Biaxin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. It fights bacteria in your body.
Biaxin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections affecting the skin and respiratory system. It is also used together with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.
Biaxin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Biaxin
Do not use Biaxin if you are also using any of the drugs listed below. They can interact with Biaxin and cause life-threatening heart rhythm disorders:
- astemizole (Hismanal);
- cisapride (Propulsid);
- ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray);
- pimozide (Orap); or
- terfenadine (Seldane).
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Biaxin is usually given for 7 to 14 days (or longer when treating stomach ulcer). Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Biaxin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Before taking Biaxin
Do not use Biaxin if you are alleric to clarithromycin or to similar medicines such as azithromycin (Zithromax), dirithromycin (Dynabac), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), roxithromycin (Rulid, Surlid), or telithromycin (Ketek). Do not use Biaxin if you are also using any of the drugs listed below. They can interact with Biaxin and cause life-threatening heart rhythm disorders:
- astemizole (Hismanal);
- cisapride (Propulsid);
- ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), or dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray);
- pimozide (Orap); or
- terfenadine (Seldane).
Before using Biaxin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
- porphyria; or
- a personal or family history of “Long QT syndrome.”
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use clarithcomyin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Biaxin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Biaxin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 months of age.
How should I take Biaxin?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take Biaxin with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Biaxin tablets and oral supension (liquid) can be taken with or without food.
Clarithromycin extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL) should be taken with food Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Shake the oral suspension well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Take Biaxin for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Biaxin is usually given for 7 to 14 days (or longer when treating stomach ulcer). Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Biaxin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not keep the oral liquid in a refrigerator.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a Biaxin overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
Biaxin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- uneven heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath;
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
- problems with your hearing.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
- mild stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach;
- unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth;
- tooth discoloration;
- dizziness, headache, anxiety, confusion;
- skin rash; or
- vaginal itching or discharge.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Biaxin?
Before taking Biaxin, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
- cilostazol (Pletal);
- bromocriptine (Parlodel);
- omeprazole (Prilosec);
- fluconazole (Diflucan);
- ranitidine bismuth citrate (Tritec);
- rifabutin (Mycobutin);
- sildenafil (Viagra);
- theophylline (Respbid, Theo-Dur, Theoclear, Theochron, Uniphyl);
- cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), or cerivastatin (Baycol);
- drugs that weaken your immune system, such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf), sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf), or steroids;
- heart rhythm medicine such as digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin), disopyramide (Norpace), or quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute);
- HIV medicines such as ritonavir (Norvir) or zidovudine (Retrovir);
- a sedative such as alprazolam (Xanax), midazolam (Versed), or triazolam (Halcion); or
- seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Biaxin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Biaxin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
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