Common uses

Rulide is macrolide antibiotics. Rulide fights bacteria in your body.
Rulide is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections affecting the skin and respiratory system. Rulide is also used together with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.
You may also use Rulide in the cases which are not mentioned above.

Before using

Do not use this medication if you are alleric to Clarithromycin - Generic Rulide or to similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax), dirithromycin (Dynabac), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), roxithromycin (Rulid, Surlid), or telithromycin (Ketek). Do not use Clarithromycin - Generic Rulide if you are also using any of the drugs listed below. They can interact with Clarithromycin - Generic Rulide 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).

Directions

Directly follow the instructions of your doctor while using Rulide. You should know about exact dose which you need to take. You may find it on the label on the medication.
Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Take Rulide tablets and oral supension (liquid) with or without food.
Rulide extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL) should be taken with food.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body.
Use special dose-measuring spoon or cup in order to get a required dose. Please, buy a dose-measuring device and do not use a regular tablespoon.
Rulide is usually given for 7 to 14 days (or longer when treating stomach ulcer).
Keep the tablets and capsules at room temperature guard it from moisture and heat. Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.

Cautions

If you are about to start taking any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Rulide. Tell all the doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Rulide.
Do not stop taking your tablets because you are feeling better, unless advised by your doctor.
If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, all of the bacteria causing your infection may not be killed. These bacteria may continue to grow and multiply so that your infection may not clear completely or it may return.
Do not give Rulide to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Do not use Rulide to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Possible side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
• uneven heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• problems with your hearing.

If you take too much

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a Clarithromycin - Generic Rulide overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
What should I avoid while taking Clarithromycin - Generic Rulide?
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.

Additional information

Do not use Clarithromycin - Generic Rulide if you are also using any of the drugs listed below. They can interact with Clarithromycin - Generic Rulide 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. Clarithromycin - Generic Rulide 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. Clarithromycin - Generic Rulide will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Drug interactions

Do not use Rulide if you have an allergy to Rulide or to similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax), dirithromycin (Dynabac), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), roxithromycin (Rulid, Surlid), or telithromycin (Ketek).
Following drugs may interact with Rulide. They even may 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).