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Why
is Biaxin prescribed?
Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections
caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis; and ear, lung,
sinus, stomach, skin, and throat infections. It also is used to
prevent disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection.
Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Biaxin is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
Biaxin : Full
Prescribing Information
How
should Biaxin be used?
Clarithromycin comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth. It
is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7-14 days. For
stomach infections, it is given every 8 hours (three times a day).
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take clarithromycin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less
of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
The tablets should be taken with a full glass of water.
Continue to take clarithromycin even if you feel well. Do not stop
taking clarithromycin without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking clarithromycin,
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clarithromycin,
azithromycin (Zithromax), dirithromycin (Dynabac), erythromycin,
or any other drugs.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, anticoagulants
('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), astemizole (Hismanal),
carbamazepine (Tegretol), cholesterol-lowering medications such
as lovastatin (Mevacor) or simvastatin (Zocor), cisapride (Propulsid),
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Lanoxin), disopyramide
(Norpace), ergotamine, felodipine (Plendil), lovastatin (Mevacor),
omeprazole (Prilosec), phenytoin (Dilantin), pimozide (Orap), tacrolimus
(Prograf), terfenadine (Seldane), theophylline (Theo-Dur), triazolam
(Halcion), and vitamins.
-- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver
disease, irregular heart beat, yellowing of the skin or eyes, colitis,
stomach problems or blood disease.
-- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking clarithromycin,
call your doctor.
-- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking clarithromycin.
What special dietary instructions should
I follow?
Clarithromycin may cause an upset stomach. Take clarithromycin with
food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What
side effects can Biaxin cause?
Although side effects from clarithromycin are not common, they can
occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do
not go away:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- stomach cramps
- mild skin rash
- stomach pain
- headache
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
- severe skin rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- wheezing
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- dark urine
- pale stools
- unusual tiredness
- vaginal infection
What storage conditions are needed for Biaxin?
Keep Biaxin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature and
away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep away
from light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer
needed. Keep liquid medicine at room temperature (do not refrigerate)
and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any unused medication
after 14 days. Do not freeze. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your
doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to clarithromycin.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is
probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection
after you finish the clarithromycin, call your doctor.
Biaxin : Full
Prescribing Information |
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