An unreported side effect of topical clarithromycin when used successfully to treat Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare keratitis.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) keratitis successfully treated with topical clarithromycin. An unreported side effect of the topical medication is described.


METHODS
A regular follow-up in the corneal clinic was arranged, and a pertinent literature search performed.


RESULTS
The use of topical clarithromycin was successful in treating the keratitis. The patient did not complain of any ocular discomfort. Corneal subepithelial deposits that appeared during treatment with clarithromycin resolved shortly after the therapy was discontinued.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report demonstrates that a rare infection like MAI keratitis can be successfully treated with topical clarithromycin. It also highlights the possible corneal deposition of this drug, which resolved after cessation of therapy.
Tyagi
A K
AK
Birmingham & Midland Eye Centre, City Hospital NHS Trust, England, UK. ajaityagi@yahoo.com
Kayarkar
V V
VV
McDonnell
P J
PJ
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015270:Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017291:Clarithromycin