Clarithromycin (By Mouth)

Clarithromycin (kla-RITH-roe-mye-sin)

Treats infections that are caused by bacteria. This medicine is a macrolide antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Biaxin XL, Biaxin Filmtab, Biaxin, Prevpac
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or other macrolide antibiotics, or if you are also using Propulsid®, Orap®, or Seldane®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• You may take the medicine with or without food.
• Take the extended-release tablet (Biaxin® XL) with food or milk.
• Measure the oral liquid (Biaxin® Granules) with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. Shake the medicine well just before using. Use the oral liquid within 14 days after filling the prescription.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do NOT store the oral liquid in the refrigerator.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using theophylline, carbamazepine (Tegretol®), zidovudine (Retrovir®), ritonavir (Norvir®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), triazolam (Halcion®), astemizole (Hismanal®), cisapride (Propulsid®), dofetilide (Tikosyn®), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), ergot medicines (such as Cafergot®, Wigraine®), medicine to lower cholesterol (such as Lipitor®, Pravachol®, Zocor®), or diabetes medicine (insulin or oral medicine such as glipizide, glyburide, Amaryl®, Actos™, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, Glucophage®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of porphyria.
• Do not use this medicine for any infection that has not been checked by a doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Severe diarrhea (watery and may be bloody)
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Yellow skin or eyes, dark-colored urine or pale stools

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Change in the color of your teeth
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset
• Unusual taste in your mouth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.