Biaxin: Instructions

Clarithromycin  [Oral]

Biaxin

Dosage and Administration

Dosages may require modification to adjust for individual sensitivities and associated medical conditions.

Adults Under 60
Oral suspension
For treatment of bronchitis due to H. influenzae: 500 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.
For treatment of bronchitis due to other organisms, pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections: 250 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.
For treatment of pharyngitis or tonsillitis: 250 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.
For treatment of acute sinusitis: 500 mg every 12 hours for 14 days.
For prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection: 500 mg twice daily.
For treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex infection: 500 mg twice daily in combination with other antimycobacterial agents.

Tablets
For treatment of bronchitis, Mycobacterium avium complex infections, pharnygitis, pneumonia, acute sinusitis, skin and soft tissue infections, tonsillitis and prevention of Mycobacterium avium complex infections: See oral suspension dosing.
For treatment of H. pylori associated duodenal ulcer:
500 mg of clarithromycin in combination with 1000 mg of amoxicillin and 30 mg of lansoprazole every 12 hours for 14 days.
500 mg of clarithromycin three times daily in combination with 40 mg of omeprazole daily for 14 days, then 20 mg of omeprazole alone each day for 14 days more.
500 mg of clarithromycin three times daily in combination with 400 mg of ranitidine bismuth citrate twice daily for 14 days, then 400 mg ranitidine bismuth citrate twice daily for 14 days more.

Prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis for people who are allergic to penicillin-type drugs: 500 mg taken by mouth 1 hour before the anticipated dental procedure. A second dose is not necessary.

Adults 60 and Over
Follow the adult dosage, unless directed otherwise by your physician.

Infants and Children
Oral suspension
For treatment of acute otitis media, pharyngitis, pneumonia, acute sinusitis, skin and soft tissue infections and tonsillitis:
Children up to 6 months: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Children over 6 months: 7.5 mg/ke every 12 hours for 10 days.
For prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infections:
Children up to 6 months: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Children over 6 months: 7.5 mg/kg, not to exceed 500 mg, twice daily.
Treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex infections:
Children up to 6 months: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Children over 6 months: 7.5 mg/kg, not to exceed 500 mg, twice daily in combination with other antimycobacterial agents.

Prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis for people who are allergic to penicillin-type drugs: 15 mg per kg taken by mouth 1 hour before the anticipated dental procedure. The dose should not exceed the total adult dose of 500 mg. A second dose is not necessary.

Tablets
Tablets may not be suitable for young children.

Maximum Dosage Recommendations
Do not exceed the recommended doses, unless deemed necessary by your doctor.

Usual Duration of Use
Allow 4 to 6 days of use to assess the drug's effectiveness.

If You Miss a Dose
Take as soon as possible. If close to the next dose, skip and take the next dose. Do not double the dose.

Storage

Keep all medications out of the reach of children

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature in a dry, dark place. Do not store in the bathroom. Moisture can cause the drug to break down.

Shake the reconstituted suspension well. Do not refrigerate. Discard any unused medication after therapy is complete.