Drug Study: Clarithromycin Name and Classification Brand Name: Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Klaz Pregnancy Category B Drug

class: Macroli de antibiotic Therapeutic actions Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria, causing cell death Indications Treatment of upper respiratory infections caused by S. pyogenes, S. pneumonia > Treatment of lower respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasmapneumoniae, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis >Treatment of skin and structure infections caused by S. aureus, S.pyogenes >Treatment of disseminated mycobacterial i nfections due to M.avium and M. intracellular >Treatment of active duodenal ulcer with H. pylori in combination with proton pump inhibitor > Treatment of acute otitis media, acute maxillary sinusitis due to H.influenzae, M. cararrhalis, S. pneumonia > Treatment of mild to moderate communityacquired pneumonia in adults (ER tablets) Contraindications Contraindicate d with hypersensitivit y to clarithromyc in, erythromycin, or any macrolide antibiotic. Adverse effects Dizziness, headache, vertigo, somnolence, fatigue, Diar rhea, abdominal pain, nausea, dysp epsia, flatulence, vomiting, me lena,pseudo membranou s colitis, Sup erinfections, i ncreased PT, decreased WBC Drug Interactions: Increased serum levels and effects of carbamazepine , theophylline,lov astatin, phenytoin Interaction with Food: Food decreases the rate of absorption of clarithromycin but does not alter effectiveness Decreased metabolism and risk of toxic effects if combined with grapefruit juice; avoid this combination. Routes of Administration and Dosage Oral dosage (suspension and tablets): For bacterial infections: Adults and teenagers : 250 to 500 milligrams (mg) every twelve hours for seven to fourteen days.Children 6 months of age and older :7.5 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight every twelve hours for seven to ten days. For treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC):Adults and teenagers: 500 mg every twelve hours.Children 6 months of age and older : 7.5 mg per kg of body weight, up to 500 mg, every twelve hours. Nursing considerations Culture infection before therapy. Do not cut or crush, and ensure that patient does not chew ER tablets. Monitor patient for anticipated response. Administer without regard to meals; administer with food if GI effects occur.