Brand Name
Biaxin
Common Name
clarithromycin
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02146908 | BIAXIN 125MG/5ML GRANULES |
| 02244641 | BIAXIN 250MG/5ML GRANULES |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Clarithromycin belongs to the class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria that can cause certain infections. Clarithromycin may be prescribed for people with bacterial throat infections, sinus infections, ear infections, lung infections such as chronic bronchitis exacerbation, pneumonia, and skin infections such as impetigo and cellulitis.
Clarithromycin may also be used to prevent and treat certain infections associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Clarithromycin can be used in combination with other medications to kill H. Pylori, a bacteria known to cause ulcers in the digestive tract.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
Adults: The recommended adult dosing of clarithromycin tablets is 250 mg to 500 mg twice daily (every 12 hours) for 7 to 14 days, depending on the condition being treated.
The recommended adult dosing of the extended release form of clarithromycin is as follows 1,000 mg (2 tablets) once daily for 5 to 14 days, depending on the condition being treated.
Children: The recommended total daily dose for children is 15 mg per kilogram of body weight (to a maximum of 1,000 mg per day). This total daily dose should be divided in 2 and given 12 hours apart. Total treatment duration is usually 5 to 10 days, depending on the condition being treated.
If the child is receiving an oral suspension of clarithromycin, use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.
Clarithromycin tablets and clarithromycin suspension (given twice daily) may be taken with or without food. However taking this medication with food may cause less stomach upset.
The extended release tablets of clarithromycin must be taken with food. The tablets must be swallowed whole and not crushed or broken.
Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store clarithromycin tablets at room temperature, protected it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Store clarithromycin oral suspension at room temperature in tightly closed bottle and protected from light. Do not refrigerate. Any unused oral suspension should be thrown away after 14 days of reconstitution. Rinse dose measuring oral syringe between uses. Do not store the suspension in the syringe.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
HDPE bottle which allows capacity for shaking consists of a granulation of clarithromycin with carbopol and povidone (K90) which is coated with HP-55 polymer (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate). Nonmedicinal ingredients: castor oil, citric acid, flavor (artificial and natural fruit), maltodextrin, potassium sorbate, silicon dioxide, sucrose, titanium dioxide, and xanthan gum. Water is added to reconstitute the suspension prior to use. When reconstituted, the concentration of clarithromycin is 125 mg/5 mL or 250 mg/5 mL.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Clarithromycin should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to clarithromycin, erythromycin, other macrolide antibiotics, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is taking astemizole, terfenadine, cisapride, pimozide, ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine
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