Formulations of clarithromycin extended-release drug

The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition with extended release of an erythromycin derivative in the gastrointestinal environment. The composition comprises an erythromycin derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer so that when ingested orally, the composition induces statistically C {sub, max} significantly lower in the plasma an immediate release composition of the erythromycin derivative while matiene bioavailability and at least substantially equivalent to the immediate release composition of the erythromycin derivative in multiple dosing concentration. The compositions of the invention have an improved taste profile and improved gastrointestinal side effects compared to the immediate release composition.