Biaxin XL

Brand Name:Biaxin, Biaxin BID

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat various infections caused by bacteria, including bronchitis; pneumonia; COPD related infections; and infections of the ears, lungs, skin, sinuses and throat. It is also commonly used with other medications to treat ulcers in the stomach and intestines. As well, it may also be used for some infections associated with HIV or whooping cough.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to clarithromycin, erythromycin or any macrolide antibiotic or if you are taking terfenadine or astemizole. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:
  • irregular heartbeat or heart rhythm problems
  • problems with your liver or kidney
  • side effects to other similar antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin
  • porphyria
  • received medications to treat ulcers due to H. pylori

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea, heartburn, vomiting, change of taste
  • stomach pain

Other less common and possibly severe side effects include:

  • rash or allergic reaction (rare: seek medical attention if you experience hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes)
  • liver problems (rare: contact your doctor if you experience unexplained nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin and/or eyes)
  • changes to your heart rhythm (this is a very rare side effect and is usually a concern in people with heart rhythm problems and/or with the use of some medications)

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • warfarin (may increase the levels of warfarin in the blood and increase your chances of bleeding; your doctor will likely order more INR blood tests)
  • digoxin (may increase the levels of digoxin in the blood and increase your chances for side effects)
  • amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, propafenone, procainamide, thioridazine, chlorpromazine (may increase your chances of having heart rhythm problems)
  • atorvastatin, simvistatin, lovastatin
  • cyclosporine (may increase levels of cyclosporine in the blood and increase your chances for side effects)
  • carbamazepine
  • ergotamine
  • rifampin (may see decrease levels of clarithromycin in your blood)
  • theophylline (increase levels of theophylline in your blood)
  • zidovudine, ritonavir, saquinavir, indinavir, nelfinavir
  • benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam)

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

Other information:

Children: Reduced dose necessary.

Seniors: May take this drug as prescribed. May be more sensitive to the stomach side effects.

Pregnancy: Typically not recommended. Other similar drugs are available. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: No known problems.

Overdose: An occasional overdose is not usually cause for concern. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms contact your doctor.

Stopping the drug: Take the full prescribed amount even if you feel better as symptoms may recur if treatment is stopped too soon.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as possible unless the next dose is due within 2 hours, in which case take a single dose and skip the next regularly scheduled dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); direct light, always out of reach of children.

Alcohol: No known problems. If you drink, always drink in moderation.

Dietary precautions: None. May want to take with food to decrease the side effects on the stomach.