Reptile · Centrochelys sulcata · typical adult weight 1.00–40.00 kg
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. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.215 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Clarithromycin is used in sulcata tortoises for Upper respiratory tract disease (mycoplasmosis). Routes documented in sulcata tortoises: PO. A typical adult sulcata tortoise weighs 1.00–40.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Clarithromycin in sulcata tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Biaxin
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 15 mg/kg | q84h | Upper respiratory tract disease (mycoplasmosis) | Weak | 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. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.215 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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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-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for sulcata tortoises may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Clarithromycin dose range in sulcata tortoises, with cited source references: PO 15 mg/kg q84h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Clarithromycin in sulcata tortoises: PO.
Clarithromycin is indicated in sulcata tortoises for: Upper respiratory tract disease (mycoplasmosis).
These are general warnings for Clarithromycin across species; consult the sulcata tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. GI upset common. Hepatotoxicity reported. Drug interactions via CYP3A4 inhibition. Bitter taste may reduce compliance.
Why a species-specific page? Clarithromycin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in sulcata tortoises — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.