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Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Clarithromycin is employed in the treatment of specific bacterial infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and infections of the ears, sinuses, skin, and throat. It is additionally used to both treat and prevent disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, a type of lung infection commonly seen in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In combination with other medications, clarithromycin is utilized to eradicate H. pylori, a bacterium responsible for causing ulcers. This antibiotic belongs to the macrolide class and functions by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Uses and Dosage
Clarithromycin is available in tablet, extended-release tablet, and liquid suspension forms for oral administration. The regular tablet and liquid are typically taken with or without food every 8 (three times a day) to 12 hours (twice a day) for a duration of 7 to 14 days. The extended-release tablet is usually taken with food once every 24 hours (once a day) for 7 to 14 days. Your doctor might prescribe a longer course based on your specific condition.
Take clarithromycin at approximately the same time each day. Follow the prescribed dosage precisely; avoid taking more or less than directed or increasing the frequency beyond your doctor’s recommendation.
Before each use, shake the suspension well to ensure even mixing of the medication. Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Typically, you should experience improvement in your symptoms within the first few days of clarithromycin treatment. If there is no improvement or your condition worsens, contact your doctor.
Continue taking clarithromycin until you finish the entire prescription, even if you start feeling better. Prematurely stopping the medication or skipping doses may result in incomplete treatment of your infection, potentially leading to antibiotic resistance in the bacteria.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- gas
- change in taste
- headache
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- rash
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- hoarseness
- peeling or blistering skin
- fever
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- extreme tiredness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- lack of energy
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- dark-colored urine
- flu-like symptoms
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- muscle weakness such as difficulty chewing, talking, or performing daily activities
- double vision
Caution
- Before taking clarithromycin, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, especially if you are allergic to other macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin or azithromycin. Discuss any other allergies you have, as inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions or other complications.
- Provide your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, or a specific type of muscle disease known as myasthenia gravis.
- Clarithromycin has the potential to cause a heart rhythm condition called QT prolongation, which can rarely lead to serious (and rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms requiring immediate medical attention, like severe dizziness or fainting. The risk of QT prolongation may be higher if you have certain medical conditions or are taking medications that can cause QT prolongation. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs you are taking and disclose if you have certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), or a family history of such heart issues (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
- Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may be heightened by the use of certain drugs (such as diuretics or “water pills”) or conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Discuss the safe use of clarithromycin with your doctor in these situations.
- Clarithromycin may interfere with the efficacy of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine. Inform your healthcare professional about your use of clarithromycin before undergoing any immunizations or vaccinations.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of clarithromycin, especially hearing loss and QT prolongation.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed, and discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Biaxin XL is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Biaxin XL extended-release tablet:
- 500 mg
- clarithromycin tablet:
- 500 mg
FAQ
How quickly does Biaxin XL work?
In most cases, it should only take a few days for Biaxin to reduce the symptoms of your infection and make you feel better. For some infections, it may take longer for signs and symptoms to go away.
Is Biaxin a penicillin?
You can safely take Biaxin if you are allergic to penicillin. Clarithromycin and penicillin are both antibiotics, but they are in different antibiotic classes.
Resources
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/clarithromycin/side-effects-of-clarithromycin/#:~:text=Stick%20to%20simple%20meals%20and,have%20a%20meal%20or%20snack.&text=Try%20taking%20small%2C%20frequent%20sips%20of%20water%20to%20avoid%20dehydration
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a692005.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-18134/biaxin-xl-oral/details
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/clarithromycin-oral-route/description/drg-20067672
- https://www.drugs.com/biaxin.html
