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Clarithromycin (Biaxin)

Category:

  • Antibiotic  

Description:

  • Macrolide

Indications:

  • Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis (S. pyogenes)

  • Acute maxilliary sinusitis (H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. pneumoniae)

  • Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. pneumoniae)

  • Pneumonia (Chlamydia pneumoniae, Strep. pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae)

  • Skin infections (S. aureus, S. pyogenes)

  • Disseminated mycobacterial infections (Mycoplasma avium and intracellulare)

  • Mycobacterium Avium Complex prophylaxis

  • Helicobacter pylori therapy (double and triple)

  • Acute otitis media (H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. pneumoniae)

Contraindications:

  • None

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category B

  • Use alternate form of birth control (disrupts absorption of oral contraceptives and renders them inactive)

  • Counsel patient to finish all medication to prevent development of resistance

  • Do not use with aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids

  • Do not use with cisapride (ventricular arrythmias w/macrolides)

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • Hypersensitivity

  • Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

  • Vaginitis  

Dosage:

  • Administered orally (tablets, granules for oral suspension)

  • Adult:

    • 250-500mg twice a day for 7-14 days

  • Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: 

    • 250mg bid for 10 days

  • Maxilliary sinusitis: 

    • 500mg bid for 14 days

  • Chronic bronchitis & pneumonia (S. pneumoniae/M. catarrhalis): 

    • 250mg bid for 7-14 days

  • Chronic bronchitis (H. influenzae): 

    • 500mg bid for 7-14 days

  • Uncomplicated skin infections: 

    • 250mg bid for 7-14 days

  • MAC: 

    • 500mg bid

  • H. pylori treatment:

    • double tx: 500mg tid plus omeprazole 40mg qam days 1-14, then omeprazole 20mg qam days 15-28

    • triple tx: 500mg tid plus ranitidine bismuth citrate 400mg bid days 1-14, then ranitidine bismuth citrate 400mg bid days 15-28

  • Child:

    • 15mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours for 10 days

    • For oral suspension:  empty stomach, refrigerate, shake well, good for 14 days only

    • MAC: 7.5mg/kg/day up to 500mg twice a day

 


The information contained here is an abbreviated summary. For more detailed and complete information, consult the manufacturer's product information sheets or standard textbooks

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300

This information is provided by The Brookside Associates.  The Brookside Associates, LLC. is a private organization, not affiliated with any governmental agency. The opinions presented here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Brookside Associates or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the US Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. All material presented here is unclassified.

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