Biaxin Medication - Uses & Side Effects

CLARITHROMYCIN (Biaxin® or Biaxin® XL) is an antibiotic. Clarithromycin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It treats ear, lung, sinus, throat and skin infections. This medicine is also is used to treat a certain bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers. Clarithromycin will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections. Biaxin® XL is an extended-release form of clarithromycin that only needs to be taken once daily. Generic clarithromycin tablets and extended-release tablets are available. Clarithromycin is an antibiotic drug. In the US, its brand name is Biaxin®. In other countries it is known as Klacid and Mavid.

Biaxin Dosage

• The usual dose varies from 250 to 500 milligrams every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.

Uses of Biaxin

• Biaxin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis, skin infections.
• Biaxin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• This medication can also be used in combination with anti-ulcer medications to treat certain types of stomach ulcers.

Side Effects of Biaxin

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Biaxin. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain, abnormal taste, diarrhea, nausea, rash, vomiting

Side effects of Biaxin XL are generally milder than those of regular Biaxin. They may include diarrhea, abnormal taste, and nausea.

Warnings and precautions before taking Biaxin:

• If you have severe kidney disease, the doctor may need to prescribe a smaller dose of Biaxin. Make sure the doctor is aware of any kidney problems you may have.
• Like other antibiotics, Biaxin 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 Biaxin side effect, may disappear as your body gets used to the drug. However, if Biaxin gives you prolonged or severe diarrhea, stop taking the drug and call your doctor immediately.

Drug Interaction :-If Biaxin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Biaxin with the following:

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
  
• Blood thinners such as Coumadin
  
• Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
  
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Mevacor and Zocor
  
• Cilostazol (Pletal)
  
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
  
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
  
• Disopyramide (Norpace)
  
• Ergot-based migraine drugs such as Cafergot, DHE, Sansert, and Wigraine
  
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)
  
• Hexobarbital
  
• Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
  
• Midazolam (Versed)
  
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
  
• Quinidine (Quinidex)
  
• Pimozide (Orap)
  
• Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
  
• Ritonavir (Norvir)

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Biaxin overdose may include:

• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting