How does Klamycin (Clarithromycin) work:

Klamycin (Clarithromycin) is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, including Strep throat, Pneumonia, Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses), Tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils), Acute middle ear infections, Acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis (inflamed airways). Klamycin is also prescribed to treat infections of the skin. Combined with Prilosec or Prevacid and amoxicillin, it is used to cure ulcers near the exit from the stomach (duodenal ulcers) caused by H. pylori bacteria. It can also be prescribed to combat Mycobacterium avium infections in people with AIDS.

It works by preventing bacteria from producing proteins that are essential to them. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot grow, replicate and increase in numbers. It doesn't directly kill the bacteria, but leaves them unable to increase in numbers. The remaining bacteria eventually die or are destroyed by the immune system. This treats the infection.

Dosage & Administration:

Your physician will decide what the best dosage is for you. Always follow your physicians instructions about taking Klamycin.

Side Effects:

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Abdominal pain
• Sore mouth
• Tongue or tooth discolouration
• Oral thrush
• Headache
• Pain in the muscles or joints
• Disturbance of taste or smell
• Allergic skin reactions
• Dizziness
• Difficulty sleeping or bad dreams
• Pins and needles
• Confusion
• Reversible loss of hearing
• Low blood sugar
• Liver or kidney disorders
• Abnormal heart beats

Precautions:

Do not take Klamycin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you are sensitive to it or erythromycin, or similar antibiotics such as Tao and Zithromax. Also avoid Klamycin if you have a heart condition or an imbalance in the body's water and minerals; and do not take the drug while taking Orap, Propulsid, or Seldane. If you have severe kidney disease, the physician may need to prescribe a smaller dose of Klamycin.

Klamycin may cause a potentially life-threatening form of diarrhea that signals a condition called pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the large intestine). Mild diarrhea, a fairly common Klamycin side effect, may disappear as your body gets used to the drug. However, if Klamycin gives you prolonged or severe diarrhea, stop taking the drug and call your physician immediately. If Klamycin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your physician before combining Klamycin with other prescribed or non-prescribed medications.