* Generic Name: clarithromycin
* Brand Name: Biaxin, Biaxin XL
* What is clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
* What are the possible side effects of clarithromycin (Biaxin,
Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
* How should I take clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin
XL-Pak)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin
XL-Pak)?
* What happens if I overdose (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
* What should I avoid while taking clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin
XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
* What other drugs will affect clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL,
Biaxin XL-Pak)?
* Where can I get more information (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin
XL-Pak)?
What is clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that fights
bacteria in your body.
Clarithromycin is used to treat many different types of bacterial
infections affecting the skin and respiratory system.
Clarithromycin is also used together with other medicines to treat
stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.
Clarithromycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL,
Biaxin XL-Pak)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction
(hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a
severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes,
skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering
and peeling).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
* fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of
breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
* confusion, spinning sensation;
* liver problems--loss of appetite, upper stomach pain,
tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
(yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
* kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or
ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
If you've ever had heart problems, clarithromycin may cause a heart
attack or stroke years after you've taken this medicine. Seek medical
attention right away if you have chest pain spreading to your jaw or
shoulder, trouble breathing, slurred speech, or sudden numbness or
weakness on one side of your body.
Older adults may be more likely to have heart rhythm side effects,
including a life-threatening fast heart rate.
Common side effects may include:
* stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
* diarrhea; or
* unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about clarithromycin
(Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clarithromycin
or similar antibiotics, if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems
caused by taking clarithromycin, or if you have liver or kidney disease
and are also taking colchicine.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
stop using. Many drugs can interact with clarithromycin, and some drugs
should not be used together.
Biaxin Patient Information including How Should I Take
Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us
Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
RxList
Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment
Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clarithromycin
or similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Pak,
Zmax), erythromycin, or telithromycin, or if:
* you have had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking
clarithromycin; or
* you have liver or kidney disease and you also take a medicine
called colchicine.
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with
clarithromycin. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also
use:
* cisapride;
* pimozide;
* lovastatin or simvastatin; or
* ergotamine or dihydroergotamine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
* heart problems;
* long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
* coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
* myasthenia gravis;
* liver disease;
* kidney disease;
* diabetes; or
* an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium
or magnesium in your blood).
Clarithromycin may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to
prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor
if you become pregnant.
In animal studies, clarithromycin caused birth defects. However, it
is not known whether these effects would occur in humans. Ask your
doctor about your risk.
It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this
medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
Clarithromycin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months
old.
How should I take clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all
medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as
directed.
Do not use clarithromycin to treat any condition that has not been
checked by your doctor. Do not share this medicine with another person,
even if they have the same symptoms you have.
You may take clarithromycin regular tablets and oral suspension
(liquid) with or without food.
Clarithromycin extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL) should be taken
with food.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it
whole.
Shake the oral liquid before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe
provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen
spoon).
Clarithromycin is usually given for 7 to 14 days. Use this medicine for
the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly
improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is
resistant to medication. Clarithromycin will not treat a viral
infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature, away
from moisture, heat, and light.
Do not keep the oral liquid in a refrigerator. Throw away any liquid
that has not been used within 14 days.
If your infection is treated with a combination of drugs, use all
medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or
medication schedule without your doctor's advice.
Biaxin Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us
Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
RxList
Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment
Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures
What happens if I miss a dose (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is
almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or
diarrhea.
What should I avoid while taking clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin
XL-Pak)?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new
infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your
doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you
to.
What other drugs will affect clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin
XL-Pak)?
When you start or stop taking clarithromycin, your doctor may need to
adjust the doses of any other medicines you take on a regular basis.
Clarithromycin can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be
higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections,
asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression,
mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.
Many drugs can interact with clarithromycin, and some drugs should not
be used together. This includes prescription and over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions
are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all your
current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about clarithromycin.
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