The in vitro activity of clarithromycin alone and in combination with its primary human metabolite, 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin, was determined against 203 strains of Haemophilus influenzae. Microdilution broth MICs and MBCs of both clarithromycin and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin were determined. The clarithromycin MIC50 was 4 mg/l and the MIC90 was 8 mg/l. The hydroxy metabolite was 2-4-fold more active with an MIC50 and MIC90 of 2 mg/l. The MBCs were equal to the MICs. The microbicidal effect of combinations of clarithromycin and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin was tested using a microdilution checkerboard technique and the fractional inhibitory index was calculated. The combination was additive in 92% and synergistic in 8% of all strains of H. influenzae tested; no antagonism was found. The results were independent of the site of isolation of the strain or presence of beta-lactamase. These findings suggest the potential clinical utility of clarithromycin for the treatment of H. influenzae infections.