Drug Study: Clarithromycin

NAME	CLASSIFICATION	DOSE	ACTION	CONTRAINDICATIONS	SIDE EFFECTS	RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic Name: Clarithromycin Brand Name: Biaxin	Classification: Macrolide antibiotic Indication: used to treat pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute maxillarysinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia (especially atypical pneumonias associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae or TWAR), skin and skin structure infections. In addition, it is sometimes used to treat Legionellosis, Helicobacter pylori, and lyme disease.	Dose: 2.7 mL Route: PO Frequency: Q12	Clarithromycin prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their protein synthesis. Clarithromycin binds to the subunit 50S of the bacterial ribosome and thus inhibits the translation ofpeptides. Clarithromycin has similar antimicrobial spectrum as erythromycin but is more effective against certain gram-negative bacteria, particularly Legionella pneumophila. Besides this bacteriostatic effect, clarithromycin also has bactericidal effect on certain strains such asHaemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.	·  Clarithromycin should be used with caution if the patient has liver or kidney disease, certain heart problems (e.g., QT prolongation or bradycardia), or an electrolyte imbalance (e.g., low potassium or sodium levels). ·  Clarithromycin is almost never used in HIV patients due to significant interaction with HIV drugs. ·  Clarithromycin is not to be used in pregnant patients. ·  Clarithromycin can also cause serotonin syndrome symptoms when taken in conjunction with buspirone (Buspar). ·  Clarithromycin almost doubles the level of carbamazepine in serum by reducing its clearance inducing toxic symptoms of Carbamazepine	·   Gastrointestinal: diarrhea, nausea, extreme irritability, abdominal pain and vomiting, facial swelling. ·   Headaches, hallucinations (auditory and visual), dizziness/motion sickness, rashes, alteration in senses of smell and taste, including a metallic taste that lasts the entire time one takes it. Dry mouth, panic and / or anxiety attacks and nightmares have also been reported albeit less frequently. ·   In more serious cases it has been known to cause jaundice, cirrhosis, and kidney problems including renal failure. Uneven heartbeats, chest pain, and shortness of breath	·       Culture infection before therapy. ·         Do not cut or crush, and ensure that patient does not chew ER tablets. ·         Monitor patient for anticipated response. ·         Administer without regard to meals; administer with food if GI effects occur. ·         Administer drug with food if GI effects occur. ·         Do not let patient drink grapefruit juice while taking this drug. ·         Shake suspension before use; do not refrigerate; do not cut, crush, or chew ER tablets; let patient swallow them whole.swallow them whole.