Generic Name: clarithromycin

Brand Names: Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak

What is this medicine?

CLARITHROMYCIN (kla RITH roe mye sin) is a macrolide antibiotic. It is used to treat or prevent certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bowel disease, like colitis
• irregular heartbeat or heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to clarithromycin, other macrolide antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this suspension by mouth with a glass of water. If it upsets your stomach you can take it with milk or food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you don't have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Bottles of suspension may contain more liquid than you need to take. Follow your doctors instructions about how much to take and for how many days to take it. Do not take more medicine than directed. But, finish all the medicine that is prescribed even if you think you are better.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• carbamazepine
• cisapride
• colchicine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, ketoconazole and itraconazole
• medicines for sleep or anxiety like alprazolam or triazolam
• some medicines for headaches like ergotamine or dihydroergotamine
• some medicines for high cholesterol like atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin
• some medicines for irregular heart rhythm like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine
• omeprazole
• other antibiotics like grepafloxacin or sparfloxacin
• pimozide
• rifabutin
• ritonavir
• sildenafil
• terfenadine
• theophylline
• warfarin
• zidovudine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar carefully while on this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• irregular heartbeat or chest pain
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• abnormal taste
• anxiety, confusion, or nightmares
• diarrhea
• headache
• intestinal gas
• stomach upset or nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do NOT refrigerate or freeze. Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.