Biaxin XL

The active ingredient is clarithromycin. It is a macrolide antibiotic, in the same drug class as azithromycin and erythromycin. Macrolides work by slowing the growth of bacteria through preventing protein synthesis. Clarithromycin is effective against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (including H.Pylori), and most Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) bacteria. Clarithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using clarithromycin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of clarithromycin:

• It should be taken with food. Make sure to swallow the tablet whole, and not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
• Be sure to finish the entire course of treatment, even if you are feeling better. Stopping Biaxin XL before your doctor prescribed can cause your infection come back and be harder to treat.

Some mild and common side effects of clarithromycin include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Stomach pain.
• Abnormal taste.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using clarithromycin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Symptoms of liver problems include unexplained stomach pain on the upper right side, unexplained nausea/ vomiting, dark urine, pale stool, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
• Severe skin reactions presenting with skin rash, painful blisters, or peeling skin.
• Signs of an irregular heartbeat or heart rhythm (QT prolongation): lightheadedness, heart palpitations, chest pain.
• Severe diarrhea (Clostridium Difficile Associated Diarrhea - CDAD) presenting with fever, stomach pain, and/or watery/bloody stool.
• Symptoms of a serious life-threatening allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face/lips/tongue, trouble breathing, severe and widespread rash (hives), fainting, or heart palpitations.

These are not all of the possible side effects of clarithromycin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting clarithromycin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Heart problems, including low heart rate (bradycardia) or other arrhythmias.
• Low potassium or magnesium.
• Severe muscle weakness due to myasthenia gravis.
• Heart disease, such as coronary artery disease or high cholesterol.
• Liver disease.

• You should not take clarithromycin if you are currently taking cisapride, pimozide, astemizole, terfenadine, ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine.
• Known or suspected hypersensitivity to clarithromycin.
• Use against viral infections.

Since clarithromycin is used for many types of infections, its onset depends on the reason you’re taking it. It is usually taken anywhere between 7 and 14 days, and you should start to feel better within the first few days.

When clarithromycin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Clarithromycin is a strong inhibitor of an important liver enzyme and may increase levels of certain drugs when taken together. This can increase your risk of side effects or of severe heart problems such as QT prolongation. Examples include: theophylline, statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin, or lovastatin), colchicine (if you have kidney problems), alprazolam, sildenafil (Viagra), cisapride, verapamil, amiodarone, azole antifungals, carbamazepine, vincristine, and ergot drugs.

Clarithromycin extended-release tablets contain 500mg of clarithromycin.

This drug should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.

Brand name Biaxin XL is available from many manufacturers of generic drugs.

It is important to complete the entire course of any antibiotic, as prescribed by your physician, even if you start to feel better before the full course is completed.

Clarithromycin is not recommended in pregnancy, except as a last resort antibiotic. However, talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

This drug is excreted in breast milk, but not in substantial amounts to cause harm to an infant. It is considered compatible with breastfeeding. Infants of breastfeeding parents should be monitored for loss of appetite, rash, and diarrhea while the parent is taking clarithromycin.