Biaxin, Biaxin XL (Clarithromycin) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 25, 2012

Biaxin

Peptic Ulcer »

Peptic ulcer facts

Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
Peptic ulcer formation is related to H. pylori bacteria in the stomach and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) in 50% of patients. For the remaining 50% there are miscellaneous or unknown causes.
Ulcer pain may not correlate with the presence or severity of ulceration.
The main symptom of peptic ulcer is upper abdominal pain which can be dull, sharp, or burning. (Bloating and burping are not symptoms of peptic ulcer, and vomiting, poor appetite, and nausea are uncommon symptoms of peptic ulcer.)
Diagnosis of ulcer is made with upper GI series or endoscopy.
Treatment of ulcers involves antibiotic combinations along with stomach acid suppression to eradicate H. pylori, eliminating precipitating factors such as NSAIDs and stomach acid suppression...

Read the Peptic Ulcer article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Biaxin, Biaxin XL User Reviews >>

Biaxin, Biaxin XL

Take the MRSA Quiz!

Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow Pictures

Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow Pictures

font size

Biaxin, Biaxin XL Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to clarithromycin or to similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax), dirithromycin (Dynabac), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), or troleandomycin (Tao).

Do not use clarithromycin if you are also using any of the drugs listed below. They can interact with clarithromycin and cause life-threatening heart rhythm disorders:

cisapride (Propulsid);
pimozide (Orap); or
ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take clarithromycin:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
myasthenia gravis;
porphyria; or
a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether clarithromycin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether clarithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 months of age.

How should I take clarithromycin (Biaxin, Biaxin XL)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Clarithromycin tablets and oral suspension (liquid) can be taken with or without food.

Clarithromycin extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL) should be taken with food

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Shake the oral suspension well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Clarithromycin is usually given for 7 to 14 days (or longer when treating stomach ulcer). Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Clarithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not keep the oral liquid in a refrigerator.

Related Drug Centers