Clarithromycin - A Review
DR T R RAMANUJAM M.D., C.MI.Biol (Lond)
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY
CLINICAL PHARMACOKINETICS
CLINICAL EFFICACY
TOLERABILITY PROFILE
ADVERSE EFFECTS & DRUG INTERACTIONS
CHOOSING HOOSING MACROLIDES
CONCLUDING SUMMARY
BRIIGHTER SIDE OF CLARITHROMYCIN
DARKER SIDE OF CLARITHROMYCIN
CURRENT TRENDS IN MICROLIDE USE
TOLERABILITY PROFILE
Various comparative trials have indicated that clarithromycin is generally well tolerated and has better tolerability than erythromycin etc., which are noted for their high GIT irritant effects. The most common events associated with the use of clarithromycin are diarrhea, abnormal taste, nausea, dyspepsia, headache, and very low withdrawal rate both in adults and children. Fewer adverse GIT events and better tolerability over erythromycin and even amoxycillin-clauvulanic acid combination. Hypersensitive reactions do occur but rare may range from mild rashes to erythema nodosum. Isolated incidence of cholestatic hepatitis may occur rarely.
