Serious Allergic Reactions
Biaxin XL can rarely cause a serious allergic reaction.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:
- Hives
- Severe rash
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Clarithromycin should be stopped and evaluated promptly if a serious allergic reaction occurs.
Severe Diarrhea and C. difficile Infection
Biaxin XL can cause diarrhea.
In some cases, antibiotic treatment can allow an overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) bacteria in the colon. This may cause severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you develop:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Bloody or mucus-containing stools
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Fever
- Signs of dehydration
- C. difficile infection can occur during treatment or even after the antibiotic has been stopped.
Liver Problems
Biaxin XL can cause liver injury, including rare cases of serious or life-threatening liver failure.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you develop:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Unusual tiredness
Treatment may need to be stopped if signs of hepatitis or liver injury develop.
Heart Rhythm Problems
Biaxin XL can affect the electrical activity of the heart and may cause QT prolongation.
This can lead to a serious abnormal heart rhythm called torsades de pointes in susceptible patients.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- A history of QT prolongation
- An abnormal heart rhythm
- A very slow heartbeat
- Low potassium or magnesium levels
- Other medications that affect heart rhythm
Seek medical attention if you develop fainting, severe dizziness, or a fast or irregular heartbeat.
Low Potassium or Magnesium
Biaxin XL is not typically described as directly causing low potassium.
However, having low potassium or low magnesium before or during treatment can increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythm problems.
Your healthcare provider may monitor electrolyte levels if you have other medical conditions or take medications that can lower potassium or magnesium.
Drug Interactions
Biaxin XL can interact with many medications.
Some interactions can cause dangerously high medication levels or increase the risk of serious side effects.
Important interactions may occur with certain:
- Cholesterol-lowering medications
- Blood thinners
- Heart and blood pressure medications
- Colchicine
- Sedatives
- Seizure medications
- Other medications that affect heart rhythm
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you use.
Some combinations should be avoided completely.
Low Blood Sugar
Clarithromycin can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially when used with certain diabetes medications.
Watch for symptoms such as:
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Hunger
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Confusion
If you have diabetes, your healthcare provider may recommend closer blood sugar monitoring during treatment.
Nervous System Effects
Some people may experience nervous system side effects while taking Biaxin XL, including:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Confusion
- Changes in taste
Use caution with driving or other activities that require full alertness if you feel dizzy or confused.
Hearing Changes
Hearing loss or ringing in the ears has been reported in some people taking clarithromycin.
The risk may be greater if you already have hearing problems or take other medications that can affect hearing.
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Reduced hearing
- Ringing in the ears
- Other unusual hearing changes
Myasthenia Gravis
Clarithromycin may worsen symptoms of myasthenia gravis.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have this condition before taking Biaxin XL.
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop increased muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems.
Heart Disease
Tell your healthcare provider if you have coronary artery disease or other significant heart disease.
Some studies have found a possible increased risk of death in people with coronary artery disease after clarithromycin treatment, so your healthcare provider will consider the benefits and risks before prescribing it.
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