Please note: This is for information only.

Refer to local guidelines for treatment recommendations.

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• A macrolide antibiotic similar to clarithromycin
• Usual adult dose
• Oral: 250-500mg qds (up to 1g qds in severe infections)
• IV: Not used at GHNHSFT; clarithromycin is the preferred macrolide for IV use.
• No dosage reduction necessary if renal impairment.
• Coated tablets are needed to aid oral absorption by protecting from gastric acid.
• Oral administration often results in gastro-intestinal disturbance.
• IV infusions invariably produce thrombophlebitis.
• Moderate risk of C difficile associated diarrhoea if given to elderly patients.

Main Indications

• As an alternative to Penicillins for Penicillin-allergic patients
• Whooping cough
• Campylobacter enteritis
• Active against most strains of:
• Staphylococcus aureus (not MRSA)
• Group A Streptococci
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Group B streptococci
• Pathogens causing atypical pneumonia (Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis)
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Campylobacter spp
• Helicobacter pylori

Not active against most strains of:

• MRSA
• Enterococci
• Anaerobes
• Haemophilus influenzae