Abstract

Clarithromycin As A Pleural Sclerosing Agent in Rabbits Local inflammation and chemical phlebitis are the complications of clarithromycin administration via a peripheral vein. This feature of the drug may cause the same effect into the pleural space. We tested the tolerability and effectiveness of clarithromycin as a pleural sclerosing agent in an animal model. Clarithromycin at a dose of 15mg/kg was given into the pleural space of ten rabbits and ten more rabbits received bleomycin 1mg/kg as control. No animal loss has occured. The rabbits were sacrificed 28 days after the injections and pleural space is macroscopically and microscopically examined. The macroscopic examination showed evidence of inflammation and fibrin deposition in two and few scattered adhesions in four of ten rabbits that received clarithromycin. Thickening of visceral pleura and fibrosis at different degrees were detected in 8 of ten rabbits in the microscopic examination of clarithromycin-administrated animals. On macroscopic observation the density of the adhesions in the pleural space was significantly less in bleomycin group (p< 0.05). Our results suggest that clarithromycin is a well-tolerated agent for pleurodesis and is more effective than bleomycin in creating fibrosis in rabbits.