clarithromycin lactobionate at a glance
Medicine class
Macrolide antibiotic.
How it is given
Reconstituted, diluted and infused into a vein by a healthcare professional; never given as a bolus or into a muscle.
Usual licensed uses
Susceptible respiratory, sinus, throat, skin and soft-tissue bacterial infections requiring intravenous treatment.
Important interaction feature
Strongly inhibits CYP3A and can substantially alter exposure to several other medicines.
What is clarithromycin lactobionate used for?
This intravenous product is licensed for infections caused by clarithromycin-susceptible organisms when parenteral treatment is required.
Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
Community-acquired pneumonia
Adequately diagnosed acute bacterial sinusitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis
Skin and soft-tissue infections
How does clarithromycin lactobionate work?
It binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and interrupts production of proteins needed for bacterial growth. Its active 14-hydroxy metabolite also has antibacterial activity. It does not treat viral infections.
clarithromycin lactobionate preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 500 mg
How to take clarithromycin lactobionate
This formulation is prepared and administered by trained healthcare professionals, so food does not affect its administration.
The powder is reconstituted with sterile water and diluted in a compatible infusion fluid using aseptic technique.
It is infused slowly into a suitable vein, never as a rapid bolus or intramuscular injection.
Tell staff promptly if the infusion site becomes painful, tender, red or swollen.
clarithromycin lactobionate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain, tenderness, inflammation or phlebitis at the infusion site
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion or diarrhoea
- Altered taste or smell
- Headache or difficulty sleeping
- Increased sweating
- Oral thrush
- Changes in liver-function blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or swelling affecting the face, mouth, tongue or throat
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread skin reactions
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Jaundice, dark urine, pale stools or marked abdominal tenderness
- Severe, prolonged or bloody diarrhoea, including after treatment ends
- Severe abdominal or back pain suggesting pancreatitis
- Marked muscle pain or weakness, particularly with a statin
clarithromycin lactobionate in pregnancy
It may be used during pregnancy when a doctor considers it necessary, although another antibiotic may be more suitable. The prescriber should carefully balance the benefit of treating the infection against uncertain pregnancy risks, particularly earlier in pregnancy.
clarithromycin lactobionate while breastfeeding
It can be used with caution while breastfeeding a healthy, full-term infant. Only small amounts enter milk; monitor the baby for diarrhoea, vomiting, poor feeding, thrush, rash, irritability, altered sleep or sweating. Specialist advice is appropriate if the baby is premature or unwell.
clarithromycin lactobionate interactions
A complete medicines review is essential because some combinations are contraindicated and others require monitoring or adjustment.
Simvastatin or lovastatin
Contraindicated because increased statin exposure can cause myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
Colchicine
Contraindicated because potentially fatal colchicine toxicity can occur, especially with renal impairment or older age.
Domperidone, ivabradine and other specified QT-prolonging medicines
Certain combinations are contraindicated because they can provoke severe ventricular arrhythmias.
Common questions about clarithromycin lactobionate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is it given intravenously?
It is used when parenteral antibacterial treatment is needed, such as when oral administration is unsuitable.
Can it treat a viral infection?
No. It acts against susceptible bacteria and does not treat viruses.
Why can the infusion site hurt?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.