Common uses

Clarithromycin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication can also be used in combination with anti-ulcer medications to treat certain types of stomach ulcers. It may also be used to prevent certain bacterial infections. Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Before using

Before taking clarithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, azithromycin); or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should be used with caution if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: liver or kidney disease, certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, slow heartbeat, heart failure), low potassium or magnesium blood levels, family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Based on information for similar drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Directions

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, you may take it with food or milk.
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals, at the same time(s) each day.
The dosage and duration of therapy is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
If you are using this medication to treat an infection, continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
If you are taking this medication for the prevention of certain bacterial infections, take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's approval.

Cautions

Do not use Biaxin if you are also using any of the drugs listed below. They can interact with Biaxin and cause life-threatening heart rhythm disorders:
• astemizole (Hismanal);
• cisapride (Propulsid);
• ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray);
• pimozide (Orap); or
• terfenadine (Seldane).
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Biaxin is usually given for 7 to 14 days (or longer when treating stomach ulcer). Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Biaxin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Possible side effects

Serious side effects of this medicine include severe abdominal pain, fever, severe nausea and vomiting, unusual bleeding or bruising, watery or bloody diarrhea, yellow skin or eyes, or skin rash and itching. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.

Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include diarrhea, headache, nausea and vomiting, and change in taste. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

If you take too much

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a Biaxin overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

Additional information
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Drug interactions

Before taking Biaxin, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
• cilostazol (Pletal);
• bromocriptine (Parlodel);
• omeprazole (Prilosec);
• fluconazole (Diflucan);
• ranitidine bismuth citrate (Tritec);
• rifabutin (Mycobutin);
• sildenafil (Viagra);
• theophylline (Respbid, Theo-Dur, Theoclear, Theochron, Uniphyl);
• cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), or cerivastatin (Baycol);
• drugs that weaken your immune system, such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf), sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf), or steroids;
• heart rhythm medicine such as digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin), disopyramide (Norpace), or quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute);
• HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir) or zidovudine (Retrovir);
• a sedative such as alprazolam (Xanax), midazolam (Versed), or triazolam (Halcion); or
• seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Biaxin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Biaxin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.