BIAXIN
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING BIAXIN.
CLARITHROMYCIN - ORAL (kluh-RITH-row-MY-sin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Biaxin
USES:
Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of
bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections and skin
infections. It is also used to treat peptic ulcers in combination
with anti-ulcer medication. It is also used to treat ear infections
in children.
HOW TO TAKE BIAXIN:
Regular release clarithromycin tablets may be taken with or without
food. If stomach upset occurs, try taking it with food. Extended
release tablets (XL) must be taken with food and swallowed whole. Do
not crush or chew them. Antibiotics work best when the amount of
medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking
the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and
night. Continue to take BIAXIN until the full prescribed amount is
finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the
medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow
resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS:
BIAXIN may cause stomach upset, nausea, indigestion, loose stools,
loss of appetite, vomiting, headache, or a strange taste in the
mouth the first few days as your body adjusts to it. If these
symptoms continue or become severe, inform your doctor. If you
develop diarrhea while taking BIAXIN, notify your doctor. Do not
take any nonprescription medications to treat diarrhea without first
consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Unlikely but report
promptly:
dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, mental/mood changes, an irregular
heartbeat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to
this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an
allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. Use of BIAXIN
for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary
infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
other illnesses, allergies (especially drug allergies), liver
disease, colitis, stomach problems, kidney problems, heart disease.
BIAXIN should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Small
amounts of drug do appear in breast milk, so consult your doctor
before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all drugs you may use, (prescription and
nonprescription), especially of the following:
barbiturates, benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam, triazolam),
carbamazepine, cisapride, cyclosporine, digoxin, ergotamine (and
related drugs), certain live vaccines, omeprazole, phenytoin,
pimozide, terfenadine, astemizole, theophylline, warfarin, certain
drugs for high cholesterol (e.g., lovastatin). BIAXIN may interfere
with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other
methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any
medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
NOTES:
BIAXIN has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not
use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A
different medication may be necessary.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, do not double dose. Take the missed dose as soon
as you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. If it is
nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25
degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the
bathroom.
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