$Unique_ID{BRK03090}
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$Title{clarithromycin}
$Subject{Biaxin Abbott Antibiotic clarithromycin bacterial infections upper
lower respiratory tracts skin bacteria protein}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


clarithromycin
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BRAND NAME (manufacturer)

     Biaxin (Abbott)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antibiotic

INGREDIENT

     clarithromycin

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (250 mg and 500 mg)

STORAGE

     Clarithromycin tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
closed, light resistant container.

USES

     Clarithromycin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections
including infections of the upper and lower respiratory tracts and skin.  It
acts by preventing the bacteria from manufacturing protein, which prevents
their growth.  Clarithromycin kills susceptible bacteria, but it is not
effective against viruses, parasites, or fungi.

TREATMENT

     Clarithromycin may be taken without regard to meals.  If stomach upset
should occur, clarithromycin may be taken with food or milk, unless your
doctor tells you otherwise.  The coated tablets should be swallowed whole; do
not crush or chew these tablets.
     Clarithromycin works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream
is kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced
intervals, day and night.  If you are to take two doses a day, the doses
should be spaced 12 hours apart.
     It is very important that you do not miss any doses of this medication.
If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.  However, if you do
not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to you regular dosing schedule.  Do not
double the dose.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms
disappear before the end of that period.  If you stop taking the drug too
soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing and the
infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain/discomfort, abnormal taste, diarrhea, dyspepsia, headache,
nausea.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
fever, hearing loss, rash, rectal or vaginal itching, or yellowing of the eyes
or skin.  Also, if your symptoms of infection seem to be getting worse rather
than improving, you should contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Clarithromycin can decrease the elimination of carbamazepine,
aminophylline, theophylline, and oxtriphylline from the body, which can lead
to serious side effects.  Blood levels of digoxin and oral anticoagulants
(blood thinners, such as warfarin) may also be increased by clarithromycin.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had
to any medications, especially to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or
azithromycin.
     * Tell your doctor if you have now or have ever had kidney disease or
liver disease.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
different medication.  You should not give your medicine to other people or
use it for another infection, unless your doctor specifically directs you to
do so.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking clarithromycin.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether
clarithromycin passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.