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Clarithromycin |
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What is Clarithromycin and why is it prescribed? Clarithromycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, including: Strep throat, Pneumonia, Sinusitis, Tonsillitis, Acute middle ear infections, and Acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis. Clarithromycin 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 caused by H. pylori bacteria. It can also be prescribed to combat Mycobacterium avium infections in people with AIDS. Clarithromycin is available in tablet and suspension form, and in extended-release tablets. The extended-release form is used only for sinus inflammation and flare-ups of bronchitis. Clarithromycin works best when there is a constant amount of drug in the blood. How should you take Clarithromycin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Clarithromycin. You may take Clarithromycin suspension or tablets with or without food. Shake Clarithromycin suspension before each dose and use it within 14 days. 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. Store Clarithromycin at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light. Do not refrigerate the suspension. Are there any Clarithromycin side effects? Clarithromycin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Clarithromycin side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal taste, diarrhea, nausea, rash, and vomiting. Less common Clarithromycin side effects may include headache and indigestion. Rare Clarithromycin side effects may include allergic reactions, altered sense of smell, anxiety, behavior changes, confusion, convulsions, disorientation, dizziness, fungal infections of the mouth, hallucinations, hearing loss, inflammation of the mouth, liver problems, mental problems, nightmares, pancreatitis, ringing in the ears, sleeplessness, tongue discoloration or swelling, tooth discoloration, tremor, vertigo, and very low blood sugar. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Clarithromycin? If Clarithromycin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Clarithromycin with 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), or Zidovudine (Retrovir). Are there any special warnings about Clarithromycin? If you have severe kidney disease, the doctor may need to prescribe a smaller dose of Clarithromycin. Make sure the doctor is aware of any kidney problems you may have. Like other antibiotics, Clarithromycin may cause a potentially life-threatening form of diarrhea that signals a condition called pseudomembranous colitis. Mild diarrhea, a fairly common Clarithromycin side effect, may disappear as your body gets used to the drug. However, if Clarithromycin gives you prolonged or severe diarrhea, stop taking the drug and call your doctor immediately. |
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