Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin, sold under the brand name Biaxin among others, is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. This includes strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, H. pylori infection, and Lyme disease, among others. Clarithromycin can be taken by mouth as a pill or liquid.
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Trade names | Biaxin, others |
Other names | 6-O-methylerythromycin A |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a692005 |
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Routes of administration | By mouth, intravenous |
Drug class | Macrolides |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | 50% |
Protein binding | low binding |
Metabolism | hepatic |
Elimination half-life | 3–4 h |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.119.644 |
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Formula | C38H69NO13 |
Molar mass | 747.964 g·mol−1 |
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Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and diarrhea. Severe allergic reactions are rare. Liver problems have been reported. It may cause harm if taken during pregnancy. It is in the macrolide class and works by slowing down bacterial protein synthesis.
Clarithromycin was developed in 1980 and approved for medical use in 1990. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Clarithromycin is available as a generic medication. It is made from erythromycin and is chemically known as 6-O-methylerythromycin.