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== Why It's Prescribed ==
Doctors prescribe clarithromycin to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections.<ref>[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a692005.html Clarithromycin: Medline Plus Drug Information], Accessed September 2, 2010.</ref> Sometimes it is prescribed in combination with other drugs to treat H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers.
Labeled uses include:<ref>[http://www.medscape.com/druginfo/dosage?drugid=5030&drugname=Clarithromycin+Oral&monotype=default Clarithromycin Oral: Dosage, Uses, and Warnings], Accessed September 2, 2010.</ref> Acute Bacterial Maxillary Sinusitis, Acute Exacerbation of Obstructive Chronic Bronchitis by M. Catarrhalis, Acute Exacerbation of Obstructive Chronic Bronchitis by Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Acute Exacerbation of Obstructive Chronic Bronchitis due to H. Flu, Acute Maxillary Haemophilus Influenzae Sinusitis, Acute Maxillary Moraxella Catarrhalis Sinusitis, Acute Maxillary Streptococcus Pneumoniae Sinusitis, Acute Otitis Media Infection, Bacterial Pneumonia, Bronchitis with Bacterial Exacerbations, Chlamydial Pneumonia, Chronic Bronchitis with Bacterial Exacerbation, Disseminated Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infection, Haemophilus Influenzae Acute Otitis Media, Haemophilus Influenzae Bronchitis, Haemophilus Influenzae Pneumonia, Lower Respiratory Infections, Moraxella Catarrhalis Acute Otitis Media, Moraxella Catarrhalis Bronchitis, Mycoplasmal Pneumonia, Peptic Ulcer due to H. Pylori, Pharyngitis due to Streptococcus Pyogenes, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Prevention of Mycobacterium Avium Complex Disease, Skin and Skin Structure Infection, Skin and Skin Structure Streptoccous Pyogenes Infection, Staphylococcus Aureus Skin and Skin Structure Infection, Streptococcal Pneumonia, Streptococcal Tonsillitis, Streptococcus Acute Otitis Media, Streptococcus Pneumoniae Bronchitis, Upper Respiratory Infection
Additionally, it is used for the following unlabeled uses:<ref>[http://www.medscape.com/druginfo/dosage?drugid=5030&drugname=Clarithromycin+Oral&monotype=default Clarithromycin Oral: Dosage, Uses, and Warnings], Accessed September 2, 2010.</ref> Boutonneuse Fever, Gastrointestinal Anthrax, Inhaled Anthrax, Legionnaires' Disease, Lyme Disease, Pertussis, Prevention of Bacterial Endocarditis
== Form, Route, and Dosage ==
Clarithromycin is available as a tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a suspension (liquid) to take orally.<ref>[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a692005.html Clarithromycin: Medline Plus Drug Information], Accessed September 2, 2010.</ref> Clarithromycin is available as a suspension in the strengths 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml; as a tablet in the strengths 250mg and 500mg; and as an extended-release tablet in the strength 500mg.<ref>[http://www.drugstore.com Drugstore.com], Accessed September 2, 2010.</ref> The maximum adult dose is 1500mg per day.<ref>[http://www.medscape.com/druginfo/dosage?drugid=5030&drugname=Clarithromycin+Oral&monotype=default Clarithromycin Oral: Dosage, Uses, and Warnings], Accessed September 2, 2010.</ref>
== Risks ==
=== Side Effects ===
Patients taking Clarithromycin may experience side effects, such as the following:<ref>[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a692005.html Clarithromycin: Medline Plus Drug Information], Accessed September 2, 2010.</ref>
* diarrhea
* nausea
* heartburn
* abnormal taste
* stomach pain
* headache
* rash
* hives
* itching
* swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
* difficulty breathing or swallowing
* hoarseness
* blisters or red splotches on skin
* fever
* yellowing of the skin or eyes
* unusual bruising or bleeding
* pain in the upper right part of the stomach
* lack of energy
* flu-like symptoms
* fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
=== Overdoses ===
Taking too much clarithromycin may result in an overdose. Symptoms of overdose include:<ref>[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a692005.html Clarithromycin: Medline Plus Drug Information], Accessed September 2, 2010.</ref>
* stomach pain
* nausea
* vomiting
* diarrhea
== As a Pollutant ==
=== In Sewage Sludge ===
Clarithromycin has been found in [[sewage sludge]].
=== Breakdown in the Environment ===
===External articles===
[[category:Sludge Contaminants]][[category:Pharmaceuticals]]
