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Questions and Answers
What class does clarithromycin belong to?
What class does clarithromycin belong to?
macrolide antibiotic
What is clarithromycin indicated for?
What is clarithromycin indicated for?
Helicobacter pylori eradication, respiratory tract infections, otitis media, mycobacterium infections
What is the mechanism of action of clarithromycin?
What is the mechanism of action of clarithromycin?
It binds reversibly to the 50S ribosomal subunit and blocks polypeptide synthesis.
What is the half-life of clarithromycin?
What is the half-life of clarithromycin?
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What are some other interesting pharmacokinetic factors of clarithromycin?
What are some other interesting pharmacokinetic factors of clarithromycin?
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What are some relevant precautions of clarithromycin?
What are some relevant precautions of clarithromycin?
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What are some relevant contraindications of clarithromycin?
What are some relevant contraindications of clarithromycin?
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What are some common side effects of clarithromycin?
What are some common side effects of clarithromycin?
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What are some serious side effects of clarithromycin?
What are some serious side effects of clarithromycin?
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What are some important interactions of clarithromycin?
What are some important interactions of clarithromycin?
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What dose adjustment needs to be made in people with renal impairment?
What dose adjustment needs to be made in people with renal impairment?
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Study Notes
Clarithromycin Overview
- Clarithromycin is classified as a macrolide antibiotic, effective against various bacterial infections.
Indications
- Used for:
- Eradication of Helicobacter pylori
- Respiratory tract infections
- Otitis media
- Mycobacterial infections
Mechanism of Action
- Binds reversibly to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting polypeptide synthesis.
- Features an active hydroxy metabolite that works synergistically with the parent compound.
Pharmacokinetics
- Half-life varies with dosage:
- Approximately 5-7 hours for standard doses.
- 3-4 hours for smaller doses.
- Exhibits a volume of distribution (Vd) of 243-266 L.
- Bioavailability is about 55%.
- Absorption is delayed by food consumption.
Precautions
- Use with caution in:
- Patients predisposed to QT prolongation (e.g., electrolyte disturbances).
- Neonates under 2 weeks.
- Patients on warfarin (monitor INR three days after initiating treatment).
- Individuals with acute porphyria.
Contraindications
- Avoid in:
- Individuals with a history of QT prolongation or ventricular arrhythmias.
- Concomitant use with ergot derivatives or colchicine in those with renal/hepatic impairment.
- Patients using simvastatin or lovastatin.
Common Side Effects
- May experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Headaches
- Taste disturbances
Serious Side Effects
- Potentially severe risks include:
- Neutropenia
- QT interval prolongation
- Hepatotoxicity
Drug Interactions
- Notable interactions include:
- Simvastatin and lovastatin
- Ergot derivatives
- Warfarin
- Colchicine
Renal Impairment Considerations
- For patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m²:
- Reduce the usual dose by half.
- Limit treatment duration to a maximum of 14 days.
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Description
Test your knowledge of clarithromycin with these flashcards. Learn about its class, indications, and mechanism of action. Ideal for students studying pharmacology or medicine.
