Biaxin

The active ingredient in Biaxin is clarithromycin. It works by preventing bacteria from producing specific proteins within their cells. This prevents germs from growing and surviving.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Biaxin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Biaxin:

• Do not take clarithromycin to treat any ailment that has not been diagnosed by a doctor. Do not share this medication with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
• Immediate-release Biaxin tablets and suspension can be taken with or without food. Biaxin XL extended-release tablets should be taken with food.
• Do not chew, crush, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it fully.
• Biaxin XL is commonly prescribed for 7 to 14 days. Even if your symptoms resolve rapidly, continue to take this medication for the full duration. Skipping doses increases your risk of developing a drug-resistant infection. Clarithromycin does not treat viral infections like the flu or the common cold.
• If your infection is being treated with a combination of antibiotics, follow your doctor's instructions for each one. Read the directions that come with each drug. Do not change your doses or prescription schedule without consulting your doctor first.

The most common side effects of Biaxin seen in clinical trials include:

• Abdominal pain or stomach pain.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Change in taste.
• Headache.
• Indigestion.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Skin rash.
• Fungal infection.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Biaxin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious skin or allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, fever, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, and skin reddening or peeling.
• Symptoms of worsening liver issues or liver failure: stomach enlargement, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) or whites of the eyes, disorientation, and black or dark urine.
• Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, ventricular arrhythmia): chest pounding, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and fainting or lightheadedness.
• Infectious (C. difficile-related) diarrhea: fast heart rate, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, and frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times per day).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Biaxin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Biaxin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Take Biaxin for the complete prescribed period. Your symptoms may improve before the virus is fully resolved. Skipping doses may also increase your chance of developing antibiotic-resistant infections. Clarithromycin does not treat viral infections like the common cold or flu.
• Biaxin should not be used if you are allergic to clarithromycin or comparable drugs such as azithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin, or if:
• You developed jaundice or liver issues after using clarithromycin.
• You have liver problems or kidney problems and are taking colchicine.

To ensure that Biaxin XL is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have ever had:

• A cardiovascular condition or heart disease.
• Long QT syndrome or heart rhythm issues in you or a family member.
• Coronary artery disease (clogged arteries).
• Myasthenia Gravis.
• Liver disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Diabetes.
• An electrolyte imbalance (for example, low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood).

If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional since Clarithromycin will not be safe to consume.

• Severe allergy to macrolide antibiotics.
• Severe liver issues connected with prior usage of clarithromycin.
• Take pimozide, lovastatin, simvastatin (Zocor), Juxtapid (lomitapide), lurasidone (Latuda), or ergot derivatives (e.g., migraine medicines).
• Taking colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare) and having kidney or liver issues.

In most circumstances, Biaxin (clarithromycin) should relieve your infection's symptoms and make you feel better within a few days. Some infections may require more time to resolve their signs and symptoms. It is important that you take the full course of Biaxin. Do not stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider first.

When Biaxin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cisapride
• Pimozide
• Lovastatin
• Atorvastatin
• Simvastatin
• Ergotamine
• Dihydroergotamine
• Ritonavir
• Zidovudine
• Amiodarone
• Amoxicillin
• Carbamazepine
• Digoxin
• Disopyramide
• Fluconazole
• Omeprazole
• Quinidine
• Rifabutin
• Sildenafil
• Terfenadine

The typical dose of Biaxin or clarithromycin tablets is the following:

Immediate-Release Tablet & Suspension (Taken every 12 hours):

Bronchitis: 250–500 mg for 7–14 days

Sinus infection: 500 mg for 14 days

Pneumonia: 250 mg for 7–14 days

Strep throat & tonsillitis: 250 mg for 10 days

Skin infections: 250 mg for 7–14 days

HIV-related infections: 500 mg ongoing

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) along with other meds: 500 mg every 8–12 hours for 10–14 days

Children: 7.5 mg/kg (max adult dose) for 10 days

Extended-Release Tablet (Adults only) (Taken once daily):

Bronchitis & pneumonia: 1 gram for 7 days

Sinus infections: 1 gram for 14 days

If you miss a dose, Take your missed dose as soon as you recall. If your next planned dose is coming up soon, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missing dose.

Store your Biaxin at room temperature and out of reach of children.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Biaxin is Abbvie Pharmaceuticals.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Biaxin.

Take Biaxin (clarithromycin) until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you need to stop taking the medication, it is best to speak to your healthcare provider first.

Biaxin is not generally suggested in pregnant women due to the danger of complications and birth defects reported in animal studies. The possibility of injury to your newborn is unclear. If you are pregnant, your doctor may only give Biaxin if there are no safer alternatives and the benefits outweigh the risks. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant before taking the drug.

Breastfeeding while taking clarithromycin is generally regarded as safe because the medicine levels are low in breast milk and unlikely to create side effects for your infant. However, if you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor before taking clarithromycin.