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Clarithromycin
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Cytochrome P450 3A Inhibitors [MoA] | MoA | All 89 members |
| Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors [MoA] | MoA | All 118 members |
| Macrolide Antimicrobial [EPC] | EPC | All 31 members |
| Macrolides [CS] | CS | All 32 members |
| P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors [MoA] | MoA | All 105 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 065136-001 | CLARITHROMYCIN | TABLET | CLARITHROMYCIN | Prescription | AB |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 32 | Labeling | Approved | August 16, 2023 | Standard |
| Supplement | 29 | Labeling | Approved | May 18, 2023 | Standard |
| Supplement | 27 | Labeling | Approved | May 18, 2023 | Standard |
| Supplement | 25 | Labeling | Approved | May 18, 2023 | Standard |
| Supplement | 22 | Labeling | Approved | May 18, 2023 | Standard |
| Supplement | 20 | Labeling | Approved | May 18, 2023 | Standard |
| Supplement | 18 | Labeling | Approved | July 1, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 17 | Labeling | Approved | July 1, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 16 | Labeling | Approved | July 1, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 15 | Labeling | Approved | December 11, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 11 | Labeling | Approved | August 22, 2008 | — |
| Supplement | 7 | Labeling | Approved | April 9, 2008 | — |
| Supplement | 6 | Labeling | Approved | October 17, 2007 | — |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | August 25, 2005 | — |
Review documents
- 0 · Original application · March 3, 2006
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250120). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingContraindications, Lomitapide, Lovastatin, and Simvastatin ( 4.5 ) 09/2019 Warnings and Precautions, QT Prolongation ( 5.2 ) 11/2018 Warnings and Precautions, Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Concomitant Use with Other Drugs ( 5.4 ) 09/2019 Warnings and Precautions, Embryo-fetal Toxicity ( 5.7 ) 12/2018
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clarithromycin is a macrolide antimicrobial indicated for mild to moderate infections caused by designated, susceptible bacteria in the following: • Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis in Adults ( 1.1 ) • Acute Maxillary Sinusitis ( 1.2 ) • Community-Acquired Pneumonia ( 1.3 ) • Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis ( 1.4 ) • Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections ( 1.5 ) • Acute Otitis Media in Pediatric Patients ( 1.6 ) • Treatment and Prophylaxis of Disseminated Mycobacterial Infections ( 1.7 ) • Helicobacter pylori Infection and Duodenal Ulcer Disease in Adults ( 1.8 ) Limitations of Use To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of clarithromycin tablets and other antibacterial drugs, clarithromycin tablets should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. ( 1.9 ) 1.1 Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis Clarithromycin tablets are indicated in adults for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Haemophilus influenzae , Haemophilus parainfluenzae , Moraxella catarrhalis , or Streptococcus pneumoniae [see Indications and Usage ( 1.9 )] . 1.2 Acute Maxillary Sinusitis Clarithromycin tablets are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Haemophilus influenzae , Moraxella catarrhalis , or Streptococcus pneumoniae [see Indications and Usage ( 1.9 )] . 1.3 Community-Acquired Pneumonia Clarithromycin tablets are indicated [see Indications and Usage ( 1.9 )] for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to: • Haemophilus influenzae (in adults) • Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae (in adults and pediatric patients) 1.4 Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis Clarithromycin tablets are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Streptococcus pyogenes as an alternative in individuals who cannot use first line therapy. 1.5 Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections Clarithromycin tablets are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Staphylococcus aureus , or S treptococcus pyogenes . 1.6 Acute Otitis Media Clarithromycin tablets are indicated in pediatric patients for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Haemophilus influenzae , Moraxella catarrhalis , or Streptococcus pneumoniae [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . 1.7 Treatment and Prophylaxis of Disseminated Mycobacterial Infections Clarithromycin tablets are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible isolates due to Mycobacterium avium or Myc obacterium intracellulare in patients with advanced HIV infection [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . 1.8 Helicobacter pylori Infection and Duodenal Ulcer Disease Clarithromycin tablets are given in combination with other drugs in adults as described below to eradicate H. pylori . The eradication of H. pylori has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] . • Clarithromycin tablets in combination with amoxicillin and PREVACID (lansoprazole) or PRILOSEC (omeprazole) delayed-release capsules, as triple therapy, are indicated for the treatment of patients with H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease (active or five-year history of duodenal ulcer) to eradicate H. pylori . • Clarithromycin tablets in combination with PRILOSEC (omeprazole) capsules are indicated for the treatment of patients with an active duodenal ulcer associated with H. pylori infection. Regimens which contain clarithromycin tablets as the single antibacterial agent are more likely to be associated with the development of clarithromycin resistance among patients who fail therapy. Clarithromycin-containing regimens shoul …
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Adults : clarithromycin tablets 250 mg or 500 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days ( 2.2 ) • H. pylori eradication (in combination with lansoprazole/amoxicillin, omeprazole/amoxicillin, or omeprazole): clarithromycin tablets 500 mg every 8 or 12 hours for 10 to 14 days. See full prescribing information (FPI) for additional information. ( 2.3 ) • Pediatric Patients : clarithromycin 15 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours for 10 days ( 2.4 ) • Mycobacterial Infections : clarithromycin tablets 500 mg every 12 hours; clarithromycin tablets 7.5 mg/kg up to 500 mg every 12 hours in pediatric patients ( 2.5 ) • Reduce dose in moderate renal impairment with concomitant atazanavir or ritonavir-containing regimens and in severe renal impairment ( 2.6 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Clarithromycin tablets may be given with or without food. 2.2 Adult Dosage The recommended dosages of clarithromycin tablets for the treatment of mild to moderate infections in adults are listed in Table 1 . Table 1. Adult Dosage Guidelines Infection Clarithromycin Tablets Dosage (every 12 hours) Duration (days) Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis 250 to 500 mg 7 † -14 Acute maxillary sinusitis 500 mg 14 Community-acquired pneumonia 250 mg 7 ǂ -14 Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis 250 mg 10 Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections 250 mg 7-14 Treatment and prophylaxis of disseminated Mycobacterium avium disease [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] 500 mg § - H.pylori eradication to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence with amoxicillin and omeprazole or lansoprazole [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] 500 mg 10-14 H.pylori eradication to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence with omeprazole [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] 500 mg every 8 hours 14 * For M. catarrhalis and S. pneumoniae use 250 mg. For H. influenzae and H. parainfluenzae , use 500 mg. † For H parainfluenzae , the duration of therapy is 7 days. ǂ For H. influenzae , the duration of therapy is 7 days. § Clarithromycin therapy should continue if clinical response is observed. Clarithromycin can be discontinued when the patient is considered at low risk of disseminated infection. 2.3 Combination Dosing Regimens for H. pylori Infection • Triple therapy: clarithromycin/lansoprazole/amoxicillin The recommended adult dosage is 500 mg clarithromycin tablets, 30 mg lansoprazole, and 1 gram amoxicillin, all given every 12 hours for 10 or 14 days [see Indications and Usage ( 1.8 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] . • Triple therapy: clarithromycin/omeprazole/amoxicillin The recommended adult dosage is 500 mg clarithromycin tablets, 20 mg omeprazole, and 1 gram amoxicillin; all given every 12 hours for 10 days. In patients with an ulcer present at the time of initiation of therapy, an additional 18 days of omeprazole 20 mg once daily is recommended for ulcer healing and symptom relief [see Indications and Usage ( 1.8 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] . • Dual therapy: clarithromycin/omeprazole The recommended adult dosage is 500 mg clarithromycin tablets given every 8 hours and 40 mg omeprazole given once every morning for 14 days. An additional 14 days of omeprazole 20 mg once daily is recommended for ulcer healing and symptom relief [see Indications and Usage ( 1.8 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] . 2.4 Pediatric Dosage The recommended daily dosage is 15 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours for 10 days (up to the adult dose). Refer to dosage regimens for mycobacterial infections in pediatric patients for additional dosage information [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . 2.5 Dosage Regimens for Mycobacterial Infections For the treatment of disseminated infection due to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), clarithromycin tablets are recommended as the primary agents. Clarithromycin tablets should be used in combination with other antimycobacterial drugs (e.g. ethambutol) that have shown in vitro activity against MAC or clinical benefit …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Clarithromycin tablets, USP (white, oval shaped, film-coated tablets) • 250 mg: debossed GG C6 on one side and plain on the reverse side • 500 mg: debossed GG C9 on one side and plain on the reverse side • Tablets: 250 mg and 500 mg ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS • Hypersensitivity to clarithromycin or any macrolide drug ( 4.1 ) • Cisapride and pimozide ( 4.2 ) • History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction with use of clarithromycin ( 4.3 ) • Colchicine in renal or hepatic impairment ( 4.4 ) • Lomitapide, lovastatin, and simvastatin ( Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ) • Ergot alkaloids (ergotamine or dihydroergotamine) ( 4.6 ) • Lurasidone ( 4.7 ) 4.1 Hypersensitivity Clarithromycin tablets are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or any of the macrolide antibacterial drugs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . 4.2 Cisapride and Pimozide Concomitant administration of clarithromycin tablets with cisapride and pimozide is contraindicated [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . There have been postmarketing reports of drug interactions when clarithromycin is co‐administered with cisapride or pimozide, resulting in cardiac arrhythmias (QT prolongation, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and torsades de pointes ) most likely due to inhibition of metabolism of these drugs by clarithromycin tablets. Fatalities have been reported. 4.3 Cholestatic Jaundice/Hepatic Dysfunction Clarithromycin tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with prior use of clarithromycin. 4.4 Colchicine Concomitant administration of clarithromycin tablets and colchicine is contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. 4.5 Lomitapide, Lovastatin, and Simvastatin Concomitant administration of clarithromycin tablets with lomitapide is contraindicated due to potential for markedly increased transaminases [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. Concomitant administration of clarithromycin tablets with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) that are extensively metabolized by CYP3A4 (lovastatin or simvastatin) is contraindicated, due to the increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. 4.6 Ergot Alkaloids Concomitant administration of clarithromycin and ergotamine or dihydroergotamine is contraindicated [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . 4.7 Lurasidone Concomitant administration of clarithromycin and lurasidone is contraindicated since it may result in an increase in lurasidone exposure and the potential for serious adverse reactions [see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) ]. 4.8 Contraindications for Co-administered Drugs For information about contraindications of other drugs indicated in combination with clarithromycin tablets, refer to their full prescribing information (contraindications section).
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5.1 Severe Acute Hypersensitivity Reactions In the event of severe acute hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Henoch-Schonlein purpura, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, discontinue clarithromycin tablets therapy immediately and institute appropriate treatment. 5.2 QT Prolongation • Clarithromycin tablets have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval and infrequent cases of arrhythmia. Cases of torsades de pointes have been spontaneously reported during postmarketing surveillance in patients receiving clarithromycin tablets. Fatalities have been reported. Avoid clarithromycin tablets in the following patients: • patients with known prolongation of the QT interval, ventricular cardiac arrhythmia, including torsades de pointes • patients receiving drugs known to prolong the QT interval [see also Contraindications (4.2)] • patients with ongoing proarrhythmic conditions such as uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia,clinically significant bradycardia and in patients receiving Class IA (e.g., quinidine, procainamide,disopyramide) or Class III (e.g., dofetilide, amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to drug-associated effects on the QT interval [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)]. 5.3 Hepatotoxicity Hepatic dysfunction, including increased liver enzymes, and hepatocellular and/or cholestatic hepatitis, with or without jaundice, has been reported with clarithromycin. This hepatic dysfunction may be severe and is usually reversible. In some instances, hepatic failure with fatal outcome has been reported and generally has been associated with serious underlying diseases and/or concomitant medications. Symptoms of hepatitis can include anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, pruritus, or tender abdomen. Discontinue clarithromycin tablets immediately if signs and symptoms of hepatitis occur. 5.4 Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Concomitant Use with Other Drugs Drugs metabolized by CYP3A4: Serious adverse reactions have been reported in patients taking clarithromycin tablets concomitantly with CYP3A4 substrates. These include colchicine toxicity with colchicine; markedly increased transaminases with lomitapide; rhabdomyolysis with simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin; hypoglycemia and cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., torsades de pointes) with disopyramide; and hypotension and acute kidney injury with calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., verapamil, amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine). Most reports of acute kidney injury with calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 involved elderly patients 65 years of age or older. Use clarithromycin tablets with caution when administered concurrently with medications that induce the cytochrome CYP3A4 enzyme. The use of clarithromycin with lomitapide, simvastatin, lovastatin, ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.5, 4.6) and Drug Interactions (7)]. Colchicine: Life-threatening and fatal drug interactions have been reported in patients treated with clarithromycin and colchicine. Clarithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and this interaction may occur while using both drugs at their recommended doses. If co-administration of clarithromycin tablets and colchicine is necessary in patients with normal renal and hepatic function, reduce the dose of colchicine. Monitor patients for clinical symptoms of colchicine toxicity. Concomitant administration of clarithromycin tablets and colchicine is contraindicated in patients with renal or hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4.4) and Drug Interactions (7)]. Lomitapide: Concomitant use of clarithromycin with lomitapide is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.5)]. Lomitapide is metabolized by CYP3A4, and concomitant treatment with clarithromycin increases the plasma concentration of lomitapide, which in …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingThe following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: • Acute Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] • QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] • Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Concomitant Use with Other Drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] • Clostridium difficile Associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] • Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Based on pooled data across all indications, the most frequent adverse reactions for both adult and pediatric populations observed in clinical trials are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and dysgeusia. Also reported were dyspepsia, liver function test abnormal, anaphylactic reaction, candidiasis, headache, insomnia, and rash. The subsequent subsections list the most common adverse reactions for prophylaxis and treatment of mycobacterial infections and duodenal ulcer associated with H. pylori infection. In general, these profiles are consistent with the pooled data described above. Prophylaxis of Mycobacterial Infections In AIDS patients treated with clarithromycin over long periods of time for prophylaxis against M. avium, it was often difficult to distinguish adverse reactions possibly associated with clarithromycin administration from underlying HIV disease or intercurrent illness. Median duration of treatment was 10.6 months for the clarithromycin group and 8.2 months for the placebo group. Table 4. Incidence Rates (%) of Selected Adverse Reactions1 in Immunocompromised Adult Patients Receiving Prophylaxis Against M. avium Complex Body System* Adverse Reaction Clarithromycin (n=339) % Placebo (n=339) % *2% or greater Adverse Reaction Incidence Rates for either treatment group†Significant higher incidence compared to the placebo-treated group Body as a Whole Abdominal pain 5% 4% Headache 3% 1% Digestive Diarrhea 8% 4% Dyspepsia 4% 3% Flatulence 2% 1% Nausea 11% 7% Vomiting 6% 3% Skin & Appendages Rash 3% 4% Special Senses Taste Perversion 8%† 0.3% Discontinuation due to adverse reactions occurred in 18% of patients receiving clarithromycin compared to 17% of patients receiving placebo in this trial. Primary reasons for discontinuation in clarithromycin tablets treated patients include headache, nausea, vomiting, depression, and taste perversion. Changes in Laboratory Values Selected laboratory adverse experiences that were reported during therapy in greater than 2 % of adult patients treated with clarithromycin tablets in a randomized double-blind clinical trial involving 682 patients are presented in TABLE 5. In immunocompromised patients receiving prophylaxis against M. avium, evaluations of laboratory values were made by analyzing those values outside the seriously abnormal value (i.e., the extreme high or low limit) for the specified test. Table 5. Percentage of Patients2 Exceeding Extreme Laboratory Values in Patients Receiving Prophylaxis Against M. avium Complex Clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day Placebo *ULN=Upper Limit of Normal WBC Count 5 x ULN* 7/196 (4%) 5/208 (2%) SGPT >5 x ULN* 6/217 (3%) 4/232 (2%) Treatment of Mycobacterial Infections The adverse reaction profiles for both the 500 mg and 1000 mg twice a day dose regimens were similar. In AIDS patients and other immunocompromised patients treated with the higher doses of clarithromycin tablets over long periods of time for mycobacterial infections, it was often difficult to distinguish adverse reactions possibly associated with clarithromycin tablets administration from underlying signs of HIV disease or intercurrent illness. The followi …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Co-administration of clarithromycin tablets is known to inhibit CYP3A, and a drug primarily metabolized by CYP3A may be associated with elevations in drug concentrations that could increase or prolong both therapeutic and adverse effects of the concomitant drug. Clarithromycin tablets should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment with other drugs known to be CYP3A enzyme substrates, especially if the CYP3A substrate has a narrow safety margin (e.g., carbamazepine) and/or the substrate is extensively metabolized by this enzyme. Adjust dosage when appropriate and monitor serum concentrations of drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A closely in patients concurrently receiving clarithromycin. Table 8. Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Clarithromycin Tablets Drugs That Are Affected By Clarithromycin Tablets Drug(s) with Pharmacokinetics Affected by Clarithromycin Tablets Recommendation Comments Antiarrhythmics: Disopyramide Quinidine Dofetilide Amiodarone Sotalol Procainamide Not Recommended Disopyramide, Quinidine: There have been postmarketing reports of torsades de pointes occurring with concurrent use of clarithromycin and quinidine or disopyramide. Electrocardiograms should be monitored for QTc prolongation during coadministration of clarithromycin with these drugs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Serum concentrations of these medications should also be monitored. There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of clarithromycin with disopyramide and quinidine. There have been postmarketing reports of hypoglycemia with the concomitant administration of clarithromycin and disopyramide. Therefore, blood glucose levels should be monitored during concomitant administration of clarithromycin and disopyramide. Digoxin Use With Caution Digoxin: Digoxin is a substrate for P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and clarithromycin is known to inhibit Pgp. When clarithromycin and digoxin are co‐administered, inhibition of Pgp by clarithromycin may lead to increased exposure of digoxin. Elevated digoxin serum concentrations in patients receiving clarithromycin and digoxin concomitantly have been reported in postmarketing surveillance. Some patients have shown clinical signs consistent with digoxin toxicity, including potentially fatal arrhythmias. Monitoring of serum digoxin concentrations should be considered, especially for patients with digoxin concentrations in the upper therapeutic range. Oral Anticoagulants: Warfarin Use With Caution Oral anticoagulants: Spontaneous reports in the postmarketing period suggest that concomitant administration of clarithromycin and oral anticoagulants may potentiate the effects of the oral anticoagulants. Prothrombin times should be carefully monitored while patients are receiving clarithromycin and oral anticoagulants simultaneously [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Antiepileptics: Carbamazepine Use With Caution Carbamazepine: Concomitant administration of single doses of clarithromycin and carbamazepine has been shown to result in increased plasma concentrations of carbamazepine. Blood level monitoring of carbamazepine may be considered. Increased serum concentrations of carbamazepine were observed in clinical trials with clarithromycin. There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of clarithromycin with carbamazepine. Antifungals: Itraconazole Use With Caution Itraconazole: Both clarithromycin and itraconazole are substrates and inhibitors of CYP3A, potentially leading to a bi-directional drug interaction when administered concomitantly (see also Itraconazole under “Drugs That Affect Clarithromycin Tablets” in the table below). Clarithromycin may increase the plasma concentrations of itraconazole. Patients taking itraconazole and clarithromycin concomitantly should be monitored closely for signs or symptoms of increased or prolonged adverse reactions. Fluconazole No Dose Adjustment Fluconazole: [see …
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Geriatric : Increased risk of torsades de pointes ( 8.5 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies, clarithromycin tablets are not recommended for use in pregnant women except in clinical circumstances where no alternative therapy is appropriate. If pregnancy occurs while taking clarithromycin tablets, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )]. Limited data from a small number of published human studies with clarithromycin tablets use during pregnancy are insufficient to inform drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, administration of oral clarithromycin to pregnant mice, rats, rabbits, and monkeys during the period of organogenesis produced malformations in rats (cardiovascular anomalies) and mice (cleft palate) at clinically relevant doses based on body surface area comparison. Fetal effects in mice, rats, and monkeys (e.g., reduced fetal survival, body weight, body weight gain) and implantation losses in rabbits were generally considered to be secondary to maternal toxicity (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Animal reproduction studies were conducted in mice, rats, rabbits, and monkeys with oral and intravenously administered clarithromycin. In pregnant mice, clarithromycin was administered during organogenesis (gestation day [GD] 6 to 15) at oral doses of 15, 60, 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg/day. Reduced body weight observed in dams at 1000 mg/kg/day (3 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] based on body surface area comparison) resulted in reduced survival and body weight of the fetuses. At ≥ 500 mg/kg/day, increases in the incidence of post-implantation loss and cleft palate in the fetuses were observed. No adverse developmental effects were observed in mice at ≤ 250 mg/kg/day (≤ 1 times MRHD based on body surface area comparison). In pregnant Sprague Dawley rats, clarithromycin was administered during organogenesis (GD 6 to 15) at oral doses of 15, 50, or 150 mg/kg/day. Reductions in body weight and food consumption was observed in dams at 150 mg/kg/day. Increased resorptions and reduced body weight of the fetuses at this dose were considered secondary to maternal toxicity. Additionally, at 150 mg/kg/day (1 times MRHD based on body surface area comparison), a low incidence of cardiovascular anomalies (complete situs inversus, undivided truncus, IV septal defect) was observed in the fetuses. Clarithromycin did not cause adverse developmental effects in rats at 50 mg/kg/day (0.3 times MRHD based on body surface area comparison). Intravenous dosing of clarithromycin during organogenesis in rats (GD 6 to 15) at 15, 50, or 160 mg/kg/day was associated with maternal toxicity (reduced body weight, body-weight gain, and food consumption) at 160 mg/kg/day but no evidence of adverse developmental effects at any dose (≤ 1 times MRHD based on body surface area comparison). In pregnant Wistar rat, clarithromycin was administered during organogenesis (GD 7 to 17) at oral doses of 10, 40, or 160 mg/kg/day. Reduced body weight and food consumption were observed in dams at 160 mg/kg/day but there was no evidence of adverse developmental effects at any dose (≤ 1 times MRHD based on body surface area comparison). In pregnant rabbits, clarithromycin administered during organogenesis (GD 6 to 18) at oral doses of 10, 35, or 125 mg/kg/day resulted in reduced maternal food consumption and decreased body weight at the highest dose, with no evidence of any adverse develo …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Clarithromycin is a macrolide antimicrobial drug [see Microbiology ( 12.4 )] .
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Clarithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antimicrobial for oral use. Chemically, it is 6- 0 ‐ methylerythromycin. The molecular formula is C 38 H 69 NO 13 , and the molecular weight is 747.96. The structural formula is: Figure 1: Structure of Clarithromycin Figure 1: Structure of Clarithromycin Clarithromycin is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is soluble in acetone, slightly soluble in methanol, ethanol, and acetonitrile, and practically insoluble in water. Clarithromycin tablets, USP are intended for oral administration and contain 500 mg of clarithromycin, USP. In addition, each clarithromycin tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, povidone, talc, and titanium dioxide. chemicalstructure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage of clarithromycin tablets can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Treat adverse reactions accompanying overdosage by the prompt elimination of unabsorbed drug and supportive measures. As with other macrolides, clarithromycin serum concentrations are not expected to be appreciably affected by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Clarithromycin tablets, USP 250 mg are white, oval-shaped, film-coated tablets, debossed GG C6 on one side and plain on the reverse side. NDC: 71335-1493-1: 20 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC: 71335-1493-2: 14 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC: 71335-1493-3: 30 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC: 71335-1493-4: 21 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC: 71335-1493-5: 28 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC: 71335-1493-6: 60 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC: 71335-1493-7: 90 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC: 71335-1493-8: 10 Tablets in a BOTTLE NDC: 71335-1493-9: 180 Tablets in a BOTTLE Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in a tight container as described in the USP. Protect from light. Repackaged/Relabeled by: Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. Burbank, CA 91504
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CLARITHROMYCIN. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50090-5282-0 | 50090-5282 | A-S Medication Solutions | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-5282-0) | October 22, 2020 |
| 50090-5282-1 | 50090-5282 | A-S Medication Solutions | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-5282-1) | October 22, 2020 |
| 50090-5282-2 | 50090-5282 | A-S Medication Solutions | 14 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-5282-2) | October 22, 2020 |
| 50090-5282-3 | 50090-5282 | A-S Medication Solutions | 28 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (50090-5282-3) | December 11, 2023 |
| 76420-051-14 | 76420-051 | Asclemed USA, Inc. | 14 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (76420-051-14) | October 20, 2020 |
| 76420-051-20 | 76420-051 | Asclemed USA, Inc. | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (76420-051-20) | October 20, 2020 |
| 71335-1493-1 | 71335-1493 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1493-1) | March 5, 2020 |
| 71335-1493-2 | 71335-1493 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 14 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1493-2) | July 22, 2020 |
| 71335-1493-3 | 71335-1493 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1493-3) | March 5, 2020 |
| 71335-1493-4 | 71335-1493 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 21 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1493-4) | April 7, 2022 |
| 71335-1493-5 | 71335-1493 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 28 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1493-5) | February 25, 2020 |
| 71335-1493-6 | 71335-1493 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1493-6) | May 11, 2021 |
| 71335-1493-7 | 71335-1493 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1493-7) | July 1, 2021 |
| 71335-1493-8 | 71335-1493 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 10 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1493-8) | June 1, 2020 |
| 71335-1493-9 | 71335-1493 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 180 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (71335-1493-9) | April 7, 2022 |
| 67046-1515-3 | 67046-1515 | Coupler LLC | 30 TABLET in 1 BLISTER PACK (67046-1515-3) | February 5, 2025 |
| 72189-299-10 | 72189-299 | DirectRx | 10 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72189-299-10) | December 2, 2021 |
| 72189-299-20 | 72189-299 | DirectRx | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72189-299-20) | December 2, 2021 |
| 72189-299-28 | 72189-299 | DirectRx | 28 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (72189-299-28) | December 2, 2021 |
| 51655-668-20 | 51655-668 | Northwind Health Company, LLC | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (51655-668-20) | April 3, 2023 |
| 51655-668-52 | 51655-668 | Northwind Health Company, LLC | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (51655-668-52) | May 10, 2023 |
| 43063-530-14 | 43063-530 | PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 14 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (43063-530-14) | September 30, 2013 |
| 43063-530-20 | 43063-530 | PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (43063-530-20) | September 30, 2013 |
| 82804-069-20 | 82804-069 | Proficient Rx LP | 20 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (82804-069-20) | February 1, 2024 |
| 82804-069-30 | 82804-069 | Proficient Rx LP | 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (82804-069-30) | February 1, 2024 |
| 82804-069-60 | 82804-069 | Proficient Rx LP | 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (82804-069-60) | February 1, 2024 |
| 82804-069-90 | 82804-069 | Proficient Rx LP | 90 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (82804-069-90) | February 1, 2024 |
| 0781-1961-60 | 0781-1961 | Sandoz Inc | 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (0781-1961-60) | October 18, 2005 |
| 0781-1962-60 | 0781-1962 | Sandoz Inc | 60 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (0781-1962-60) | August 25, 2005 |
| 50090-5282 | 50090-5282 | A-S Medication Solutions | — | August 25, 2005 |
| 76420-051 | 76420-051 | Asclemed USA, Inc. | — | August 25, 2005 |
| 71335-1493 | 71335-1493 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | August 25, 2005 |
| 67046-1515 | 67046-1515 | Coupler LLC | — | February 5, 2025 |
| 72189-299 | 72189-299 | DirectRx | — | December 2, 2021 |
| 51655-668 | 51655-668 | Northwind Health Company, LLC | — | April 3, 2023 |
| 43063-530 | 43063-530 | PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | August 25, 2005 |
| 82804-069 | 82804-069 | Proficient Rx LP | — | August 25, 2005 |
| 0781-1961 | 0781-1961 | Sandoz Inc | — | October 18, 2005 |
| 0781-1962 | 0781-1962 | Sandoz Inc | — | August 25, 2005 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.