Generic Biaxin

Chemical Name: CLARITHROMYCIN

Common uses

This medicine is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

Before using

Do not take this medicine if you are taking the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal, interactions may occur: cisapride, pimozide, astemizole, or terfenadine. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting clarithromycin.

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking warfarin, live vaccines, theophylline, buspirone, carbamazepine, cyclosporine, digoxin, disopyramide, ergot alkaloids or ergoloid, tacrolimus, alprazolam, midazolam, omeprazole, rifampin, ritonavir, zidovudine, lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, cerivastatin, sildenafil, alfentanl, rifabutin, methylprednisolone, cilostazol, bromocriptine, valproate, or tolterodine. Other drugs besides clarithromycin, which may affect the heart rhythm (qtc prolongation in the ekg), include dofetilide, disopyramide, quinidine, droperidol, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. Qtc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other qtc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize this effect. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.

To clear up your infection completely, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. If moderate to severe diarrhea occurs during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. Do not take seldane (terfenadine), hismanal (astemizole), or cisapride while you are taking this medicine without first discussing it with your doctor. Use of this medicine during pregnancy may result in fetal harm. This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy except when no other antibiotics can be used. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bad taste in mouth, indigestion, stomach pain or discomfort, or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience emotional or mood changes, confusion, hallucinations, depression, nightmares, or trouble sleeping. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.