Biaxin

Clarithromycin

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Biaxin

Biaxin belongs to macrolide group of antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria or killing sensitive bacteria by inhibiting the production of important bacterial proteins that are required by the bacteria for survival.

Therapeutic Uses of Biaxin

Biaxin is used for treatment of infections caused by certain bacteria sensitive to it. It is also used in treatment of peptic ulcer caused by H. pylori infection. It may also be used as your doctor determines.

Direction of use of Biaxin

Biaxin should be used as directed by your doctor or as follows:

• Biaxin should be taken by mouth with or without food.
• Take it at the same time everyday to achieve the best result.
• Continue to take Biaxin even if you feel well without missing any dose of Biaxin.
• If you have any doubt about how to take it, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider.

If You Miss a Dose of Biaxin

If you miss a dose of Biaxin, you should take it as soon as you can remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose of Biaxin and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time for missing a dose of Biaxin.

How to Store Biaxin

Biaxin should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep Biaxin out of the reach of children. Store it in a tightly closed light resistent container.

More Information About Biaxin

Biaxin should be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with other people. If you have any question about Biaxin you should ask your doctor.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Biaxin

Do not use Biaxin if you have any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor right away:

• If you are allergic to any ingredient in Biaxin or any other macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin, azithromycin etc.
• If you are taking cisapride, cyclosporine, eletriptan, ergot alkaloids (like ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), H1 antagonists (like terfenadine, astemizole), pimozide, QT-prolonging agents (like quinidine, sotalol etc.), quinolones (like ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin etc.), or sumatriptan.

Important notes on Biaxin:

• Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or stomach cramps, severe diarrhea, or blood in stool occurs, while taking Biaxin. In such cases do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.
• Biaxin only works against bacteria (anti bacterial antibiotics); it does not treat viral infections like common cold.
• Long-term or repeated use of Biaxin (and many other antibiotics) may cause a secondary infection. Inform your doctor if you notice any signs of a second infection. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat the secondary infection.
• You should always take the full course of treatment of Biaxin to treat infection. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely and it may cause development of resistant and the same medicine may not work. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to other medicines as well, which could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Lab tests, like complete blood counts (complete hemogram), should be performed while you are taking Biaxin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast feeding: You should not take Biaxin during pregnancy. This medicine has been shown to cause harm (teratogenic) to the fetus. Biaxin is not recommended for use during pregnancy except when no other antibiotics are available for use due to lack of sensitivity. If you think you may be pregnant, you should consult your doctor immediately. You should discuss the benefits and risks of using Biaxin during pregnancy. It is not known if Biaxin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Biaxin, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Adverse Effects of Biaxin

• Abnormal taste, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea, stomach discomfort, vomiting etc. are the common and minor side effects of Biaxin. If any of these most common and minor side effects become persistent or become bothersome, consult your doctor.
• Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the serious side effects of Biaxin. The serious side effects of Biaxin are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue etc.); blood in stool, depression, confusion, emotional or mood changes, hallucinations; decreased urination, nightmares severe diarrhea, severe stomach pain, stomach cramps, trouble sleeping or insomnia.

Desease

• bacterial infection