Clarithromycin is used to treat various bacterial infections. This medicine may also be used with anti-ulcer drugs to treat certain types of stomach ulcers. It is also used to prevent certain bacterial infections. Clarithromycin is known as a macrolide antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It is not suitable for viral infections (eg colds, flu). Using any antibiotic when not needed can make it ineffective for future infections.
Take this medicine by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. May be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
For best results, take this antibiotic at regular intervals. To help you remember, take this medicine at the same time each day.
The dosage and duration of treatment depends on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dose may also depend on body weight.
If you are using this medicine to treat an infection, keep taking this medicine until you have taken the full prescribed dose, even if symptoms go away after a few days. Too early discontinuation of the drug can lead to a recurrence of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
If you are taking this medicine to prevent certain bacterial infections, take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval. Tell your doctor if you develop signs of infection, such as fever or night sweats.
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and taste changes are possible. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Remember that this drug is prescribed because your doctor thinks the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people who use this drug do not experience serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: persistent nausea/vomiting, hearing loss, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness, eye problems (eg, drooping eyelids, blurred vision), speech problems, severe stomach problems/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin.
This medicine can rarely cause serious bowel disease due to Clostridium difficile. This can happen during treatment or weeks or months after treatment is stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you get: diarrhea that doesn’t stop, pain/cramps in your stomach or abdomen, blood/mucus in your stools.
Do not take antidiarrheal drugs or opioids if you have these symptoms, as they may make your symptoms worse.
Long-term or repeated use of this medication may cause thrush or a new yeast infection. Call your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, changes in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: persistent fever, new or worsening swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, shortness of breath. breathing difficulties.
Before taking clarithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to other macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin, azithromycin), or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Ask your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease (including liver problems caused by past use of clarithromycin), kidney disease, heart disease (coronary heart disease, heart attack), certain muscle types . disease (myasthenia gravis).
Clarithromycin can cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (prolongation of the QT interval). Prolongation of the QT interval can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) palpitations/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other medicines that can cause the QT interval to prolong. Before using clarithromycin, tell your doctor
or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT interval prolongation on ECG), family history of certain heart problems (QT ECG prolongation, sudden cardiac death).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood can also increase the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may be increased if you are taking certain medications (eg, diuretics/”water pills”) or if you have conditions such as heavy sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of clarithromycin.
Clarithromycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as the typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Before having any shots/vaccinations, tell your doctor that you are taking clarithromycin.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all products you use (including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and herbal products).
Older people may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially hearing loss and QT interval prolongation (see above).
During pregnancy, this medicine should only be used if absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Drug interactions may change how a drug works or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Make a list of all the products you use (including prescription/OTC and herbal products) and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor’s approval.
Many drugs other than clarithromycin can affect heart rate (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, pacitinib, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, and others.
Other medicines may interfere with the excretion of clarithromycin from the body and thus affect how clarithromycin works. Examples include efavirenz, nevirapine, posaconazole, rifamycins (such as rifabutin), saquinavir and others.
Clarithromycin may slow down the elimination of other drugs from the body, which may affect how they work. Affected drugs include colchicine, digoxin, some drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction-ED/pulmonary hypertension (eg, sildenafil, tadalafil), ergot alkaloids (eg, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), flibanserin, some statins (such as lovastatin, simvastatin), tamsulosin, tolvaptan, ticagrelor, etc.
This medicine is only prescribed for your current condition. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as cultures, liver/kidney function) may be done while you are taking this medicine. All medical and laboratory appointments are reserved. Contact your doctor for more information.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the usual time. Don’t double your dose just to catch up.
Store in a dry place, protected from light, at room temperature. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
Do not flush this medicine down the toilet or down the drain unless otherwise directed. If this product has expired or is no longer needed, please dispose of it properly. Check with your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Post time: Aug-01-2023