Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections; specifically, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia (especially atypical pneumonia), skin infection, Legionellosis and lyme disease.

Also Known As:

Crixan, Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Klaricid, Klabax, Klacid, Claripen, Claridar, Fromilid, Clacid, Clarithro, Nabiqasim, Vikrol and Infex.

Active Ingredient:

Clarithromycin- Clarithromycin is an antibiotic agent that acts by interfering with bacterial growth.

How It Works:

Clarithromycin treats bacterial infection by interfering with their protein synthesis. It binds to bacterial ribosomes, preventing the translation of peptides and inhibiting growth. Because bacteria live for a very limited amount of time, preventing growth eventually kills the infection.

Side Effects:

As with most antibiotics (and most medications, for that matter) the most common side effects of Clarithromycin affect the gastrointestinal system. It has been known to cause diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. It can also cause extreme irritability, facial swelling, headaches, dizziness, rashes, alteration in senses (especially smell and taste) and a metallic taste in the mouth. Some patients complain of dry mouth, anxiety, hallucinations and nightmares.

Long term use of Clarithromycin, Biaxin, Biaxin XL or other forms of the drug may cause oral thrush or vaginal yeast infection due to the absence of healthy bacteria in the area.

Severe reactions can result in jaundice, liver disorder, kidney malfunction and kidney failure, as well as arrhythmia, chest pain and shortness of breath. When used with certain statins (drugs used to lower plasma cholesterol levels) patients may experience muscle pain.

Along with allergic reactions, which result in hives, swelling of the face, tongue and throat and shortness of breath, severe reactions have also (rarely) manifested in the CNS following the use of Clarithromycin, Biaxin, Biaxin XL and other forms of the drug.  These extreme reactions include ototoxicity, headaches, delirium and mania. If you notice any alteration in mood, severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool or urine or new signs of infection, notify your physician immediately.

Of greater concern, Clarithromycin is reputed to cause false positives on urine drug screens for cocaine. If you are drug testing, be sure to let the laboratory doing the testing know you are taking Clarithromycin, how much you are taking and how often you take it. You may be asked to repeat the test after your course of treatment. 

Resources for Buying: Only use a Licensed Pharmacy:

While there are some Canadian pharmacies online which provide excellent service and low prices, the delivery time of about two weeks is not ideal for antibiotics or other acute care drugs which are needed by the patient almost immediately. If not for that, one would be better off buying these drugs abroad.