Biaxin (Clarithromycin)

Biaxin (clarithromycin) is a type of antibiotic that is prescribed to patients for the treatment of infections. This prescription medication may be used to treat mild or moderate infections caused by certain susceptible bacteria. Different forms of the drug may have different approved uses.

• Use for the Treatment of Many Different Infections
• Multiple Oral Forms
• Extended-Release or Immediate-Release Options
• Some Pediatric Doses Available
• Generic Alternatives Available
• Approved Since 1991

Biaxin is usually taken orally each day. The dose prescribed and the length it is prescribed for depend on the condition it is being used to treat and the formulation.

Biaxin Filmtab (Every 12 hours)

• Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
  • 250-500 mg for 7-14 days
  • Use 250 mg for M. catarrhalis and S. pneumoniae
  • Use 500 mg for H. influenzae and H. parainfluenzae (7 days)
• Acute Maxillary Sinusitis
  • 500 mg for 14 days
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia
  • 250 mg for 7-14 days
  • Use Biaxin XL for H. parainfluenzae and M. catarrhalis
  • For H. influenzae, treat for 7 days
• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
  • 250 mg for 10 days
• Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections
  • 250 mg for 7-14 days
• Disseminated Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) Disease
  • 500 mg twice daily (continued therapy if clinical response observed and discontinued when risk of infection is low)
• H. Pylori Eradication (with Amoxicillin and Omeprazole or Lansoprazole)
  • 500 mg twice daily for 10-14 days
• H. Pylori Eradication (with Omeprazole Only)
  • 500 mg every 8 hours for 14 days

Biaxin XL Filmtab (Every 24 Hours)

• Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
  • 1 g once daily for 7 days
• Acute Maxillary Sinusitis
  • 1 g once daily for 14 days
• Community-Acquired Pneumonia
  • 1 g once daily for 7 days

Pediatric patients using Biaxin are usually prescribed 15 mg/kg/day. This dose is usually divided for 12 hours for 10 days. Some pediatric patients using this medication to treat prophylaxis of mycobacterial infections may be prescribed 7.5 mg/kg (up to 500 mg) every 12 hours instead.

Missed doses should be taken right away, except when the next scheduled dose is imminent. Patients who remember the missed dose close to when the next dose is supposed to be taken should skip the missed dose and proceed with the rest of their dosing schedule as normal. A missed dose should not be compensated by doubling your next dose.

Black Box Warning

Biaxin has an FDA-issued warning for the risk of causing heart problems or death to patients who already have heart disease. Patients with known heart disease should avoid using this product and look into alternative antibiotic options if necessary.

Other Precautions and Warnings

Some patients – in rare cases – may experience acute hypersensitivity reactions while taking this medication. Patients who have these reactions should immediately stop taking the medication and seek the necessary medical treatment. Arrhythmia and QT prolongation can also occur in some cases. The likelihood of these complications increases in patients with a history of QT interval prolongation or ventricular arrhythmias. Patients who are also taking medications that are known to prolong the QT interval or those with ongoing proarrhythmic conditions also have a higher risk.

Some patients taking Biaxin have reported hepatic dysfunction while using the medication. This can include an increase in liver enzymes and hepatitis. Patients experiencing signs of hepatitis should stop taking the medication immediately.

This medication may not be safe to use for all patients. They should tell their doctor before starting this medication if they:

• Are allergic to this medication or other similar products
• Have myasthenia gravis or phenylketonuria
• Are pregnant or planning to be
• Are breastfeeding
• Have low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood
• Experienced diarrhea when taking other antibiotics before
• Have a fast or irregular heartbeat

Patients should tell their healthcare providers about any preexisting conditions and medications or supplements being taken before starting Biaxin.

Everyone does not necessarily experience side effects. However, some of the more likely side effects to be experienced include those such as:

Common Side Effects

• Nausea/vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Taste changes

These side effects may resolve on their own over time as the patient’s body gets more used to the medication. Patients should let their doctor know if any of these symptoms worsen or become of concern.

Serious Side Effects

On rare occasions, some patients may also experience serious side effects while taking the medication. They should stop taking the medication and immediately seek medical attention if they experience any signs of a serious reaction. The reactions may be indicated by signs such as:

• Dark urine
• Itching
• Skin rash or hives
• Blisters or peeling skin
• Fluid-filled bumps on the skin
• Red or purple skin
• Fever or feelings of illness
• Dizziness or fainting
• Tight throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Joint pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Racing heart
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Jaundice
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Stomach cramps
• Fatigue
• Stool changes (color or texture)

Patients experiencing any serious side effects should seek emergency help. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction or skin reaction. It could also be a sign of liver damage, heart problems, or other serious issues.

There are several known drug interactions for Biaxin. These include using these medications with medications like:

• Ritonavir
• Carbamazepine and Terfenadine
• Colchicine
• CYP3A Enzyme Inducers
• Certain ED medications (like tadalafil and vardenafil)
• Tolterodine
• Triazolobenzodiazepines
• Atazanavir
• Itraconazole
• Saquinavir
• Antiarrhythmics
• Ergotamine/Dihydroergotamine
• HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
• Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Verapamil
• Theophylline
• Terfenadine
• Zidovudine
• Ranitidine bismuth citrate
• Didanosine

Always talk to a medical professional and discuss all current medications and supplements being taken before starting Biaxin.

The tablet form of this medication should be kept at room temperature 68°F (or 20°C) to 77°F (or 25°C). It is fine for this medication to be stored at temperatures between 59°F and 30°F (or 15°C and 30°C) if it is only for short periods of time during transportation. These tablets should be kept in a place that is dry and cool place with the container closed and away from direct light.

The liquid version of this medication should be stored at temperatures between 59°F and 30°F (or 15°C and 30°C). This medication should be used within 14 days and should never be frozen or refrigerated. Unused liquid should be thrown away if left over after the 14 days.

MyRx Outlet carefully handles and ships all sensitive medications like Biaxin to patients’ homes in the U.S. All the necessary compliant packaging materials are used during handling.

Can Biaxin be taken with other medications?

Some medications – especially those affecting heart rhythm, liver metabolism, or certain enzymes – can interact with Biaxin and may require dose adjustments or monitoring. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Biaxin with other medications or supplements.

Which side effects of Biaxin are most commonly experienced?

Some patients may experience mild side effects such as nausea/diarrhea or stomach upset. They may also experience a change in taste. These usually improve as the patient’s body adjusts.

How should Biaxin be taken?

The regular formulation of this medication is taken orally with or without food. The extended-release version should be taken with food to make it easier on the stomach.

Are there alternative antibiotics to Biaxin?

There are several other possible antibiotics that can be used depending on the person and the specific condition it is being used to treat. A healthcare provider can recommend the best medication for the patient.

Can Biaxin be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Biaxin is not recommended during pregnancy unless deemed necessary. However, it is generally regarded as safe for use while breastfeeding – though caution is advised.

How should I proceed if I miss a dose of Biaxin?

Missed doses should be taken immediately, except when the next dose is approaching. In that case, the dose should be skipped and the rest of the schedule should be proceeded with as normal. Doses should not be doubled to make up for missed ones.

Is Biaxin a type of penicillin antibiotic?

No. Biaxin is a type of macrolide antibiotic. It is part of a different class of antibiotics.

Is Biaxin a Zithromax?

Both are macrolide antibiotics. However, their forms and specific bacterial infections they are used to treat differ.

Is clarithromycin stronger than amoxicillin?

Clarithromycin and amoxicillin are generally considered equally effective for many common infections. One is not universally “stronger” than the other. The choice between them depends on the infection type and patient specifics.

How soon can I expect clarithromycin to start working?

Most people typically start to feel better within a few days of beginning treatment. Patients should still finish their dosing schedule even when they start feeling better.

Which bacteria are killed by clarithromycin?

This medication kills a long list of different types of bacteria. This medication is effective because it kills many different types of bacteria and prevents their growth.

At MyRx Outlet, we are committed to delivering safe, high-quality medications that you can trust. We adhere to strict regulations in every country we operate in, ensuring that your order is handled by a licensed Canadian pharmacy or a trusted partner overseas. Each medication has been legally approved by Health Canada or other respected authorities. To purchase Biaxin at a discounted rate, call 1-888-551-2467.