Antimicrobials
Clarithromycin (Biaxin)

Clarithromycin (Biaxin)

Medium
Moderate (40 to 70%)
$0.26/Dose $2.6/5 Days

Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

  • Respiratory Infections
  • Mycobacterial Infections
  • Helicobacter pylori eradication
  • Monitor QTc in patients with increased risk
  • Renal and liver function with prolonged use
  • GI intolerance
  • Prolongation of QTc interval
  • Transaminase elevations
  • C. difficile colitis
  • Rash
  • Exacerbations of myasthenia gravis

Recommend review of patient medications due to high frequency of significant interactions

  • CYP450 interactions ++
  • Other QTc prolonging agents.
  • Statins - increased risk of myopathy.
  • CCBs - hypotension, AKI.
  • Colchicine - increased bone marrow toxicity.
  • Increased anticonvulsant levels.
  • Increased tacrolimus levels.

Antimicrobial class: Macrolide

Pregnancy category: C

Average serum half life: 5-7 hours

Urine penetration: Poor

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Poor

Biliary penetration: Therapeutic