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| Pronunciation |
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 (kla
RITH roe mye
sin) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Biaxin®; Biaxin®
XL |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Klaricid (Mexico) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Antibiotic, Macrolide |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to any other macrolide antibiotic,
clarithromycin, or any other part of the medicine.
- If you are taking any of these medicines: Pimozide, cisapride,
terfenadine, or astemizole.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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|
- This medicine is used as a treatment for a variety of bacterial
infections.
- It may be taken to prevent infections of the heart in patients at risk
of these. These patients are usually having dental or surgical procedures and
are allergic to penicillin.
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| How does it work? |
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- Clarithromycin prevents protein production in bacteria and allows the
body to get the infection under
control.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given. Shake well first.
- Swallow extended-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling
better.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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|
- Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can make infection
more difficult to treat.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum
, or Lactobacillus acidophilus
may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some
pharmacies.
- Belly pain and cramps.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Watch for change in temperature or worsening of
infection.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Fever and/or chills.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store tablets or liquid (suspension) in a tight, light-resistant
container at room temperature.
- Any unused portion of liquid (suspension) should be thrown away after
14 days.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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