Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2005; 7(4):369-392
Clarithromycin – 14-membered macrolide antibiotic that has been used in clinical practice since 1991. This review presents up-to-date data on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, safety profile of clarithromycin, including its novel formulations. The main indications for use, results of comparative clinical trials of clarithromycin in community-acquired pneumonia, COPD, acute sinusitis, streptococcal tonsillitis/pharyngitis, as well as the efficacy of clarithromycin-based Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens are considered. Anti-inflammatory activity, immune-modulating and mucolytic effects of clarithromycin, and potential for the clinical use of nonantimicrobial effects of clarithromycin are also discussed.