Biaxin

Clarithromycin destroys bacteria and prevents their growth. Biaxin is not effective for virus infections like cold and flu.

The tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. Swallow the long-acting tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

The regular tablet and liquid are usually taken with or without food every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7–14 days. The long-acting tablet is usually taken with food every 24 hours (once a day) for 7–14 days.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•difficulty breathing
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•severe or watery diarrhea
•skin rash, itching
•swelling of tongue or throat
•vomiting
•yellow color of eyes, skin, or urine

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clarithromycin.
Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
•astemizole
•birth control pills
•carbamazepine
•cisapride
•colchicine
•digoxin
•dofetilide
•doxercalciferol
•ergot alkaloid medicines, like ergotamine
•other antibiotics, like grepafloxacin or sparfloxacin
•paricalcitol
•pimozide
•ritonavir
•some 'statin' medicines for reducing cholesterol (examples: atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin)
•terfenadine
•theophylline
•triazolam
•warfarin
•zidovudine

In case of overdose, the victim may show symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Do not use Biaxin for other health conditions. Do not share Clarithromycin with others for whom it was not prescribed. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of Biaxin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It is also used to treat and prevent Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection and duodenal ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.

To know more about the uses of Biaxin, you will need to speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Biaxin is available only with your doctor prescription. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

You should store Biaxin at room temperature and away from heat and light away from places like bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in other damp places where heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Do not store suspension in the refrigerator. Keep the medication out of the reach of children. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

If you become pregnant while taking clarithromycin, call your doctor.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.