ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/clarithromycin
US brand names:Biaxin
Clarithromycin is dosed at 15 mg/kg PO q84h in sulcata tortoises, per WimsattJ, Tothill A, Offermann CF, et al. Long-term and per-rectum disposition of clarithromycin in the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci; 2008:41-45. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.215 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.1 (Antimicrobial Agents Used in Reptiles.a,b). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Binds 50S ribosomal subunit inhibiting protein synthesis. Enhanced tissue penetration and intracellular activity compared to erythromycin.
GI upset common. Hepatotoxicity reported. Drug interactions via CYP3A4 inhibition. Bitter taste may reduce compliance.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll African Pygmy Hedgehog drugsAll Canary drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Chinchilla drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugsAll Sulcata Tortoise drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 8 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 7.5 mg/kg | q12h | Moderate | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.305 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.278, Clarithromycin monograph spanning p.276-278; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q12h | Moderate | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.305 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.278, Clarithromycin monograph spanning p.276-278; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.