This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Clarithromycin Consumer Information
CLARITHROMYCIN
Generic Name: clarithromycin (kla rith roe MYE sin)
Brand Names: Biaxin, Biaxin XL
What is the most important information I should know about clarithromycin?
- Take all of the clarithromycin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Do not take clarithromycin if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), or terfenadine (Seldane). These medicines can interact, possibly leading to a dangerous irregular heartbeat pattern.
What is clarithromycin?
- Clarithromycin is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Clarithromycin fights bacteria in your body.
- Clarithromycin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis, skin infections, and stomach ulcers caused by bacteria.
- Clarithromycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take clarithromycin?
- Do not take clarithromycin if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), or terfenadine (Seldane). These medicines can interact, possibly leading to a dangerous irregular heartbeat pattern.
- Before taking clarithromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. You may not be able to take clarithromycin, or you may require a lower dose and special monitoring during therapy.
- Clarithromycin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether clarithromycin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take clarithromycin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is not known whether clarithromycin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take clarithromycin?
- Take clarithromycin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
- Clarithromycin can be taken with food or milk or on an empty stomach.
- Take extended release clarithromycin (Biaxin XL) with food.
- Clarithromycin is usually taken two times a day with the doses about 12 hours apart. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Shake the suspension well before measuring each dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring dropper, cup, or spoon, not a regular tablespoon. Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring device if you do not have one.
- Take all of the clarithromycin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate the suspension.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of an clarithromycin overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
What should I avoid while taking clarithromycin?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Clarithromycin may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.