Biaxin (Clarithromycin)

What is Biaxin?

Biaxin is a macrolide antibiotic.

What is Biaxin used for?

Biaxin is prescribed to patients suffering from certain bacterial infections, including strep throat infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, intense middle ear infections and some infections related to skin. It is also used to treat certain types of stomach ulcers.

How does Biaxin work?

The main function of Biaxin is to retard the growth of bacteria. It works by interfering with the bacterial functions that helps it spread in the body and harm hearty body organs.

How to use Biaxin

Biaxin is for oral use. Take it as per the directions of your doctor. It is usually taken twice a day, with or without food. Take it with milk if you experience stomach irritation after taking it.

As it is an antibiotic, take it after specific intervals of time and at almost same time every day. Do not stop the drug before time as it is important to keep the level of medicine in the body constant.

Also, stopping the medicine early will allow the bacteria to grow further so take it for the full prescribed time.

Biaxin warnings and precautions

First of all, talk to your doctor and inform him about all prescribed or non-prescribed drugs that you are taking, and all allergies of food or drugs that you suffer. Also tell him about your medical history. A well informed physician will ensure that the medicine benefits you the most.

If you have suffered medical troubles related to liver, heart or kidney, and are on some medicines that have an effect of sleepiness associated with them, start taking the medicine only after your physician allows. Store the Biaxin at a room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture and children. Do not share it with someone who has not been prescribed to take Biaxin. Ask your doctor about the possible problems that you may have to confront in case you have low water or mineral levels in your body.

What do I do if I have missed a Biaxin dose?

If you have missed your Biaxin dose you should take the missed one at once and take the next dose after 5 to 6 hours. Then return to your directed regimen.

What do I do if I have taken a Biaxin overdose?

If you have taken a Biaxin overdose you should contact the physician who prescribed you the same.

Biaxin interactions

Some drugs have been reported to change the effects of Biaxin if taken concurrently. Consult your doctor before using Biaxin if you are already taking blood thinners such as warfarin, Cyclosporine, Fluconazole, Pimozide, Rifabutin, Valproate or Disopyramide.

Other drugs that affect heartbeats and liver enzymes should also not be used simultaneously with Biaxin. This is suggested because these drugs tend to remove the effects of Biaxin from your body and the prescribed medication may not benefit you.

If you are allergic to any specific food or some other medications, and if you are undergoing some treatment that may interfere with the mechanism of action of Biaxin in body, do not take it until your doctor prescribes you.

Biaxin side effects

When you initially start your Biaxin dosage, you may experience some side effects as your body adjusts to the medicine. These are mild side effects and should evade gradually, but if they persist, contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset, nausea, and headache.

Side effects of Biaxin are muscle weakness, persistent nausea or vomiting, intense abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin, lasting fever and persistent sore throat. They demand instant medical aid.