Clarithromycin was approved by the FDA in February 1995.

In the United States generic clarithromycin is available from Andrx, Genpharm, Ivax, Ranbaxy Laboratories, Roxane, Sandoz, Teva and Wockhardt.

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, and acts by fighting bacteria in your body.

It is used to treat pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia (especially atypical pneumonias associated with chlamydia pneumoniae or TWAR), skin and skin structure infections, and in HIV and AIDS patients to prevent, and to treat, disseminated mycobacterium avium complex or MAC.

Clarithromycin has been used in combination with Prilosec® in treating H. Pylori bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.

This medication is available under several brand names, including Biaxin®, Klacid® and Claripen®.

Clarithromycin is also used sometimes to treat Lyme disease and toxoplasmosis and legionellosis.

Additionally, it has also been administered to prevent heart infection in patients having dental surgery or other similar procedures.

However, it is important that you talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your particular condition.

Clarithromycin is commonly administered in tablets (Biaxin®), extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL®), or oral suspension.

The regular tablet and liquid are usually taken with or without food every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7-14 days.

The long-acting tablet is usually taken with food every 24 hours (once a day) for 7-14 days.

To help you remember to take clarithromycin, take it around the same time every day.

Always take clarithromycin exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

The tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. Swallow the long-acting tablets whole and do not split, chew, or crush them.

Take clarithromycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. Stopping clarithromycin too soon may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.

Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. You may not be able to take clarithromycin, or you may require a lower dose and special monitoring during therapy.

Do not take clarithromycin if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid®), pimozide (Orap®), or terfenadine (Seldane®). These medicines can interact, possibly leading to a dangerous irregular heartbeat pattern.

Clarithromycin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether clarithromycin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take clarithromycin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Furthermore, it is not known whether clarithromycin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed.

Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Possible side effects from clarithromycin may include:

nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
abdominal pain

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

diarrhea
upset stomach
abnormal taste
stomach pain
headache

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

severe skin rash
hives
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, or ankles
yellowing of the skin or eyes
rapid pounding
irregular heartbeat

Clarithromycin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep away from light.

Keep liquid medicine at room temperature (do not refrigerate) and away from excess heat and moisture.

Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call the emergency services on 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
abdominal discomfort