Clarithromycin-induced hypomania in a child - a case report.

OBJECTIVE

We report here a child developing hypomania while treated with clarithromycin.

METHOD: Case report.

RESULTS

A 3-year-old boy was treated for pneumonia with oral clarithromycin in monotherapy. The boy became somewhat hyperactive and irritable after the second dose. After the third dose he presented with psychomotor agitation, pressured speech, irritability, aggressive behaviour and insomnia. The antibiotic was identified as the only possible cause of the described clinical picture and was discontinued immediately. The hypomanic symptoms subsided gradually over 36 h.

CONCLUSION

Commonly-used medications can produce uncommon adverse reactions. Clinicians, especially general practitioners, pediatricians, as well as child and adolescent psychiatrists ought to be aware of such a possibility when evaluating a child with suddenly changed behaviour.