Biaxin

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

rregular 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 medicine by mouth with glass of water. If it upsets your stomach you can take it with milk or food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
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.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed 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

rregular 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

ntestinal gas

stomach upset or nausea

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.