Clarithromycin

Abstract

Clarithromycin Thrombophlebitis in an elderly patient: case reportA 72-year-old man developed thrombophlebitis following treatment with clarithromycin [therapeutic indication not stated].The man was scheduled for corrective surgery for an umbilical hernia; anaesthesia was maintained with propofol and fentanyl, and morphine was administered during surgery. IV clarithromycin [dosage not stated] was administered intraoperatively due to a penicillin allergy. Left hand discolouration, venous engorgement, was noted after a short stay in recovery [duration of treatment to reaction onset not stated]. Rapid capillary refill was observed, and the IV cannula, located dorsally in the hand, was removed. Additional inflammation moving up the cephalic vein of the left forearm was observed on re-examination, and he was diagnosed with thrombophlebitis secondary to IV clarithromycin.Heparin was initiated, and the man's thrombophlebitis resolved the next day.Author comment: "Localized tenderness and phlebitis are both recognized in the British National Formulary as known side effects of IV clarithromycin administration."Ratcliffe AT, et al. Intravenous macrolide use: A reminder of the dangers of rapid infusion rates.