GENERIC NAME: CLARITHROMYCIN EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS - ORAL (kla-RITH-row-MYE-sin)

BRAND NAME(S): Biaxin XL

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial respiratory tract infections. Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats 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.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with food, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this medication at the same time each day. The dosage and duration of therapy is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. 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.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, changes in taste, and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. A tablet may rarely appear in your stool. This is more likely to occur if you have certain intestinal disorders (e.g., ileostomy, colostomy, diarrhea). Contact your doctor or pharmacist for further instructions. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hearing loss, mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fainting, fast/irregular heartbeats, new signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin, unexplained change in the amount of urine. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.