Clarithromycin is an anti-infective medication which is related to the class of medications known as the Erythromycins. It
is used to prevent or treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. Clarithromycin may also be used to treat
other types of bacterial infections such as bacterial pneumonia, and toxoplasmosis, and stomach/intestinal ulcers due to an organism called H. pylori.
HOW should this drug be taken ?
Depending on the type of infection you have, the dose of clarithromycin will vary. For example, when used to prevent MAC the usual dose of clarithromycin is 500 mg orally taken twice daily.
When used in combination with other agents for the treatment of MAC, the usual dose is 500 mg twice daily.
For bacterial pneumonia, the medication is generally prescribed for 7-14 days.
Clarithromycin is available as a 250 mg and 500 mg tablets (yellow oval tablets). Granules for a making a liquid
suspension are also available. Clarithromycin may be taken with or without food. If possible, try to take the medication with meals to minimize the chance of getting an upset stomach.
What should you do if you FORGET a dose?
If you miss a dose of clarithromycin, take it as soon as possible. If you remember your missed dose close to the time
for your next dose, do not double your dose. Continue with your regular dosing schedule.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause ? What should you do about them?
Clarithromycin is usually well-tolerated. At the higher doses, it may cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. If you
experience any of these side-effects, you may be able to space your doses out and/or take certain medications (ie.
Gravol, Imodium) to treat these symptoms. By taking the medication with food, nausea may be reduced. Please discuss this with your physician or pharmacist.
Rarely, temporary hearing disruptions (fullness of the ears, decreased hearing, ringing of the ears) have been reported at
the higher doses. Decreased liver function, rash and other allergic reactions have been rarely reported. If you have a
history of allergies to either erythromycin or azithromycin, please notify your physician prior to taking clarithromycin.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED REGULARLY.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug ?
This medication can interact with other drugs, especially those which are eliminated by the liver. Drugs which should be avoided include:
- Terfenadine (Seldane)
- Astemizole (Hismanal)
- Cisapride (Prepulsid)
Drugs which should be used with caution or that may require a change in dosage include:
- Ritonavir (Norvir) - in kidney failure
- Theophylline(Theodur)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Ergotamine (Cafergot)
As a precaution, it is important that your physician or pharmacist knows about other drugs you are taking, even medications you can buy without a prescription.
If you have a history of liver disease, hepatitis, and/or kidney disease, please notify your physician prior to taking this medication.
How should this medication be STORED?
Clarithromycin should be stored in a cool (15-30C) dry place well out of the reach of children. Do not store in your bathroom. Heat and moisture may cause the medicine to lose effectiveness.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR NURSE, PHARMACIST, OR PHYSICIAN.
PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED
