Pulmonary
- Critical Care Associates
of East Texas
Jeffrey M.
Shea, M.D., F.C.C.P.
Venkatesh Donty, M.D.
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Jeffrey M.
Shea, M.D., F.C.C.P. |
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COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Biaxin XL
USES: Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections and skin infections. It is also used to treat peptic ulcers in combination with anti-ulcer medication.It is also used to treat ear infections in children. HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: This medication may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs.Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at the same time each day. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection. SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, nausea, indigestion, loose stools, loss of appetite, vomiting, headache, or a strange taste in the mouth the first few days as your body adjusts to it. If these symptoms continue or become severe, inform your doctor.If you develop diarrhea while taking this medication, notify your doctor. Do not take any nonprescription medications to treat diarrhea without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Notify your doctor if you develop symptoms of jaundice such as dark urine, clay-colored stools or yellowing of eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection) PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have other illnesses or any allergies, especially allergies to drugs.If you have had liver disease, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) , history of colitis or stomach problems or kidney disease, tell your doctor before taking this drug. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Small amounts of drug do appear in breast milk, so consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all drugs you may use, (prescription and nonprescription), especially of the following: barbiturates, benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam, triazolam) birth control pills, carbamazepine, cisapride, cyclosporine, digoxin, ergotamine/ergot related drugs, certain live vaccines, omeprazole, phenytoin, pimozide, terfenadine, astemizole, theophylline and warfarin.This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. NOTES: This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary.MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, do not double dose. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. |
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