BIAXIN - Clarithromycin

Biaxin Used For

Biaxin (Clarithromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic that fights fights bacteria in the body. It is prescribed for the treatment of many different types of bacterial infections including bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis, skin infections, and stomach ulcers caused by bacteria.

Directions for Biaxin

For bacterial infections and community-acquired pneumonia, adults and teenagers should be administered 250 to 500 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days. For children6 months of age and older, the recommended dose 7.5 mg per kilogram (kg) (3.4 mg per pound) of body weight every twelve hours for ten days. For prevention or treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, adults and teenagers can take 500 mg two times a day while children 6 months of age and older may be administered 7.5 mg per kg (3.4 mg per pound) of body weight, up to 500 mg, two times a day. For treatment of ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori, adults and teenagers may be administered 500 mg three times a day for 14 days, in combination with omeprazole or ranitidine bismuth sulfate; or 500 mg every 12 hours in combination with amoxicillin and lansoprazole for 14 days. Dose for all conditions for infants must be determined by a doctor.

How Biaxin works

Biaxin should not be combined with cisapride, pimozide, or terfenadine as these medicines can interact, possibly leading to a dangerous irregular heartbeat pattern. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease and are prescribed Biaxin since it might require special dosage or monitoring during treatment.

Side effects of Biaxin

Biaxin may cause an allergic reaction leading to difficulty in breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives, or may lead to liver damage including yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising and severe fatigue. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain; dizziness, fatigue, or headache; a rash; or vaginal yeast infection. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects cause undue discomfort.

Other Biaxin medication Information

Store Biaxin medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. If prescribed a suspension, do not refrigerate it.