Medications and Drugs

Take the MRSA Quiz! Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow Pictures Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow Pictures

Brand Names: Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak

Generic Name: clarithromycin (Pronunciation: kla RITH roe MYE sin)

• What is clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
• What are the possible side effects of clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
• What is the most important information I should know about clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
• How should I take clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
• What happens if I overdose (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
• What should I avoid while taking clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
• What other drugs will affect clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?

Clarithromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. 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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Biaxin 250 mg

oblong, yellow, imprinted with A KT

Biaxin 500 mg

oblong, yellow, imprinted with a KL

Biaxin XL 500 mg

oval, yellow, imprinted with aKJ

Clarithromycin 250 mg-ROX

round, white, imprinted with 54 271

Clarithromycin 250 mg-TEV

oval, yellow, imprinted with 7157, 93

Clarithromycin 500 mg-TEV

oval, yellow, imprinted with 7158, 93

Clarithromycin ER 500 mg-AND

oblong, orange, imprinted with Logo 777

What are the possible side effects of clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• uneven heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• problems with your hearing.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach;
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
• tooth discoloration;
• dizziness, headache, anxiety, confusion;
• skin rash; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

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 is the most important information I should know about clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-Pak)?

Do not use clarithromycin if you are also using any of the drugs listed below. They can interact with clarithromycin and cause life-threatening heart rhythm disorders:

• cisapride (Propulsid);
• pimozide (Orap); or
• ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray).

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Clarithromycin is usually given for 7 to 14 days (or longer when treating stomach ulcer). Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Clarithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.