Brand name: CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin)
Pronounced: kla-mic-in
Generic name: Clarithromycin
Other brand name: CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) XL
Why is CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) prescribed?

CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin), an antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin, is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, including:

Strep throat
Pneumonia
Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses)
Tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils)
Acute middle ear infections
Acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis (inflamed airways)

CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) is also prescribed to treat infections of the skin. Combined with Prilosec or Prevacid and amoxicillin, it is used to cure ulcers near the exit from the stomach (duodenal ulcers) caused by H. pylori bacteria. It can also be prescribed to combat Mycobacterium avium infections in people with AIDS.

CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) is available in tablet and suspension form, and in extended-release tablets (CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) XL). The extended-release form is used only for sinus inflammation and flare-ups of bronchitis.
Most important fact about CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin)

CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin), like any other antibiotic, works best when there is a constant amount of drug in the blood. To keep the amount constant, try not to miss any doses.
How should you take CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin)?

You may take CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) suspension or tablets with or without food. CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) XL, however, should always be taken with food. Do not chew or crush CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) XL tablets. Shake CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) suspension before each dose and use it within 14 days.

Take CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) exactly as prescribed, and be sure to continue taking it for the full course of treatment.

If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take the one you missed and take the next one 5 to 6 hours later. Then go back to your regular schedule.

Storage instructions : Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light. Do not refrigerate the suspension.
CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin).

* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal taste, diarrhea, nausea, rash, vomiting

Side effects of CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) XL are generally milder than those of regular CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin). They may include diarrhea, abnormal taste, and nausea.
Why should CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) not be prescribed?

Do not take CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you are sensitive to it or erythromycin, or similar antibiotics such as Tao and Zithromax. Also avoid CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) if you have a heart condition or an imbalance in the body's water and minerals; and do not take the drug while taking Orap, Propulsid, or Seldane.
Special warnings about CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin)

If you have severe kidney disease, the doctor may need to prescribe a smaller dose of CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin). Make sure the doctor is aware of any kidney problems you may have.

Like other antibiotics, CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) may cause a potentially life-threatening form of diarrhea that signals a condition called pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the large intestine). Mild diarrhea, a fairly common CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) side effect, may disappear as your body gets used to the drug. However, if CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) gives you prolonged or severe diarrhea, stop taking the drug and call your doctor immediately.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin)

If CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) without prescriptions is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) with the following:

Alprazolam (Xanax)
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Mevacor and Zocor
Cilostazol (Pletal)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Disopyramide (Norpace)
Ergot-based migraine drugs such as Cafergot, DHE, Sansert, and Wigraine
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Hexobarbital
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Midazolam (Versed)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Pimozide (Orap)
Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
Ritonavir (Norvir)
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Theophylline (Slo-Phyllin, Theo-Dur, others)
Triazolam (Halcion)
Valproate (Depakene, Depakote)
Zidovudine (Retrovir)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Since CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) may have the potential to cause birth defects, it is prescribed during pregnancy only when there is no alternative. Caution is advised when using CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) while breastfeeding. CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) may appear in breast milk, as does its chemical cousin, erythromycin.
Recommended dosage for CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin)

CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin)
Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

* Symptoms of CLAMYCIN (Klarcid, Clarithromycin, Biaxin) overdose may include:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting