What is Clarithromycin?
Clarithromycin is the generic name and active ingredient in Biaxin ( Clarithromycin ) , Biaxin XL ( Clarithromycin ) . The generic name is the official medical name for the active ingredient of the medicine. The brand name is chosen by the manufacturer, usually on the basis that it can be recognised, pronounced and remembered by health professionals and members of the public

Biaxin Information

Biaxin belongs to the kind of drug called macrolide antibiotics. This type of drugs functions by fighting the bacteria in the body.

Biaxin Indications

Biaxin is used to treat infections or diseases caused by bacteria like pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, infections in the skin, and stomach ulcers. This drug is also used in other cases not mentioned.

Biaxin Warnings
Biaxin is not good for you if you have liver or kidney disease. Ask your doctor first before taking this drug if you have the said disorder. If you have this disorder, your doctor might not allow you to take Biaxin, adjust your dose or require you special monitoring during the treatment. Baixin belongs to the FDA pregnancy category C that means that this drug may cause harm for unborn babies. If you are pregnant, make sure to inform your doctor first before taking this medicine. It is also advisable to talk to your doctor first before taking this drug if you are breast-feeding a baby. Biaxin may increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight so avoid too much or prolonged exposure to the sun. In case you cannot avoid exposure to sunlight, you can use sunscreen and ware protective clothing.

Biaxin Intake Guidelines

It is necessary to take Biaxin exactly as the doctor told you to do. In case you did not understand the instruction, tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse to clarify them to you. Biaxin is usually taken with a full glass of water. You may take this drug with or without food or drinks but Biaxin XL should be taken with food.

Biaxin Dosage

Biaxin is usually taken two times a day, every after twelve hours but you should still follow your doctor’s instruction. If you are taking Biaxin in the form of a liquid, shake it well before taking it. It is necessary to take this using a dose-measuring device like dose-measuring dropper, cup, or spoon. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not have one. You should take the number of dose the doctor told you to take even if you feel better because you may feel good even if the infection is not yet completely treated.

Biaxin Overdose

If you are overdosed, you would experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. In case you feel these symptoms, ask for emergency medical attention.

Biaxin Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, just skip the missed dose and take the dose that was regularly scheduled but do not double the dose unless told by your doctor to do so.

Biaxin Side Effects
Some of the serious side effects of Biaxin include allergic reaction like difficulty in breathing, closing of the throat swelling of the lips or hives and liver damage which is characterized by experiencing nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, severe fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Some of the less serious side effects of Biaxin are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain; dizziness, fatigue, or headache; vaginal yeast infection; rash; or increased sensitivity to sunlight. If you experience the side effects mentioned, especially the serious one, consult your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention.

Biaxin Drug Reactions
Biaxin should not be taken with drugs like antihistamines which include terfenadine and astemizole; seizure medications which include carbamazepine, phenytoin , and valproic acid; asthma medications like theophylline; anticoagulants like warfarin; heart medicines for irregular heartbeats, like digoxin and disopyramide; Ergotamine or dihydroergotamine; HMG-COA Reductase Inhibitors like atorvastin, simvastatin , lovastatin and others; Benzodiazepines like diazepam, triazolam, alprazolam and others; sildenafil or vardenafil; and other antibiotics. If your doctor did not tell you to use other antibiotics, do not use any. If you are taking drugs mentioned above, over-the-counter drugs, and other drugs which are not stated, talk to your doctor first before you take Biaxin.