Clarithromycin

Some of the microbiological properties of clarithromycin appear to be superior to those of erythromycin. It exhibitsgreater potency against M. pneumoniae, Legionellaspp., Chlamydia pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalisthan does erythromycin. Clarithromycin also hasactivity against unusual pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi(the cause of Lyme disease) and the Mycobacteriumavium complex (MAC). Clarithromycin is significantly moreactive than erythromycin against group A streptococci, S.pneumoniae, and the viridans group of streptococci in vivobecause of its superior oral bioavailability. Clarithromycin is,however, more expensive than erythromycin, which must beweighed against its potentially greater effectiveness.