Biaxin Tablets
Chemical Name: BIAXIN CLARITHROMYCIN (kla-RITH-roe-mye-sin)
Common uses of Biaxin
This medicine is a macrolide antibiotic used
to treat bacterial infections.
Before using Biaxin
Some medicines or medical conditions may
interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR
DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are
taking the following medications because
very serious, possibly fatal, interactions
may occur: cisapride, pimozide, astemizole,
or terfenadine. If you are currently using
any of these medications, tell your doctor
or pharmacist before starting clarithromycin.
ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR
CONDITION may be needed if you are taking
warfarin, live vaccines, theophylline,
buspirone, carbamazepine, cyclosporine,
digoxin, disopyramide, ergot alkaloids or
ergoloid, tacrolimus, alprazolam, midazolam,
omeprazole, rifampin, ritonavir, zidovudine,
lovastatin, simvastatin, sildenafil,
alfentanl, rifabutin, methylprednisolone,
cilostazol, bromocriptine, valproate, or
tolterodine. Other drugs besides
clarithromycin, which may affect the heart
rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG),
include dofetilide, disopyramide, quinidine,
droperidol, sotalol, procainamide, and
sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation
can infrequently result in serious, rarely
fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your
doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for
instructions about whether you need to stop
any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be
using in order to minimize this effect.
Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any questions or
concerns about taking this medicine.
Biaxin Directions
Follow the directions for using this
medicine provided by your doctor. This
medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or
with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room
temperature, away from heat and light. TO
CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue
taking this medicine for the full course of
treatment even if you feel better in a few
days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A
DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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.
Biaxin Cautions
IF
YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE within a few
days or if they become worse, check with
your doctor. IF MODERATE TO SEVERE DIARRHEA
OCCURS during or after treatment with this
medicine, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. Do not treat it with
non-prescription (over-the-counter)
medicines. DO NOT TAKE SELDANE (terfenadine),
HISMANAL (astemizole), or cisapride while
you are taking this medicine without first
discussing it with your doctor. USE OF THIS
MEDICINE DURING PREGNANCY may result in
fetal harm. This medicine is not recommended
for use during pregnancy except when no
other antibiotics can be used. IF YOU PLAN
ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your
doctor the benefits and risks of using this
medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF
THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU
ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are
using this medicine, check with your doctor
or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your
baby.
Possible side effects of biaxin
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking
this medicine include diarrhea, nausea,
vomiting, bad taste in mouth, indigestion,
stomach pain or discomfort, or headache. If
they continue or are bothersome, check with
your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE if you experience emotional or
mood changes, confusion, hallucinations,
depression, nightmares, or trouble sleeping.
If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted
side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction
checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
Check drug interactions
If you take too much Biaxin
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may
include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Additional Biaxin information
DO
NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom
it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS
MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP
THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.
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