Brand
name: MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin)
Pronounced: buy-AX-in
Generic name: Clarithromycin
Other brand name: MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) XL
Why is MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) prescribed?
MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin), an antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin, is used
to treat certain bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, including:
Strep throat
Pneumonia
Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses)
Tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils)
Acute middle ear infections
Acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis (inflamed airways)
MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) is also prescribed to treat infections of the skin. Combined
with Prilosec or Prevacid and amoxicillin, it is used to cure ulcers
near the exit from the stomach (duodenal ulcers) caused by H. pylori
bacteria. It can also be prescribed to combat Mycobacterium avium infections
in people with AIDS.
MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) is available in tablet and suspension form, and in extended-release
tablets (MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) XL). The extended-release form is used only for sinus
inflammation and flare-ups of bronchitis.
Most important fact about MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin)
MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin), like any other antibiotic, works best when there is a constant
amount of drug in the blood. To keep the amount constant, try not to
miss any doses.
How should you take MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin)?
You may take MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) suspension or tablets with or without food. MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin)
XL, however, should always be taken with food. Do not chew or crush
MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) XL tablets. Shake MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) suspension before each dose and use
it within 14 days.
Take MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) exactly as prescribed, and be sure to continue taking
it for the full course of treatment.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, take the one you missed and take the next one 5 to 6 hours later.
Then go back to your regular schedule.
Storage instructions : Store at room temperature in a
tightly closed container, away from light. Do not refrigerate the suspension.
MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or
change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor
can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin).
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal taste, diarrhea, nausea, rash, vomiting
Side effects of MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) XL are generally milder than those of regular
MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin). They may include diarrhea, abnormal taste, and nausea.
Why should MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) not be prescribed?
Do not take MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it,
or if you are sensitive to it or erythromycin, or similar antibiotics
such as Tao and Zithromax. Also avoid MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) if you have a heart condition
or an imbalance in the body's water and minerals; and do not take the
drug while taking Orap, Propulsid, or Seldane.
Special warnings about MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin)
If you have severe kidney disease, the doctor may need to prescribe
a smaller dose of MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin). Make sure the doctor is aware of any kidney
problems you may have.
Like other antibiotics, MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) may cause a potentially life-threatening
form of diarrhea that signals a condition called pseudomembranous colitis
(inflammation of the large intestine). Mild diarrhea, a fairly common
MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) side effect, may disappear as your body gets used to the drug.
However, if MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) gives you prolonged or severe diarrhea, stop taking
the drug and call your doctor immediately.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin)
If MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) with the following:
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Mevacor and Zocor
Cilostazol (Pletal)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Disopyramide (Norpace)
Ergot-based migraine drugs such as Cafergot, DHE, Sansert, and Wigraine
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Hexobarbital
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Midazolam (Versed)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Pimozide (Orap)
Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
Ritonavir (Norvir)
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Theophylline (Slo-Phyllin, Theo-Dur, others)
Triazolam (Halcion)
Valproate (Depakene, Depakote)
Zidovudine (Retrovir)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor
immediately. Since MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) may have the potential to cause birth defects,
it is prescribed during pregnancy only when there is no alternative.
Caution is advised when using MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) while breastfeeding. MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin) may
appear in breast milk, as does its chemical cousin, erythromycin.
Recommended dosage for MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin)
MACLAR (Clarithromycin, Biaxin)
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
