What is the most important information I should know about clarithromycin?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clarithromycin or similar antibiotics, 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.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact with clarithromycin, and some drugs should not be used together.
What is clarithromycin?
Clarithromycin is an antibiotic that 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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clarithromycin?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clarithromycin or similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Pak, Zmax), erythromycin, or telithromycin, or if:
- you have had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking clarithromycin; or
- you have liver or kidney disease and you also take a medicine called colchicine.
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with clarithromycin. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:
- cisapride;
- lomitapide;
- pimozide;
- lovastatin or simvastatin; or
- ergotamine or dihydroergotamine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems;
- long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
- coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
- myasthenia gravis;
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
- diabetes; or
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).
Clarithromycin may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
In animal studies, clarithromycin caused birth defects. However, it is not known whether these effects would occur in humans. Ask your doctor about your risk.
It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
Clarithromycin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old.
How should I take clarithromycin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not use clarithromycin to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
You may take clarithromycin regular 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.
Shake the oral liquid before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Clarithromycin is usually given for 7 to 14 days. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Clarithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
Do not keep the oral liquid in a refrigerator. Throw away any liquid that has not been used within 14 days.
If your infection is treated with a combination of drugs, use all medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
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, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
What are the possible side effects of clarithromycin?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
- confusion, spinning sensation;
- liver problems --loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- kidney problems --little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
Older adults may be more likely to have heart rhythm side effects, including a life-threatening fast heart rate.
Common side effects may include:
- stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
- diarrhea; or
- unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.
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.
What other drugs will affect clarithromycin?
When you start or stop taking clarithromycin, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of any other medicines you take on a regular basis.
Clarithromycin can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.
Many drugs can affect clarithromycin, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about clarithromycin.
