Biaxin 500mg. (30)

Clarithromycin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and infections of the ears, lungs, sinuses, skin, and throat. It also is used to prevent disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers. Clarithromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.  

How should this medicine be used ?

Clarithromycin comes as a tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. The regular tablet and liquid are usually taken with or without food every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7-14 days. The long-acting tablet is usually taken with food every 24 hours (once a day) for 7-14 days. To help you remember to take clarithromycin, take it around the same time every 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. Swallow the long-acting tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Take clarithromycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. Stopping clarithromycin too soon may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.  

What special precautions i should follow ?

Before taking clarithromycin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clarithromycin, azithromycin (Zithromax), dirithromycin (Dynabac), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin), or any other medications. do not take clarithromycin if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid), pimozide (Orap), or terfenadine (Seldane). tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin); alfentanil (Alfenta); astemizole (Hismanal); bromocriptine (Parlodel); carbamazepine (Tegretol); cholesterol-lowering medications such as lovastatin (Mevacor) and simvastatin (Zocor); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal); disopyramide (Norpace); ergotamine (Ergomar); fluconazole (Diflucan); nelfinavir (Viracept); omeprazole (Prilosec); phenytoin (Dilantin); rifabutin (Mycobutin); ritonavir (Norvir); tacrolimus (Prograf); theophylline (Theo-Dur); triazolam (Halcion); valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote); and zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease or irregular heartbeat. 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 immediately. Clarithromycin may harm the fetus.  

What special dietary instructions should i follow ?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.  

Clarithromycin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: diarrhea upset stomach abnormal taste stomach pain headache Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately: severe skin rash hives itching difficulty breathing or swallowing swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs hoarseness yellowing of the skin or eyes rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat Clarithromycin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.  

What storage conditions are needed for this medication ?

Keep this medication 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. 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 may order certain lab tests to check your bodys 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.  

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.