Does Clarithromycin Use Lead to CV Events?

Use of the macrolide antibiotics erythromycin and azithromycin has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) death (JW Gen Med Sep 21 2004and JW Gen Med May 22 2012). In this prospective analysis of data from 3000 patients hospitalized with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), U.K. investigators determined whether use of another macrolide, clarithromycin, is associated with CV risk.

During 1 year of follow-up, 20% of COPD patients and 10% of CAP patients were hospitalized for adverse CV events (e.g., acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmia). Adjusted analysis showed that, compared with non-use, clarithromycin use in the COPD group was associated with significa…