Klamycin (Biaxin)
Generic Name: Clarithromycin
Packets of 14 x 250 mg Tablets
Manufactured by Pacific Pharmaceuticals (New Zealand)
Use
Klamycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, including Strep throat, Pneumonia, Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses), Tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils), Acute middle ear infections, Acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis (inflamed airways). Klamycin is also prescribed to treat infections of the skin. Combined with Prilosec or Prevacid and amoxicillin, it is used to cure ulcers near the exit from the stomach (duodenal ulcers) caused by H. pylori bacteria. It can also be prescribed to combat Mycobacterium avium infections in people with AIDS.
Dosage
Your physician will decide what the best dosage is for you. Always follow your physicians instructions about taking this medicine.
Side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, tell your physician immediately. Only your physician can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Klamycin. More common side effects may include: abdominal pain, abnormal taste, diarrhea, nausea, rash, vomiting. Less common side effects may include: headache, indigestion. Rare side effects may include: allergic reactions, altered sense of smell, anxiety, behavior changes, confusion, convulsions, disorientation, dizziness, fungal infections of the mouth, hallucinations, hearing loss, inflammation of the mouth, liver problems, mental problems, nightmares, pancreatitis, ringing in the ears, sleeplessness, tongue discoloration or swelling, tooth discoloration, tremor, vertigo, very low blood sugar.
Precautions
Do not take Klamycin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you are sensitive to it or erythromycin, or similar antibiotics such as Tao and Zithromax. Also avoid Klamycin if you have a heart condition or an imbalance in the body's water and minerals; and do not take the drug while taking Orap, Propulsid, or Seldane. If you have severe kidney disease, the physician may need to prescribe a smaller dose of Klamycin . Make sure the physician is aware of any kidney problems you may have. Like other antibiotics, Klamycin may cause a potentially life-threatening form of diarrhea that signals a condition called pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the large intestine). Mild diarrhea, a fairly common Klamycin side effect, may disappear as your body gets used to the drug. However, if Klamycin gives you prolonged or severe diarrhea, stop taking the drug and call your physician immediately. If Klamycin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your physician before combining Klamycin with other prescribed or non-prescribed medications. |