Biaxin (Clarithromycin) is an antibiotic drug. Clarithromycin kills certain bacterium or blocks their growing. Biaxin treats ear, lung, sinus, throat and skin infections.
Clarithromycin has similar antimicrobial spectrum as Erythromycin just is better against certain gram-negative bacterium, especially Legionella pneumophila. Biaxin is also is used to treat a certain bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers.
Clarithromycin will not act for colds, flu or other viral infections. Biaxin is an extended-release form of clarithromycin that only needs to be taken once daily.
Biaxin is an alternative antibiotic drug for prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis in patients who are allergic to penicillin and getting surgical or dental operations.
FDA approved Biaxin in October 1991.
What should I tell my doctor before I take Biaxin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
diarrhea
irregular heart beat or abnormal heart beat
kidney disease
liver disease
stomach problems (especially colitis)
other chronic illness
an unusual or allergic reaction to clarithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breastfeeding
How should I take Biaxin?
Take clarithromycin pills orally. Follow the instructions on the prescription. Take the tablets with a full glass of water. Make sure to take the extended-release tablets Biaxin with food. Taking clarithromycin with food may reduce stomach upset. Do not crush or chew the Biaxin tablets. Take your doses at regular time intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Close the full course ordered by your doctor even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of Biaxin in children. Special care may be required.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 6 hours between Biaxin® doses, and at least 12 hours between Biaxin doses.
What drugs may interact with clarithromycin?
astemizole
birth control pills
carbamazepine
cisapride
colchicine
digoxin
dofetilide
doxercalciferol
ergot alkaloid medicines, like ergotamine
other antibiotics, like grepafloxacin or sparfloxacin
paricalcitol
pimozide
ritonavir
some statin drugs (examples: atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin)
terfenadine
theophylline
triazolam
warfarin
zidovudine
Tell your doctor about all other medications that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements or herbal products. Also tell your doctor if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medication acts. Check with your doctor before finishing or starting any of your medications.
What side effects may I notice from taking clarithromycin?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:
difficulty breathing
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
severe or liquid diarrhea
skin rash, itching
swelling of tongue or throat
vomiting
yellow color of eyes, skin or urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
changes in taste or smell
headache
nausea
stomach pains or cramps
What should I watch for while taking clarithromycin?
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days. Be sure to take all of Biaxin as ordered, even if you begin to feel better.
Clarithromycin may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Women should use additional forms of birth prevention during the month they obtained clarithromycin. Conditional the length of clarithromycin treatment, other birth control techniques may be required for at least one menstrual cycle after the antibiotic is stopped.
If you get severe or liquid diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Visit your doctor for advice.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking clarithromycin.
Where can I keep Biaxin?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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