clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections (such as pneumonia and bronchitis), skin infections, ear and sinus infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and in combination therapy for Helicobacter pylori-associated ulcers. It is also used to prevent and treat disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in immunocompromised patients. Clarithromycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; it binds reversibly to domain V of the 23S rRNA of the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, blocking translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA and polypeptide synthesis. Its active metabolite (14-OH clarithromycin) acts synergistically with the parent compound. Clarithromycin also inhibits hepatic CYP3A4 isoenzyme and P-glycoprotein.

Brand names

BiaxinBiaxin XL

Other names

6-O-methylerythromycin