Biaxin XL (clarithromycin) Disease Interactions

There are 2 disease interactions with Biaxin XL (clarithromycin):

Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with most antibacterial agents and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening, with an onset of up to several weeks following cessation of therapy. Antibiotic therapy can alter the normal flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, whose toxin is believed to be a primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe, persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps, and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. The most common culprits are clindamycin, lincomycin, the aminopenicillins (amoxicillin, ampicillin), and the cephalosporins. Therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and other agents with significant antibacterial activity should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis. There is some evidence that pseudomembranous colitis, if it occurs, may run a more severe course in these patients and that it may be associated with flares in their underlying disease activity. The offending antibiotic(s) should be discontinued if significant diarrhea occurs during therapy. Stool cultures for Clostridium difficile and stool assay for C. difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically. A large bowel endoscopy may be considered to establish a definitive diagnosis in cases of severe diarrhea.

Clarithromycin and its primary, active metabolite are both eliminated by the kidney to some extent. The daily dosage should be halved in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min). Dosage adjustments are usually not necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, although theoretically, drug accumulation could occur in these patients if they have concomitant liver disease.

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Biaxin XL (clarithromycin) drug Interactions

There are 385 drug interactions with Biaxin XL (clarithromycin)

Biaxin XL (clarithromycin) food/lifestyle Interactions

There is 1 food/lifestyle interaction with Biaxin XL (clarithromycin)

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