Brand
name: CLARITHROMYCIN
Pronounced: kla-mic-in
Generic name: Clarithromycin
Other brand name: CLARITHROMYCIN XL
Why is CLARITHROMYCIN prescribed?
CLARITHROMYCIN , 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)
CLARITHROMYCIN 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.
CLARITHROMYCIN is available in tablet and suspension form, and in extended-release
tablets (CLARITHROMYCIN XL). The extended-release form is used only for sinus
inflammation and flare-ups of bronchitis.
Most important fact about CLARITHROMYCIN
CLARITHROMYCIN , 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 CLARITHROMYCIN ?
You may take CLARITHROMYCIN suspension or tablets with or without food. CLARITHROMYCIN
XL, however, should always be taken with food. Do not chew or crush
CLARITHROMYCIN XL tablets. Shake CLARITHROMYCIN suspension before each dose and use
it within 14 days.
Take CLARITHROMYCIN 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.
CLARITHROMYCIN 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 CLARITHROMYCIN .
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal taste, diarrhea, nausea, rash, vomiting
Side effects of CLARITHROMYCIN XL are generally milder than those of regular
CLARITHROMYCIN . They may include diarrhea, abnormal taste, and nausea.
Why should CLARITHROMYCIN not be prescribed?
Do not take CLARITHROMYCIN 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 CLARITHROMYCIN 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 CLARITHROMYCIN
If you have severe kidney disease, the doctor may need to prescribe
a smaller dose of CLARITHROMYCIN . Make sure the doctor is aware of any kidney
problems you may have.
Like other antibiotics, CLARITHROMYCIN 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
CLARITHROMYCIN side effect, may disappear as your body gets used to the drug.
However, if CLARITHROMYCIN gives you prolonged or severe diarrhea, stop taking
the drug and call your doctor immediately.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking CLARITHROMYCIN
If CLARITHROMYCIN without prescriptions
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 CLARITHROMYCIN 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 CLARITHROMYCIN may have the potential to cause birth defects,
it is prescribed during pregnancy only when there is no alternative.
Caution is advised when using CLARITHROMYCIN while breastfeeding. CLARITHROMYCIN may
appear in breast milk, as does its chemical cousin, erythromycin.
Recommended dosage for CLARITHROMYCIN
CLARITHROMYCIN
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
