Clarithromycin (Biaxin) Tablets

Description

Clarithromycin Tablets contain clarithromycin, a semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic. Biaxin is a recognized brand name for clarithromycin, although the brand or generic manufacturer supplied may vary depending on product availability.

Clarithromycin is a human labeled prescription medication that may be prescribed extra-label in veterinary medicine when a veterinarian determines it is appropriate for an individual animal.

As a macrolide antibiotic, clarithromycin interferes with bacterial protein production and provides antibacterial activity against susceptible organisms.

Appropriate antibiotic selection is important because bacterial susceptibility varies. Culture and susceptibility testing may be recommended when appropriate to help determine whether clarithromycin is suitable for the infection being managed.

Brand, manufacturer, tablet appearance, packaging, and inactive ingredients may vary depending on product availability.

Uses & Benefits

• Macrolide antibiotic for susceptible bacterial infections
• Provides systemic antibacterial activity
• May be prescribed for dogs, cats, and other veterinary patients when appropriate
• Oral tablet formulation for convenient administration
• May be selected based on the suspected or confirmed susceptibility of the bacterial organism
• Can be incorporated into an individualized veterinarian directed antimicrobial treatment plan
• Generic brand and manufacturer may vary depending on availability

How It Works

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and interferes with bacterial protein synthesis.

By disrupting the production of proteins needed by susceptible bacteria, clarithromycin provides antibacterial activity.

Bacterial susceptibility and resistance patterns vary, making appropriate antibiotic selection and veterinarian directed use important.

Indications

Clarithromycin Tablets are human labeled prescription medication that may be used extra-label in veterinary medicine.

Veterinarians may prescribe clarithromycin for certain bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms when the medication is considered appropriate for the individual patient.

Veterinary uses are not the FDA approved indications listed on the human product label. The specific condition, dosage, frequency, and duration of administration should therefore be determined by the prescribing veterinarian.

Culture and susceptibility testing may be recommended, particularly for persistent, recurrent, or difficult to manage bacterial infections.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

Clarithromycin, USP – 500 mg per tablet

Inactive Ingredients:

• Inactive ingredients vary by manufacturer and may include Microcrystalline Cellulose / Croscarmellose Sodium / Colloidal Silicon Dioxide / Povidone / Magnesium Stearate / Hypromellose / Hydroxypropyl Cellulose / Polyethylene Glycol / Propylene Glycol / Talc / Titanium Dioxide / Vanillin / Coloring Agents

Brand and manufacturer may vary depending on product availability. Refer to the label supplied with the medication for the complete inactive ingredient information for the specific product dispensed.

Directions

Administer exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Follow all dosing and administration instructions provided on the prescription label and by your veterinarian. Do not adjust the dose, frequency, or duration of administration unless directed by your veterinarian.

Follow the prescription label exactly and veterinarian directions.

Clarithromycin immediate release tablets may generally be administered with or without food. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, your veterinarian may recommend administering the medication with food.

Complete the prescribed course unless your veterinarian directs otherwise.

Weight / Dosage

Veterinary dosing is individualized according to the animal's species, body weight, infection, bacterial susceptibility, medical history, kidney and liver function, and response to therapy.

Do not use the human package dosing instructions to determine an animal's dose.

Cautions

• Prescription medication.
• Veterinary use of human labeled clarithromycin tablets is extra-label.
• Use only as directed by a veterinarian.
• Do not use in animals with a known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or other macrolide antibiotics.
• Use cautiously in animals with liver or kidney impairment.
• Clarithromycin can interact with numerous medications because it can affect the metabolism of other drugs.
• Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements the animal receives before beginning clarithromycin.
• Use cautiously in animals with known heart rhythm abnormalities or conditions that may increase the risk of QT prolongation.
• Consult your veterinarian before use in pregnant, breeding, or lactating animals.
• Do not administer medication prescribed for one animal to another animal.
• Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Possible Side Effects

Clarithromycin may cause adverse effects in some animals, particularly involving the gastrointestinal system.

• Vomiting / Diarrhea / Decreased Appetite / Nausea / Gastrointestinal Discomfort / Changes in Taste or Food Acceptance / Lethargy / Hypersensitivity Reactions / Changes in Liver Enzyme Values

Contact your veterinarian if side effects are persistent, severe, or concerning. Seek prompt veterinary attention for facial swelling, difficulty breathing, collapse, severe weakness, significant or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abnormal heart rhythm, or another serious reaction.

Precautions

Use clarithromycin only for the animal and condition for which it was prescribed.

Antibiotics should be used responsibly and only when a susceptible bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected. Inappropriate antibiotic use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

Tell your veterinarian about all medications, supplements, and nutritional products the animal receives. Clarithromycin has the potential for significant drug interactions, and medication adjustments or additional monitoring may be necessary.

Use additional caution in animals with liver disease, kidney disease, heart rhythm abnormalities, electrolyte disturbances, or other significant medical conditions.

Do not stop therapy early, change the dosage, alter the frequency, or use leftover clarithromycin for another animal unless directed by a veterinarian.

Contact your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve, worsens during treatment, or returns after the prescribed course has been completed.

Storage

Store clarithromycin tablets at controlled room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F) in a well closed container. Protect from excessive moisture and inappropriate environmental exposure. Brand and manufacturer may vary, so follow the storage instructions printed on the dispensed product packaging. Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Disposal

Whenever possible, dispose of expired or unwanted medication through an authorized medication take back program. If a take back option is unavailable, follow applicable local medication disposal recommendations. Do not give unused clarithromycin to another animal or save it for a future illness unless specifically directed by a veterinarian. Keep discarded medication and packaging inaccessible to children and animals.