Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin (Biaxin, Klacid) is a macrolide antibiotic and a CYP3A4 substrate and inhibitor. Clarithromycin (Biaxin, Klacid) prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their protein synthesis. Clarithromycin (Biaxin, Klacid) binds to the subunit 50S of the bacterial ribosome and thus inhibits the translation of peptides. Clarithromycin (Biaxin, Klacid) has similar antimicrobial spectrum as erythromycin but is more effective against certain gram-negative bacteria, particularly Legionella pneumophila. Clarithromycin (Biaxin, Klacid) is used to treat pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia (especially atypical pneumonias associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae or TWAR), skin and skin structure infections. Besides, clarithromycin (Biaxin, Klacid)is a substrate and inhibitor of CYP3A4. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 may increase clarithromycin (Biaxin, Klacid) serum concentrations. Inducers of CYP3A4 substrates may decrease clarithromycin (Biaxin, Klacid) serum concentrations.