Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CLARITHROMYCIN versus E E S.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CLARITHROMYCIN versus E E S.
CLARITHROMYCIN vs E.E.S.
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Clarithromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, specifically to the 23S rRNA component, blocking peptide chain elongation and exerting bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects depending on concentration and organism.
Erythromycin (E.E.S.) binds to the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting peptide chain elongation and protein synthesis. It also exhibits prokinetic effects on the gastrointestinal tract via motilin receptor agonism.
250-500 mg orally twice daily for 7-14 days; for MAC infection: 500 mg twice daily.
250-500 mg every 6 hours orally or 15-20 mg/kg/day IV divided every 6 hours.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateClarithromycin + Levofloxacin
"Clarithromycin may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Levofloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateClarithromycin + Norfloxacin
"Clarithromycin may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Norfloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateClarithromycin + Gemifloxacin
"Clarithromycin may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Gemifloxacin."
Clinical Note
moderateClarithromycin + Haloperidol
Terminal elimination half-life: 5-7 hours in adults with normal renal function; prolonged to 8-12 hours in moderate to severe renal impairment; clinical context: allows twice-daily dosing; active metabolite (14-hydroxyclarithromycin) half-life similar.
1.5-2 hours in adults with normal renal function; prolonged to 4-6 hours in patients with hepatic impairment; may be shorter in children.
Renal: approximately 30-40% unchanged; biliary/fecal: approximately 40-50% as metabolites; total renal clearance accounts for about 30-40% of dose; hepatic metabolism contributes to elimination; dose adjustment required in severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min).
Primarily hepatic (biliary) excretion of unchanged drug and active metabolites; approximately 15% of an oral dose is excreted unchanged in urine. The remainder is eliminated via feces as unchanged drug and metabolites.
Category C
Category C
Macrolide Antibiotic
Macrolide Antibiotic
"Clarithromycin may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Haloperidol."