Clarithromycin is a new macrolide antibiotic that is active in vitro against a variety of organisms that are responsible for acute otitis media in children. The parent compound is metabolized to microbiologically active 14-hydroxy clarithromycin, which is especially active against Haemophilus influenzae. The safety and efficacy of clarithromycin and amoxicillin suspensions were compared in the treatment of acute otitis media in children 1 to 12 years of age inclusive. This was a Phase III, single blind (investigator-blind), randomized, multicenter clinical trial. Clarithromycin oral suspension was given in a dose of 7.5 mg/kg (maximum, 500 mg) twice daily, and amoxicillin suspension in a dose of 20 mg/kg (maximum, 750 mg) was given twice daily for 7 to 10 days in a 1:1 ratio. Clinical evaluations were performed pretreatment, within 48 hours posttreatment and 10 to 14 days posttreatment. Myringotomy was performed in every child to obtain a microbiologic sample pretreatment and at subsequent visits as clinically indicated. A total of 79 children were enrolled, 39 in the clarithromycin and 40 in the amoxicillin treatment group. Thirty-two children were excluded from the efficacy analysis for various reasons. Clinical success (cure and improvement) rates at 0 to 4 days posttreatment were 93% for clarithromycin and 90% for amoxicillin (P > 0.999). Altogether 17 children (10 receiving clarithromycin, 7 receiving amoxicillin) experienced some adverse event, with gastrointestinal disorders being the most common complaint. No clinically significant differences in laboratory tests were found between the groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)