Category: Antibiotics

Drug Uses

Biaxin is an antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin that is used to cure infections like Pneumonia, Sinusitis and acute middle ear infections caused by certain bacteria.

Usage

Biaxin may be taken with or without a meal. However, if you have been prescribed Biaxin XL, then always take it with a meal. Ensure that you do not crush or chew the pill.

Missed Dose

It is recommended that you stick to your regular dosage. However, if you miss a dose, then you should 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.

Storage

Store it away from light in an air tight container at room temperature. If you are using the suspension then do not freeze it.

Overdose

The typical symptoms of an overdose include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Like most medicines, seek medical attention if you suspect an overdose.

More Information

Biaxin must be used only for the reason why it is prescribed. Do not use it for reasons other than that prescribed by your doctor.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Biaxin if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Biaxin or any other macrolide (e.g., erythromycin);
you are taking cisapride, cyclosporine, dofetilide, eletriptan, ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), H1 antagonists (e.g., terfenadine, astemizole), pimozide, QT-prolonging agents (e.g., quinidine, sotalol, thioridazine), quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin), or sumatriptan.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :
Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
Biaxin only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold).
Long-term or repeated use of Biaxin may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
Be sure to use Biaxin for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
Lab tests, including complete blood counts, may be performed while you use Biaxin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: This medicine has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Biaxin is not recommended for use during pregnancy except when no other antibiotics can be used. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Biaxin while you are pregnant. It is not known if Biaxin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Biaxin, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

abnormal taste; diarrhea; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach discomfort; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; confusion; decreased urination; depression; emotional or mood changes; hallucinations; nightmares; severe diarrhea; severe stomach pain/cramps; trouble sleeping.
More Information

Biaxin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.