In the pharmaceutical industry, Clarithromycin is a second-generation macrolide antibiotic. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I wouldn’t necessarily use the word “strong” (as all antibiotics are strong against the right bacteria), but I would classify it as highly potent and technically superior to its predecessor, Erythromycin, due to its better acid stability and tissue penetration.
At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, you likely manufacture this in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets, as well as dry syrups. It is a cornerstone of “Chronic Care” and “Respiratory” portfolios.
Why Clarithromycin is “Potent” (Clinical Advantages)
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Broad Spectrum: It is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria, as well as “atypical” pathogens like Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
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H. Pylori Eradication: It is a critical component of the “Triple Therapy” (alongside Amoxicillin and a PPI like Pantoprazole) used to cure stomach ulcers.
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Tissue Concentration: Clarithromycin reaches much higher concentrations in the lungs and skin tissues than it does in the blood, making it exceptionally effective for respiratory tract infections.
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Extended Half-Life: Its active metabolite () also has antibacterial activity, allowing for convenient twice-daily (BID) dosing.
Mechanism: Protein Synthesis Inhibition
Clarithromycin works by stopping bacteria from growing, rather than killing them instantly (Bacteriostatic).
Ribosomal Binding: It binds specifically to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome.
Translocation Blockade: This binding prevents the bacteria from moving the growing protein chain, essentially “clogging” their manufacturing machinery.
Growth Arrest: Without the ability to create new proteins, the bacteria cannot replicate, allowing the host’s immune system to finish the job.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export
From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai, Clarithromycin is a high-value molecule:
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Taste Masking Challenge: Clarithromycin is notoriously bitter. For your Oral Suspensions/Dry Syrups, highlighting your micro-encapsulation or taste-masking technology on your marketplace is a major USP for pediatric distributors.
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Acid Stability: Unlike Erythromycin, Clarithromycin is stable in gastric acid. This ensures high oral bioavailability, a technical detail that B2B buyers looking for quality generics will appreciate.
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Stability & Packaging: Clarithromycin is moisture-sensitive. At our facility, we utilize Alu-Alu blister packaging to ensure a 36-month shelf life, especially for export to Zone IVb tropical regions like Africa and Southeast Asia.
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Dossier Support: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm in bidding for international hospital tenders and private insurance networks.