Clarithromycin

Macrolide antibacterial

For more detailed drug information, see Clarithromycin in the AMH.

Dosage – Clarithromycin

Length of course depends on the infection and its response to treatment.

Bacterial infections

1 month – 18 years, oral 7.5 mg/kg (maximum 500 mg) twice daily (usual adult dose 250–500 mg twice daily).

Atypical mycobacterial infections

Seek advice from a paediatric infectious diseases physician.

1 month – 18 years, oral 7.5–15 mg/kg (maximum 500 mg) twice daily with other agents.

Helicobacter pylori eradication

Seek paediatric gastroenterologist advice.

1–18 years, oral 7.5 mg/kg (maximum 500 mg) twice daily (with a PPI and another antibacterial).

Pertussis treatment and prevention

1 month – 18 years, oral 7.5 mg/kg (maximum 500 mg) twice daily for 7 days.

Off-label use

Product information does not include doses for prevention and treatment of pertussis, or for eradication of H. pylori in children <12 years.

Practice points

• consider dosage adjustment in renal impairment

Products

Search for Clarithromycin on the PBS

• tab, 250 mg, 14, Clarithro, Kalixocin, Klacid, PBS

• tab, 250 mg (scored), 14, Clarithromycin^a, PBS

• oral liquid, 50 mg/mL (powder), 50 mL, Klacid, PBS‑R¹

¹ pertussis; atypical mycobacterial infections

^a generic brands available