Brand name:

Biaxin

Why is Biaxin prescribed?

Biaxin, an antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin, is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, including:

Strep throat
Pneumonia
Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses)
Tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils)
Acute middle ear infections
Acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis (inflamed airways)

Biaxin is also prescribed to treat infections of the skin. Combined with Prilosec or Prevacid and amoxicillin, it is used to cure ulcers near the exit from the stomach (duodenal ulcers) caused by H. pylori bacteria. It can also be prescribed to combat Mycobacterium avium infections in people with AIDS.

Biaxin is available in tablet and suspension form, and in extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL). The extended-release form is used only for sinus inflammation and flare-ups of bronchitis.

Most important fact about Biaxin

Biaxin, like any other antibiotic, works best when there is a constant amount of drug in the blood. To keep the amount constant, try not to miss any doses.

How should you take Biaxin?

You may take Biaxin suspension or tablets with or without food. Biaxin XL, however, should always be taken with food. Do not chew or crush Biaxin XL tablets. Shake Biaxin suspension before each dose and use it within 14 days.

Take Biaxin exactly as prescribed, and be sure to continue taking it for the full course of treatment.

--If you miss a dose...

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

--Storage instructions...

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

Biaxin side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Biaxin.

• Side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, abnormal taste, diarrhea, nausea, rash, vomiting

Side effects of Biaxin XL are generally milder than those of regular Biaxin. They may include diarrhea, abnormal taste, and nausea.

Why should Biaxin not be prescribed?

Do not take Biaxin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you are sensitive to it or erythromycin, or similar antibiotics such as Tao and Zithromax. Also avoid Biaxin if you have a heart condition or an imbalance in the body's water and minerals; and do not take the drug while taking Orap, Propulsid, or Seldane.

Special warnings about Biaxin

If you have severe kidney disease, the doctor may need to prescribe a smaller dose of Biaxin. Make sure the doctor is aware of any kidney problems you may have.

Like other antibiotics, Biaxin may cause a potentially life-threatening form of diarrhea that signals a condition called pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the large intestine). Mild diarrhea, a fairly common Biaxin side effect, may disappear as your body gets used to the drug. However, if Biaxin gives you prolonged or severe diarrhea, stop taking the drug and call your doctor immediately.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Biaxin

If Biaxin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Biaxin with the following:

Alprazolam (Xanax)
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Mevacor and Zocor
Cilostazol (Pletal)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Disopyramide (Norpace)
Ergot-based migraine drugs such as Cafergot, DHE, Sansert, and Wigraine
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Hexobarbital
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Midazolam (Versed)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Pimozide (Orap)
Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
Ritonavir (Norvir)
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Theophylline (Slo-Phyllin, Theo-Dur, others)
Triazolam (Halcion)
Valproate (Depakene, Depakote)
Zidovudine (Retrovir)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Since Biaxin may have the potential to cause birth defects, it is prescribed during pregnancy only when there is no alternative. Caution is advised when using Biaxin while breastfeeding. Biaxin may appear in breast milk, as does its chemical cousin, erythromycin.

Recommended dosage for Biaxin

BIAXIN

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Biaxin overdose may include:
  Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting