Generic Name: clarithromycin (kla RITH roe MYE sin)
Brand Names: Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak
What is clarithromycin?
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. Clarithromycin fights bacteria in your body.
Clarithromycin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections affecting the skin and respiratory system. Clarithromycin is also used together with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.
Clarithromycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about clarithromycin?
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking clarithromycin, or if you have liver or kidney disease and are also taking colchicine (Colcrys). Do not use clarithromycin if you are also using any of the drugs listed below. They can interact with clarithromycin and cause life-threatening heart rhythm disorders:
cisapride (Propulsid);
pimozide (Orap); or
ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray).
Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Clarithromycin is usually given for 7 to 14 days (or longer when treating stomach ulcer). Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Clarithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clarithromycin?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to clarithromycin or to similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), or telithromycin (Ketek). You should not use clarithromycin if you have a history of jaundice or liver problems caused by taking clarithromycin, or if you have liver or kidney disease and are also taking colchicine (Colcrys). Do not use clarithromycin if you are also using any of the drugs listed below. They can interact with clarithromycin and cause life-threatening heart rhythm disorders:
cisapride (Propulsid);
pimozide (Orap); or
ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray).
To make sure you can safely take clarithromycin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver disease;
kidney disease;
myasthenia gravis;
porphyria; or
a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether clarithromycin will harm an unborn baby. Before you take clarithromycin, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether clarithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 months of age.
How should I take clarithromycin?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
You may take clarithromycin tablets and oral suspension (liquid) with or without food.
Clarithromycin extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL) should be taken with food. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Clarithromycin is usually given for 7 to 14 days (or longer when treating stomach ulcer). Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Clarithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not keep the oral liquid in a refrigerator.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
What should I avoid while taking clarithromycin?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking clarithromycin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Clarithromycin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
uneven heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath;
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
problems with your hearing; or
severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Clarithromycin may also cause severe liver symptoms. Stop taking clarithromycin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms:
low fever, itching;
nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite;
dark urine, clay colored stools; or
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea;
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
tooth discoloration;
headache;
mild itching or rash; or
vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Clarithromycin Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Sinusitis:
clarithromycin 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 14 days
or
clarithromycin XL tablets 1000 mg every 24 hours for 14 days
Usual Adult Dose for Helicobacter pylori Infection:
500 mg orally 3 times a day for 14 days.
Usual Adult Dose for Bronchitis:
clarithromycin 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days
or
clarithromycin XL tablets 1000 mg orally every 24 hours for 7 days.
The initial dosages recommended for this patient with H. parainfluenzae bronchitis are:
clarithromycin 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 days
or
clarithromycin XL tablets 1000 mg orally every 24 hours for 7 days.
The initial dosages recommended for this patient with M. catarrhalis or S. pneumoniae bronchitis are:
clarithromycin 250 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days
or
clarithromycin XL tablets 1000 mg orally every 24 hours for 7 days.
Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis:
500 mg orally one hour before the procedure.
Usual Adult Dose for Legionella Pneumonia:
250 to 500 mg orally every 12 hours. Therapy should be continued for approximately 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.
Usual Adult Dose for Mycoplasma Pneumonia:
250 to 500 mg orally every 12 hours. Therapy should be continued for approximately 7 to 14 days depending on the nature and severity of the infection.
Usual Adult Dose for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection:
250 to 500 mg orally every 12 hours. Therapy should be continued for approximately 7 to 14 days depending on the nature and severity of the infection.
Usual Adult Dose for Nongonococcal Urethritis:
250 to 500 mg orally every 12 hours. Therapy should be continued for approximately 3 to 7 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.
Usual Adult Dose for Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare -- Prophylaxis:
500 mg orally every 12 hours. Therapy is usually required indefinitely, depending on this patient's tolerance of clarithromycin and immune status.
Usual Adult Dose for Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare -- Treatment:
500 mg orally every 12 hours. The duration of therapy for unresectable pulmonary infiltrates is generally 18 to 24 months for the treatment of pulmonary MAI and at least 12 months after sputum conversion. The duration of therapy for disseminated MAI is generally lifelong (as long as a clinical and microbiological response is documented).
Usual Adult Dose for Toxoplasmosis:
1 gram orally every 12 hours. Therapy should be continued for approximately 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the nature and severity of the infection. After completion of treatment, patients should begin life-long suppressive therapy with an appropriate agent.
Usual Adult Dose for Otitis Media:
250 to 500 mg orally every 12 hours. If Haemophilus influenzae is a suspected or documented pathogen the 500 mg dose is strongly recommended Therapy should be continued for approximately 10 to 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.
Usual Adult Dose for Pharyngitis:
250 to 500 mg orally every 12 hours. If Haemophilus influenzae is a suspected or documented pathogen the 500 mg dose is strongly recommended. Therapy should be continued for 10 days.
Usual Adult Dose for Pneumonia:
250 to 500 mg orally every 12 hours. If Haemophilus influenzae is a suspected or documented pathogen the 500 mg dose is strongly recommended. Therapy should be continued for 7 to 14 days for pneumococcal pneumonia and for 14 to 21 days for other infecting organisms. The duration of therapy depends on the nature and severity of the infection.
Usual Adult Dose for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection:
250 to 500 mg orally every 12 hours. If Haemophilus influenzae is a suspected or documented pathogen the 500 mg dose is strongly recommended. Therapy should be continued for approximately 7 to 14 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumonia:
15 mg/kg/day, orally, divided every 12 hours for 10 days.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Sinusitis:
15 mg/kg/day, orally, divided every 12 hours for 10 days.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Skin and Structure Infection:
15 mg/kg/day, orally, divided every 12 hours for 10 days.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Bronchitis:
15 mg/kg/day, orally, divided every 12 hours for 10 days.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare -- Prophylaxis:
HIV exposed or positive:
Primary prophylaxis: 7.5 mg/kg/dose (maximum: 500 mg/dose), orally, twice daily.
Secondary prophylaxis: 7.5 mg/kg/dose (maximum: 500 mg/dose), orally, twice daily, plus ethambutol, with or without rifabutin.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare -- Treatment:
Manufacturer's recommendation: 7.5 mg/kg/dose (maximum 500 mg/dose) orally twice daily. Safety of clarithromycin for MAC not studied in children under 20 months of age.
HIV exposed or positive:
7.5-15 mg/kg/dose (maximum: 500 mg/dose), orally, twice daily plus ethambutol, plus rifabutin (for severe disease).
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pertussis:
Children 1 to 5 months: 15 mg/kg/day, orally, divided every 12 hours for 7 days.
Children 6 months or older: 15 mg/kg/day, orally, divided every 12 hours for 7 days (maximum: 1 g/day).
Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis:
15 mg/kg, orally, 30 to 60 minutes before procedure (maximum: 500 mg).
What other drugs will affect clarithromycin?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
colchicine (Colcrys);
itraconazole (Sporanox);
omeprazole (Prilosec);
ranitidine bismuth citrate (Tritec);
sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra);
theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl);
tolterodine (Detrol);
any other antibiotic, especially rifabutin (Mycobutin) or rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rifamate);
cholesterol-lowering medicines such as atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev, Advicor), simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin), and others;
drugs that weaken your immune system, such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf), sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf), or steroids;
heart medication such as amlodipine (Norvasc, Caduet, Exforge, Lotrel, Tekamlo, Tribenzor, Twynsta, Amturnide), digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), disopyramide (Norpace), quinidine (Quin-G), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others;
HIV medicines such as atazanavir (Reyataz), efavirenz (Sustiva, Atripla), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra), saquinavir (Invirase), or zidovudine (Retrovir);
a sedative such as alprazolam (Xanax), midazolam (Versed), or triazolam (Halcion); or
seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene).
This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with clarithromycin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
More clarithromycin resources
- Clarithromycin Side Effects (in more detail)
- Clarithromycin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Clarithromycin Drug Interactions
- Clarithromycin Support Group
- 53 Reviews for Clarithromycin - Add your own review/rating
- clarithromycin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Clarithromycin Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Clarithromycin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Clarithromycin Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Clarithromycin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Biaxin Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Biaxin Consumer Overview
- Biaxin XL Extended-Release Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare clarithromycin with other medications
- Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention
- Bronchitis
- Dental Abscess
- Helicobacter Pylori Infection
- Legionella Pneumonia
- Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, Prophylaxis
- Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, Treatment
- Mycoplasma Pneumonia
- Nongonococcal Urethritis
- Otitis Media
- Pertussis
- Pharyngitis
- Pneumonia
- Sinusitis
- Skin and Structure Infection
- Skin Infection
- Strep Throat
- Toxoplasmosis
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about clarithromycin.
See also: clarithromycin side effects (in more detail)
No comments:
Post a Comment