Abstract: AimTo develop a new method for the determination of clarithromycin. MethodsThe catalytic wave of clarithromycin in the presence of K₂S₂O₈ was used for improving the analytical sensitivity. The rapid determination of clarithromycin has been carried out by linear single sweep polarography. ResultsThe reduction wave of clarithromycin appeared at ca. -0.79 V (vs SCE) in 0.24 mol·L^-1 KH₂PO₄-Na₂HPO₄(pH 6.81) supporting electrolyte, which was ascribed to the reduction of carbonyl group on C-9 position. In the presence of 0.01 mol·L^-1 K₂S₂O₈, the reduction wave was catalyzed to produce a parallel catalytic wave. The peak current of the catalytic wave was ca. Twenty times higher than that of the corresponding reduction wave. Based on the catalytic wave, a new method for the determination of clarithromycin has been proposed. The peak current of the catalytic wave was rectilinear to clarithromycin concentration in the range of 4.0×10^-7-5.0×10^-5mol·L^-1. The detection limit was 2.0×10^-7 mol·L^-1. ConclusionThe proposed method could be used for the direct determination of clarithromycin in pharmaceuticals and urine without preliminary separation.