Processes for preparing clarithromycin polymorphs and novel polymorph IV

摘要

The present invention relates to processes for converting clarithromycin Form 0 to clarithromycin Form II, which include slurrying clarithromycin the Form 0 in water. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of clarithromycin Form II by converting erythromycin A to clarithromycin and thereafter converting clarithromycin Form 0 to clarithromycin Form II by slurrying. The present invention further relates to the novel clarithromycin polymorph Form IV, a process for its preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, and methods of using the compound as a therapeutic agent.