CLARITHROMYCIN EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLET - ORAL

CLARITHROMYCIN EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLET - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (kla-RITH-roe-MYE-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Biaxin XL

GENERIC NAME(S): clarithromycin

Uses

USES: Clarithromycin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial respiratory tract infections. Clarithromycin is known as a macrolide antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.


How to use CLARITHROMYCIN EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLET - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and changes in taste may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. A tablet may rarely appear in your stool. This is more likely to occur if you have certain intestinal conditions (such as ileostomy, colostomy, diarrhea). Contact your doctor or pharmacist for further instructions. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: hearing loss, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness, eye problems (such as drooping eyelids, blurred vision), slurred speech, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications if you have any of these symptoms because these products may make them worse. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking clarithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin, azithromycin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease (including liver problems with past clarithromycin use), kidney disease, heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart attack), a certain type of muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). Clarithromycin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using clarithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using clarithromycin safely. Clarithromycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially hearing loss and QT prolongation (see above). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: clindamycin. Many drugs besides clarithromycin may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, among others. Other medications can affect the removal of clarithromycin from your body, which may affect how clarithromycin works. Examples include rifamycins (such as rifabutin), efavirenz, nevirapine, saquinavir, among others. Clarithromycin can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include colchicine, digoxin, some drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction-ED/pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil), ergot alkaloids (such as ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), some statin drugs (such as lovastatin, simvastatin), tamsulosin, tolvaptan, ticagrelor, among others. Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

CLARITHROMYCIN ER 500 MG TAB

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CLARITHROMYCIN ER 500 MG TAB

color
yellow
shape
oblong
imprint
logo and 777
CLARITHROMYCIN ER 500 MG TAB

color
yellow
shape
oblong
imprint
logo and 777
CLARITHROMYCIN ER 500 MG TAB

color
yellow
shape
oblong
imprint
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CLARITHROMYCIN ER 500 MG TAB

color
yellow
shape
oblong
imprint
93, 7244

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Faq for CLARITHROMYCIN EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLET - ORAL

- Clarithromycin extended-release tablet is commonly used to treat bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and certain types of stomach ulcers.

- It is usually taken orally once daily with food. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional for the correct dosage and duration of treatment.

- Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, or changes in taste. Contact your doctor if any severe side effects occur, such as allergic reactions, severe dizziness, or liver problems.

- Yes, it may interact with other drugs such as certain blood thinners, statins, antacids, and certain anti-seizure medications. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid any potential interactions.

- The duration of treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if symptoms improve before the treatment is finished.

- It is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before taking clarithromycin extended-release tablet during pregnancy, as it may have potential risks. They can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

- This medication is approved for use in children but should be prescribed and dosed appropriately by a healthcare professional. Always consult your child's pediatrician for guidance and dosage instructions.

- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

- Yes, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to this medication. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.