Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and certain stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria and is available in oral formulations.
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01FA09
- RxNorm
- 21212
- Generic
- Clarithromycin
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Biaxin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 7.5mg/kg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
use with caution, monitor infant for adverse effects
observe infant for gastrointestinal disturbances
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno routine dose adjustment, monitor renal function
use with caution due to potential hepatic and renal decline
monitor renal and hepatic function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants under 6 monthsnot recommended
safety and efficacy not established in infants under 6 months
close clinical monitoring if used
pediatric_age
children 6 months to 12 yearsweight-based dosing
approved for use in pediatric patients 6 months and older
monitor for gastrointestinal effects
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50%
dose reduction required in severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min)
monitor renal function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severe hepatic impairmentuse with caution, no specific adjustment
use with caution, monitor for worsening hepatic function
monitor liver enzymes regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Year Clarithromycin (Biaxin) was approved by the FDA
Drug class
Antimicrobial classification system
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Clarithromycin is used to treat respiratory tract infections (such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and pharyngitis), skin and soft tissue infections, ear infections, and in combination with other medications for stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria.
Clarithromycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis. This bacteriostatic action prevents bacterial growth and replication, allowing the body's immune system to eliminate the infection.
Clarithromycin is ineffective against viral infections and should only be used for bacterial infections. It has numerous drug interactions and is contraindicated in patients with certain heart conditions or liver disease. Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances. Resistance to macrolides is increasing worldwide.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy