Clarithromycin in the treatment of skin and skin structure infections: two multicenter clinical studies. Clarithromycin Study Group

Abstract

Background: Clarithromycin is a new macrolide analog of erythromycin with activity against a number of dermatologic pathogens.

Methods: The efficacy and safety of clarithromycin, 250 mg bid, were compared with those of reference drugs, cefadroxil and erythromycin, in two multicenter studies: (1) a randomized, double-blind 45-center study, in which clarithromycin or cefadroxil 500 mg bid was given for 5-14 days; and (2) a single-blind 31-center study, in which clarithromycin or erythromycin, 250 mg qid, was given for < or = 14 days.

Results: In the first study, efficacy and safety were evaluated in 299 and 538 patients, respectively. In the second study, the numbers were 141 and 261 patients, respectively. Overall, clarithromycin was as effective and safe as cefadroxil and erythromycin.

Conclusions: Clarithromycin provides an alternative therapy to cefadroxil and erythromycin for skin and skin structure infections, especially in beta-lactam allergic patients.