Information about Roxithromycin (Generic Rulide) :


Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It slows the growth and kills bacteria. Clarithromycin is administered to treat many different types of bacterial infections affecting the skin and respiratory system. Clarithromycin in combination with other medicines is used to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.

It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Be aware that Clarithromycin may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: astemizole (Hismanal); cisapride (Propulsid); ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray); pimozide (Orap); or terfenadine (Seldane).

Use Clarithromycin for the full course of treatment. It is usually given for 7 to 14 days (or longer when treating stomach ulcer).

Clarithromycin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Be aware that it is not effective for treatment of viral infections (eg, the common cold).

You should not use Clarithromycin in case you are alleric to Clarithromycin or to similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax), dirithromycin (Dynabac), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), roxithromycin (Rulid, Surlid), or telithromycin (Ketek).

Before using Clarithromycin you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: liver disease; kidney disease; porphyria; or a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome.

In such cases you may not be able to use Clarithromycin, or you may need a special dosage adjustment or tests during the course of treatment.

Clarithromycin is in FDA pregnancy category C. It means that this medication may be deleterious to an unborn baby. Consult with your doctor in case you are pregnant or plan pregnancy during course of treatment. It is not clear whether clarithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not use this medication without medical consultation in case you are breast-feeding a baby.

It is not recommended to use Clarithromycin in children younger than 6 months of age.

How to take Clarithromycin:
Take this medication as it recommended by your doctor. Clarithromycin comes as tablets and oral supension (liquid) that can be taken with or without food. It is recommended to take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Take Clarithromycin extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL) orally with food. Swallow the pill whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking a pill.

Shake the oral suspension well just before you measure a dose. Use a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. In case you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Keep Clarithromycin at indoor temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not store the oral liquid in a refrigerator.

In case you miss a dose of Clarithromycin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Seek emergency medical attention in case overdose is suspected. Symptoms of overdose are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

Consult with your doctor immediately if you experience severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps or bloody stools. This could be a symptom of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.

Clarithromycin side effects:
Get emergency medical help in case you experience any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Consult with your doctor immediately in case you have any of these serious side effects: uneven heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath; diarrhea that is watery or bloody; nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or problems with your hearing.

You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: mild stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach; unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; tooth discoloration; dizziness, headache, anxiety, confusion; skin rash; or vaginal itching or discharge.

What other drugs will affect Clarithromycin?
Be aware that Erythromycin may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: cilostazol (Pletal); bromocriptine (Parlodel); omeprazole (Prilosec); fluconazole (Diflucan); ranitidine bismuth citrate (Tritec); rifabutin (Mycobutin); sildenafil (Viagra); theophylline (Respbid, Theo-Dur, Theoclear, Theochron, Uniphyl); cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), or cerivastatin (Baycol); drugs that weaken your immune system, such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf), sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf), or steroids; heart rhythm medicine such as digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin), disopyramide (Norpace), or quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute); HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir) or zidovudine (Retrovir); a sedative such as alprazolam (Xanax), midazolam (Versed), or triazolam (Halcion); or seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene).

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.