Clarithromycin

Synonyms / Brand Names: CLA, Clarithromycine, Clathromycin, Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Klacid, Klaricid, Macladin, Naxy, Veclam, Zeclar

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Dosing and Administration

BIAXIN Filmtab (clarithromycin tablets, USP) and BIAXIN Granules (clarithromycin for oral suspension, USP) may be given with or without food. BIAXIN XL Filmtab (clarithromycin extended-release tablets) should be taken with food. BIAXIN XL tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, broken or crushed.
Adult dosage guidelines
For pharyngitis/tonsillitis due to S. pyogenes:

250 mg (q12h) of BIAXIN tablets should be given for a duration of 10 days.

For acute maxillary sinusitis due to H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, and/or S. pneumonia:

500 mg (q12h) of BIAXIN tablets should be given for a duration of 14 days or
2 x 500 mg (q24h) of BIAXIN XL tablets should be given for a duration of 14 days.

For acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis due to H. influenzae, M catarrhalis, and/or S. pneumoniae:

500 mg (q12h) of BIAXIN tablets should be given for a duration of 7-14 days or
2 x 500 mg (q24h) of BIAXIN XL tablets should be given for a duration of 7 days.

For acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis due to H. parainfluenzae:

500 mg (q12h) of BIAXIN tablets should be given for a duration of 7 days or
2 x 500 mg (q24h) of BIAXIN XL tablets should be given for a duration of 7 days.

For community-acquired pneumonia due to H. influenzae:

250 mg (q12h) of BIAXIN tablets should be given for a duration of 7 days or
2 x 500 mg (q24h) of BIAXIN XL tablets should be given for a duration of 7 days.

For community-acquired pneumonia due to H. parainfluenzae and/or M. catarrhalis:

2 x 500 mg (q24h) of BIAXIN XL tablets should be given for a duration of 7 days.

For community-acquired pneumonia due to S. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, and/or M. pneumoniae:

250 mg (q12h) of BIAXIN tablets should be given for a duration of 7-14 days or
2 x 500 mg (q24h) of BIAXIN XL tablets should be given for a duration of 7 days.

For uncomplicated skin and skin structure due to S. aureus and/or S.pyogenes:

250 mg (q12h) of BIAXIN tablets should be given for a duration of 7 days.

For further dosage and administration instructions see Instructions for Administration.

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