Clarithromycin
Also known as: Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Klacid, Klaricid, Maclar, Prevpak (combination)
Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat specific types of bacterial infections. * **Administration:** You can give this medication with or without food. If your pet vomits after taking it on an empty stomach, try giving future doses with a small treat or meal. * **Liquid Suspension:** If you are using the liquid form, **do not refrigerate it**. Keep it at room temperature. Shake well before each use, and throw away any leftover liquid after 14 days. * **Drug Interactions:** Clarithromycin can interact with many other medications. **Never** give your pet any new medications, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs without checking with your veterinarian first. * **Side Effects:** Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. In cats, you might occasionally notice redness of the skin or ears. Contact your vet if these occur.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Treatment of feline leprosy
- Treatment of Nocardia (N. nova) infections
- Treatment of H. pylori infections
- Treatment of M. tuberculosis-bovis variant infections
- Susceptible infections
- Treatment of Helicobacter mustelae infections
- Treatment of Helicobacter mustelae infections
- Treatment of Rhodococcus equi infection in foals
- Treatment of Rhodococcus equi infection in foals
- Treatment of severe or refractory cases of canine leproid granuloma syndrome
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea)
- Pinnal or generalized erythema (specifically noted in cats)
- Transient, mild BUN elevation
- Prolonged QT interval / torsades de pointes (rare)
- Hepatotoxicity (rare)
- Thrombocytopenia (rare)
- Pseudomembranous colitis secondary to Clostridium difficile (reported in humans)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, azithromycin)
- Concurrent use with cisapride (due to risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias)
- **Pregnancy & Lactation:** FDA Category C. High doses in animal studies showed some teratogenic effects (cleft palate, fetal growth retardation). Use only if benefits outweigh risks. Excreted into milk, though unlikely to be clinically significant. **Hepatic/Renal Impairment:** Use with caution; dose adjustments may be necessary in severe renal or hepatic dysfunction. **Drug Interactions:** Potent CYP3A inhibitor. Always review concurrent medications before prescribing.
Drug interactions
- Cisapride: Clarithromycin inhibits cisapride metabolism; concurrent use is contraindicated due to risk of severe cardiac arrhythmias.
- Fluconazole: May increase clarithromycin serum levels.
- Digoxin: Clarithromycin may increase serum levels of digoxin.
- Omeprazole: Concurrent use can increase the plasma levels of both drugs.
- Warfarin: May potentiate the effects of oral anticoagulant drugs.
- Zidovudine: Clarithromycin may decrease serum concentrations of zidovudine.
- CYP3A Substrates (Alfentanil, Bromocriptine, Buspirone, Carbamazepine, Methylprednisolone, Midazolam, Alprazolam, Triazolam, Rifabutin, Tacrolimus, Theophylline): Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A, potentially increasing plasma concentrations and toxicity of these drugs. Therapeutic monitoring or dose reduction may be required.
- Disopyramide: Increased levels and risk of prolonged QT interval.
- Quinidine: Increased levels and risk of prolonged QT interval.
Frequently asked questions
What is Clarithromycin used for in pets?
Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat specific types of bacterial infections. * **Administration:** You can give this medication with or without food. If your pet vomits after taking it on an empty stomach, try giving future doses with a small treat or meal. * **Liquid Suspension:** If you are using the liquid form, **do not refrigerate it**. Keep it at room temperature. Shake well before each use, and throw away any leftover liquid after 14 days. * **Drug Interactions:** Clarithromycin can interact with many other medications. **Never** give your pet any new medications, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs without checking with your veterinarian first. * **Side Effects:** Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. In cats, you might occasionally notice redness of the skin or ears. Contact your vet if these occur.
Is Clarithromycin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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