Use of Clarithromycin in Mustard-Induced Bronchiolitis

Phase III, Randomized, Double Blind Study of Low Dose Long Term Clarithromycin Versus Placebo in Treatment of Chronic Pulmonary Lesions Due to Sulfur Mustard

We looked for the effectiveness of low-dose long-term prescription of clarithromycin in mustard-induced chronic pulmonary lesions, especially bronchiolitis obliterans

Inclusion Criteria:

• His/her own will to participate
• Documented chemical exposure
• Clinical, spirometric and radiological findings were compatible with BO on High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT)

Exclusion Criteria:

• any drug reactions during the trial
• history of sensitivity to macrolides
• diarrhea, gray stool, jaundice, eosinophilia, acute cholestatic hepatitis, pruritis, dark urine, abdominal pain, osteomatosis, depression, taste change, behavioural changes, early fatigue, odynophagia, glossitis , dizziness
• co-adminstration of: terfenadine, theophylline, carbamazepine, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, warfarin, cisapride, digoxin, triazolam, phenytoin, steroids, any immunosuppressive, any systemic antibiotics
• using drugs that he/she cannot discontinue
• using drugs with potential interaction
• subject will to exit from the trial
• history of lobe resection of lung
• history of exacerbation in the last month prior to the beginning of trial
• continuous need to oxygen
• use of corticosteroids in last week prior to the trial beginning
• Radiographic evidence of pneumonia, active tuberculosis, lung carcinoma, or an infection that necessitated the use of an antibiotic
• exacerbating of subjects
• creatinine srum level more than normal
• increasing ALT, AST levels
• total bilirubin more twice than normal
• subjects who did not use their drugs properly