Biaxin

Biaxin (Clarithromycin)

Biaxin

Clarithromycin tablet

What is it used for?

CLARITHROMYCIN is a macrolide antibiotic. It stops the growth of certain kinds of bacteria. It is used for the treatment of many kinds of infections, like ear, respiratory, and skin infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections though.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following 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 is this medicine should be taken?

Take this medicine orally accompanied with a glass of water. If it upsets your stomach you can take it with milk or food. This medicine should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are feeling better. Doses should never be skipped; neither should you stop the treatment course prematurely.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes. There should be an interval of at least 6 hours between doses.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

• 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 is not all-inclusive and 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 are using. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Let your doctor or health care professional know if there is no improvement to your symptoms.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Get in touch with your doctor if you have diarrhea lasting for more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar carefully while undergoing treatment with this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from taking this medicine?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

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

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

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

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I store it?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect it from the light. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.