Clarithromycin (Biaxin) is an antibiotic.

The Clarithromycin (Biaxin) tablets should be taken with a full glass of water, with or without food.

Use exactly as directed by your health care professional.

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Abnormal taste; diarrhea; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach discomfort; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; confusion; decreased urination; depression; emotional or mood changes; hallucinations; nightmares; severe diarrhea; severe stomach pain/cramps; trouble sleeping.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur.

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Rifampin because it may decrease Clarithromycin (Biaxin)'s effectiveness

Dofetilide, macrolides and ketolides (eg, erythromycin, azithromycin), pimozide, QT-prolonging agents (eg, quinidine, sotalol, thioridazine), quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), or streptogramins (eg, mikamycin) because serious, possibly life-threatening side effects on the heart or irregular heartbeat may occur

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aldosterone blockers (eg, spironolactone), benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam), buspirone, carbamazepine, cilostazol, cisapride, colchicine, corticosteroids (eg, hydrocortisone), cyclosporine, digoxin, disopyramide, eletriptan, ergot alkaloids (eg, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), H1 antagonists (eg, terfenadine, astemizole), HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, simvastatin), imatinib, macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), macrolides and ketolides (eg, erythromycin, azithromycin), phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (eg, sildenafil), rifampin, sumatriptan, theophyllines, or verapamil because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have diarrhea, a stomach infection, a blood disorder, severe kidney problems, or liver problems

Do not take double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Clarithromycin (Biaxin) is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It kills bacteria and prevents their growth.

Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using Clarithromycin (Biaxin) for your condition.

Clarithromycin (Biaxin) is also used to prevent disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection.

You should store Clarithromycin (Biaxin) at room temperature and away from heat and light.

If you get severe or watery diarrhea, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking Clarithromycin (Biaxin).