|
 Drug Name
Biaxin (Clarithromycin)
Drug Uses
Biaxin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. It fights bacteria in your body.
Biaxin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections affecting the skin and respiratory system. It is also used together with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.
How Taken
Do not use Biaxin if you are also using any of the drugs listed below. They can interact with Biaxin and cause life-threatening heart rhythm disorders:
- astemizole (Hismanal);
- cisapride (Propulsid);
- ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray);
- pimozide (Orap); or
- terfenadine (Seldane).
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Biaxin is usually given for 7 to 14 days (or longer when treating stomach ulcer). Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Biaxin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Biaxin, an antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin, 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)
Biaxin 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.
Biaxin is available in tablet and suspension form, and in extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL). The extended-release form is used only for sinus inflammation and flare-ups of bronchitis.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose
Warnings/Precautions
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Possible Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- uneven heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath;
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
- problems with your hearing.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
- mild stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach;
- unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
- tooth discoloration;
- dizziness, headache, anxiety, confusion;
- skin rash; or
- vaginal itching or discharge.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. |
