HIV
Duodenal Ulcer
Used to treat Duodenal ulcer caused by helicobacter pylori in combination with Amoxicillin
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis (ABECB)
Acute maxillary sinusitis
Tonsillitis
Effectiveness
How Clarithromycin Affects PatientsClarithromycin is a type of antibiotic used to treat a range of bacteria, including many common types such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia. It has been found to be as effective or more effective than erythromycin against certain bacteria. Clarithromycin usually stops bacteria from reproducing, but can sometimes kill them.
How Clarithromycin works in the bodyClarithromycin works by entering bacteria cells and binding to a part of their ribosomes, which are responsible for making proteins. This binding blocks the bacteria's ability to make proteins, preventing it from reproducing and causing infection. Clarithromycin also stops enzymes that break down medicine in the liver, making it more effective.
When to interrupt dosage
The recommended dosage of Clarithromycin is contingent upon the determined condition, for instance Mycobacterium Infections, Lyme Disease and Bacterial Infections. The amount may vary as per the administration technique (e.g. Powder, for suspension or Capsule; Kit; Tablet) featured in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Pertussis
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Mycobacterium Infections
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Bartonellosis
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis (ABECB)
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Tonsillitis
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Duodenal Ulcer
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Bacterial Infections
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Otitis Media (OM)
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Mycobacterial Infections
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Acute maxillary sinusitis
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
HIV
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Bacterial Endocarditis
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Bacterial Endocarditis
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Lyme Disease
125.0 mg/mL, , 500.0 mg, 250.0 mg/mL, 250.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
Powder, for suspension, Capsule; Kit; Tablet, Oral, , Capsule; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Kit - Oral, Granule, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, For suspension, Kit, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet - Oral, Tablet, extended release, For suspension - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Granule, for suspension, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Capsule; Capsule, delayed release; Kit; Tablet, Powder, for suspension - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Warnings
Clarithromycin ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
cholestatic jaundice
Do Not Combine
Liver Dysfunction
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Common Clarithromycin Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
(R)-warfarin
Major
The metabolism of (R)-warfarin can be decreased when combined with Clarithromycin.
(S)-Warfarin
Major
The metabolism of (S)-Warfarin can be decreased when combined with Clarithromycin.
1,2-Benzodiazepine
Major
The metabolism of 1,2-Benzodiazepine can be decreased when combined with Clarithromycin.
3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid
Major
The metabolism of 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid can be decreased when combined with Clarithromycin.
5-androstenedione
Major
The metabolism of 5-androstenedione can be decreased when combined with Clarithromycin.
Clarithromycin Toxicity & Overdose RiskSymptoms of clarithromycin toxicity include diarrhea, nausea, bad taste, indigestion, stomach pain, and temporary hearing loss. In some cases, colitis, allergic reactions (from hives to anaphylaxis), liver damage, and tooth discoloration have been reported. Animal studies have also linked clarithromycin to fetal abnormalities such as heart defects, cleft palate and slow growth. Additionally, this drug may cause a prolonged QT interval.
Clarithromycin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Clarithromycin?
160 active clinical trials are currently exploring the potential of Clarithromycin to provide relief for Pertussis, HIV and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Mycobacterial Infections
0 Actively Recruiting
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
25 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 3, Not Applicable
Bacterial Endocarditis
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Bacterial Infections
0 Actively Recruiting
Acute maxillary sinusitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Tonsillitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Mycobacterium Infections
0 Actively Recruiting
Otitis Media (OM)
0 Actively Recruiting
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Duodenal Ulcer
0 Actively Recruiting
Pertussis
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1
Lyme Disease
8 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable
HIV
128 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4
Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis (ABECB)
0 Actively Recruiting
Bartonellosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Bacterial Endocarditis
0 Actively Recruiting
Clarithromycin Reviews: What are patients saying about Clarithromycin?
4.7Patient Review
7/25/2022 I was in a lot of pain from an untreated bacterial infection, and these tablets were worth their weight in gold to me. I don't care about the side effects; they made me better. If you're bothered about the side effects, then you must not have been in as much pain as I was. Get a life—thank goodness you're alive and these tablets made you better instead of complaining about the side effects!
3.3Patient Review
7/19/2022 I got tonsillitis, then my doctor recommended this Clarithromycine antibiotic. On the first day, the pain in my tonsils lessened. However, I didn't like its side effect; whenever I ate and took the medicine, I felt stomach pain and vomitied every two hours.
2.3Patient Review
7/3/2022 After only three days of taking this antibiotic, I experienced a range of awful side effects, including but not limited to: jitters, watery diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, headache and brain fog. Never have I felt this bad before; I had to stop taking the medication and will never take it again. It's unbelievable that this is on the market.
2.3Patient Review
6/15/2022 I was given this medication because of an ear infection after having the flu. On the first day, I had severe stomach pain for around 20 minutes. However, what really bothered me from the second day onward was the bitter taste in my mouth that didn't go away for more than 8 hours after taking the medication. Today is my third day, and the bitter saliva is still bothering me.
2.3Patient Review
10/11/2022 I found the recommended dosage of this drug to be far too much for my system. I had severe reactions including joint and muscle pain, nausea, and insomnia. If you've ever had a reaction to antibiotics in the past, I would recommend avoiding this medication entirely.
2.3Patient Review
4/16/2022 I never want to take this again. It sent my anxiety levels through the roof and I would rather be in pain than deal with the side effects.
1.3Patient Review
1/9/2022 I unfortunately experienced a range of adverse effects from taking this medication. I would advise against it based on my personal experience.
1.3Patient Review
4/25/2022 The side effects of Klacid were so bad that I couldn't even finish the course of antibiotics. I experienced insomnia, restlessness, and awful abdominal cramps and nausea. I would never use this medication again.
1Patient Review
11/10/2022 I had some nasty side effects after only taking this twice. I wouldn't recommend it.
Patient Q&A Section about clarithromycin
Is clarithromycin stronger than amoxicillin?
"Clarithromycin seems to work as well as amoxicillin/clavulanate against acute maxillary sinusitis, and it may cause fewer problems with upset stomach." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are the most common side effects of clarithromycin?
"Some potential side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn, gas, a change in taste, and headache." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is clarithromycin and amoxicillin the same?
"This product contains two different types of antibiotics: amoxicillin, which is a penicillin-type antibiotic, and clarithromycin, which is a macrolide-type antibiotic. These antibiotics work by stopping the growth of bacteria, and they are effective against only bacterial infections." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is clarithromycin antibiotic used for?
"This drug is used to treat bacterial infections by killing the bacteria. It is also used in tandem with other drugs to treat ulcers in the duodenum, which are caused by the bacteria H. pylori. Additionally, this medication is taken to prevent and treat infection by the Mycobacterium avium complex." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer