Biaxin
Brand Names
Biaxin, Biaxin XL, Biaxin XL-PakWhat is Biaxin
Biaxin (clarithromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a variety of different infections.
Side effects of Biaxin
You should inform your doctor immediately if you have serious side effects such as:
- uneven heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath
- diarrhea (watery or bloody)
- problems with your hearing
- severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling
- low fever, itching
- nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite
- dark urine, clay colored stools
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth
- tooth discoloration
Indication
Biaxin uses to prevent different types of bacterial infections affecting the skin and respiratory system. It is sometimes used to treat Legionellosis, Helicobacter pylori and lyme disease.
Precautions
You should not take Biaxin if you have an allergic reaction to clarithromycin or to similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole) or telithromycin (Ketek). Don't use this medicine if you have a family history of Long QT syndrome or if you have liver or kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, porphyria and are also taking colchicine (Colcrys).
There is a row of medicines which you shouldn't use during the treatment:
- cisapride (Propulsid)
- pimozide (Orap)
- ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine) or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray)
Dosage forms
Clarithromycin may be given without dosage adjustment in the presence of hepatic impairment if there is normal renal function. In patients with severe renal impairment (CLCR < 30 ml/min) the dose of clarithromycin should be reduced by 50%. However, when patients with moderate or severe renal impairment are taking clarithromycin concomitantly with atazanavir or ritonavir, the dose of clarithromycin should be reduced by 50% or 75% for patients with CLCR of 30 to 60 ml/min or < 30 ml/min, respectively.
