What is the most important information I should know about clarithromycin?
You should not use this medicine if you have a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder, a history of Long QT syndrome, low levels of potassium in your blood, if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking clarithromycin, or if you have liver or kidney disease and are also taking colchicine.
Many other drugs can interact with clarithromycin. There are certain medicines that can cause life-threatening drug interactions with clarithromycin, Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.
What is clarithromycin?
Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. Clarithromycin fights bacteria in your body.
Clarithromycin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections affecting the skin and respiratory system. Clarithromycin is also used together with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.
Clarithromycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clarithromycin?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to clarithromycin or similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Pak, Zmax), erythromycin, or telithromycin, or if you have:
- a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder;
- a history of Long QT syndrome;
- low levels of potassium in your blood;
- if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking clarithromycin; or
- if you have liver or kidney disease and you also take a medicine called colchicine.
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with clarithromycin. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:
- cisapride;
- pimozide;
- lovastatin or simvastatin; or
- ergotamine or dihydroergotamine.
To make sure clarithromycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
- myasthenia gravis;
- porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
- a family history of Long QT syndrome; or
- if you take certain heart rhythm medicine--amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, dronedarone, ibutilide, mexiletine, procainamide, propafenone, quinidine, or sotalol.
It is not known whether clarithromycin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while using this medicine.
In animal studies, clarithromycin caused birth defects. However, very high doses are used in animal studies. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people using regular doses. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Clarithromycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 months of age.
How should I take clarithromycin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take clarithromycin tablets and oral suspension (liquid) with or without food.
Clarithromycin extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL) should be taken with food.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Clarithromycin is usually given for up to 7 to 14 days. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Clarithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Do not keep the oral liquid in a refrigerator. Throw away any liquid that has not been used within 14 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
What should I avoid while taking clarithromycin?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking clarithromycin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
What are the possible side effects of clarithromycin?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeats, shortness of breath, fainting;
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- fever, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms, new or worsening cough;
- skin rash, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
- problems with your hearing;
-
liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
-
signs of a kidney problem --little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath; or
-
severe skin reaction --fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Older adults may be more likely to have heart rhythm side effects, including a life-threatening fast heart rate.
Common side effects may include:
- stomach pain, indigestion;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
- headache; or
- rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect clarithromycin?
Many drugs can interact with clarithromycin. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with clarithromycin, especially:
- saquinavir;
- carbamazepine;
- colchicine;
- quetiapine;
- theophylline;
- a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
- sildenafil (Viagra) and other erectile dysfunction medicines;
-
ergot medicine --ergonovine, methylergonovine; or
-
heart or blood pressure medicine such as amiodarone, amlodipine, diltiazem, disopyramide, dofetilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, or verapamil.
This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with clarithromycin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about clarithromycin.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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