Generic Name: clarithromycin



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.


What are the possible side effects of clarithromycin?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking clarithromycin and seek emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), or
liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take clarithromycin and talk to your doctor if you experience
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;
dizziness, fatigue, or headache;
vaginal yeast infection;
a rash; or
increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.


What other drugs will affect clarithromycin?
Clarithromycin may cause dangerous side effects when taken with the following drugs:
antihistamines such as terfenadine (Seldane) and astemizole (Hismanal);
seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene);
asthma medications such as theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron, others);
anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
heart medications for irregular heartbeats, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and disopyramide (Norpace);
Ergotamine (ergostat) or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.);
HMG-COA Reductase Inhibitors such as atorvastin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor) and others;
Benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium), triazolam (Halcion), alprazolam (Xanax) and others;
sildenafil (Viagra) or vardenafil (Levitra); or
other antibiotics. Do not use other antibiotics unless they are prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take clarithromycin without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with clarithromycin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines

What other drugs will affect cetirizine?
Cetirizine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and other antihistamines. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
While you are taking cetirizine, do not take other prescription or over-the-counter cough, cold, or allergy medications without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cetirizine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Disclaimer:
This information is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Be sure to contact your physician, pharmacist or other health care provider for more information about this medication.