Clarithromycin Cost Information Not Available in Clinical Guidelines
The provided clinical guidelines and evidence do not contain pricing or cost-per-dose information for clarithromycin. The evidence focuses exclusively on clinical dosing recommendations, efficacy, and safety data rather than pharmaceutical pricing.
Standard Dosing Regimens for Context
While cost data is absent, the clinical dosing for clarithromycin in your patient scenario (elderly with influenza-related pneumonia) would be:
For Influenza-Related Pneumonia in Elderly Patients
Clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily (oral or IV) is the recommended dose for pneumonia complicating influenza in penicillin-allergic patients. 1
- Oral dosing: 500 mg twice daily 1
- IV dosing: 500 mg twice daily if oral route inappropriate 1
- Duration: Typically 7-10 days, minimum 5 days and until afebrile for 48-72 hours 2
Clinical Context for This Patient
For an elderly patient (165 pounds/75 kg) with severe influenza-related pneumonia:
- Clarithromycin serves as an alternative to co-amoxiclav for those with penicillin allergy 1
- Should be combined with oseltamivir for antiviral coverage 2
- Provides coverage against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, and Staph. aureus 1, 3
Where to Find Pricing
Pharmaceutical pricing must be obtained from:
- Local pharmacy benefit managers
- Hospital formulary departments
- Wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) databases
- Insurance-specific pricing structures
Pricing varies significantly based on:
- Generic vs. brand formulation
- Insurance coverage and formularies
- Geographic location and pharmacy
- Institutional vs. retail pricing
The clinical evidence provided addresses therapeutic efficacy and safety but does not include economic or cost-effectiveness data for clarithromycin. 1, 3