Biaxin

Generic name: Clarithromycin

What is Biaxin?

Biaxin is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including strep throat, pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis, acute middle ear infections, and acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis in adults.

Biaxin is also used to treat skin infections and when combined with lansoprazole or omeprazole and amoxicillin, duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria.

Biaxin XL is the extended-release tablet form and is used for sinus inflammation, bronchitis flare-ups, and community-acquired pneumonia (see separate Biaxin XL entry).

In children, Biaxin tablets and granules are used to treat bacterial infections including sore throat and tonsillitis, pneumonia, acute middle ear infections, and skin infections.

What is the most important information I should know about Biaxin?

You should not use Biaxin if you are pregnant, except in clinical circumstances where no alternative therapy is appropriate.

Colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including Biaxin, and may range in severity from mild to life threatening.

Biaxin should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may decrease the drug's effectiveness and increase the likelihood that drug-resistant bacteria will develop.

Who should not take Biaxin?

Do not use Biaxin if you are allergic to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or any of the macrolide antibiotics. Do not take Biaxin if you are also taking astemizole, cisapride, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, pimozide, or terfenadine.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Biaxin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Biaxin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have severe kidney disease or if you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

The usual dosage for Biaxin Filmtabs (tablets) and Biaxin Granules (for oral suspension) is:

Respiratory, Ear, and Skin Infections

Adults: Your doctor will carefully tailor your individual dosage of Biaxin depending upon the type of infection and organism causing it.

The usual dose varies from 250-500 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours for 7 or 14 days.

Children: The usual recommended daily dosage, based on the child's weight, is 15 mg/kg/day, taken in divided doses, for 10 days. Biaxin is not recommended for children under 6 months of age.

Duodenal Ulcers

Adults: You can expect one of the following treatment regimens:

500 mg of Biaxin, 30 mg of omeprazole, and 1 gram (g) amoxicillin every 12 hours for 10 or 14 days.

500 mg of Biaxin, 20 mg of lansoprazole, and 1 g amoxicillin every 12 hours for 10 days. Some patients need to continue taking 20 mg of lansoprazole on a once-daily basis for an additional 18 days.

500 mg of Biaxin every 8 hours plus 40 mg of lansoprazole every morning for 14 days. Some patients need to continue taking lansoprazole at a reduced dosage of 20 mg once a day for an additional 14 days.

500 mg of Biaxin every 8 or 12 hours plus 400 mg of ranitidine bismuth citrate every 12 hours for 14 days. Some patients need to continue taking 400 mg of ranitidine bismuth citrate every 12 hours for an additional 14 days.

Mycobacterium Avium Infections

Adults: For prevention or treatment, the recommended dose is 500 mg twice a day.

Children: For prevention or treatment, the recommended dose, based on the child's weight, is 7.5 mg/kg/day, up to 500 mg twice a day.

How should I take Biaxin?

Biaxin tablets and Biaxin granules for oral suspension can be taken with or without food.

What should I avoid while taking Biaxin?

Avoid missing any doses. Do not take Biaxin if you are also taking astemizole, cisapride, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, pimozide, or terfenadine.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Biaxin?

If Biaxin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Biaxin with the following: alfentanil, alprazolam, blood-thinning drugs (oral) such as warfarin, bromocriptine, carbamazepine, cholesterol-lowering drugs such as lovastatin or simvastatin, cilostazol, colchicines, cyclosporine, didanosine, digoxin, disopyramide, ergot-based migraine drugs, fluconazole, hexobarbital, methylprednisolone, midazolam, omeprazole, phenytoin, pimozide, quinidine, ranitidine, rifabutin, ritonavir, sildenafil, tacrolimus, terfenadine, theophylline, triazolam, valproate, zidovudine.

In addition, tell your doctor if you take medicines for any of the following: your immune system, cholesterol, infections, heart failure, seizures, diabetes, heartburn, or stomach ulcers.

What are the possible side effects of Biaxin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects in adults may include: abdominal pain or discomfort, abnormal taste, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea, rash

Side effects in children may include: abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, rash, vomiting

Can I receive Biaxin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Biaxin should not be used in pregnant women, except in clinical circumstances where no alternative therapy is appropriate.

The effects of Biaxin during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Caution should be exercised when Biaxin is administered to nursing women. Talk with your doctor before taking this drug if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Biaxin?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take the dose you missed and take the next dose 5 to 6 hours later, then go back to your regular schedule.

How should I store Biaxin?

Store Biaxin at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light. Do not refrigerate the suspension.