A case of clarithromycin psychosis

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Antibiotic-induced adverse drug reactions can manifest in various ways.
• Psychiatric side effects of antibiotics are uncommon but significant.
• Clarithromycin is a widely used macrolide antibiotic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of immediate psychotic reaction to intravenous clarithromycin.
• To highlight the importance of recognizing this adverse drug event.
• To discuss the management and recovery from antibiotic-induced psychosis.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 19-year-old female patient.
• Clinical observation of adverse drug reaction following clarithromycin administration.
• Treatment with atypical antipsychotics and psychiatric hospitalization.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced an immediate psychotic reaction post-intravenous clarithromycin.
• Psychotic symptoms resolved with atypical antipsychotic treatment.
• Full recovery was achieved after one year without ongoing medication.

Conclusions:

• Intravenous clarithromycin can rarely induce immediate psychotic reactions.
• Early recognition and appropriate psychiatric management are crucial.
• Complete recovery from this rare side effect is possible.