BIAXIN

Who is Biaxin for ?

Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis; and ear, lung, sinus, stomach, skin, and throat infections. It also is used to prevent disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It alters the chemical activity inside the bacteria, preventing the production of proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

When should I be careful taking Biaxin ?

Before taking clarithromycin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clarithromycin, azithromycin (Zithromax), dirithromycin (Dynabac), erythromycin, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin), astemizole (Hismanal), carbamazepine (Tegretol), cisapride (Propulsid), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Lanoxin), disopyramide (Norpace), ergotamine, felodipine (Plendil), lovastatin (Mevacor), omeprazole (Prilosec), phenytoin (Dilantin), pimozide (Orap), terfenadine (Seldane), theophylline (Theo-Dur), triazolam (Halcion), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, irregular heart beat, yellowing of the skin or eyes, colitis, or stomach problems.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking clarithromycin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking clarithromycin.

Side Effects

Although side effects from clarithromycin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• stomach cramps
• mild skin rash
• stomach pain
• headache

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dark urine
• pale stools
• unusual tiredness
• vaginal infection