What you should know about
Biaxin
What is Biaxin?
Biaxin is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics.
Biaxin fights bacteria in your body.
Biaxin is used to treat many different types of bacterial
infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis, skin
infections, and stomach ulcers caused by bacteria.
Biaxin may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Biaxin?
Take all of the Biaxin that has been prescribed for you
even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the
infection is completely treated.
Do not take Biaxin if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid),
pimozide (Orap), or terfenadine (Seldane). These medicines can interact,
possibly leading to a dangerous irregular heartbeat pattern.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before
taking Biaxin?
Do not take Biaxin if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid),
pimozide (Orap), or terfenadine (Seldane). These medicines can interact,
possibly leading to a dangerous irregular heartbeat pattern.
Before taking Biaxin, tell your doctor if you have liver or
kidney disease. You may not be able to take Biaxin, or you may require a lower
dose and special monitoring during therapy.
Biaxin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that
it is not known whether Biaxin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Biaxin
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether Biaxin passes into breast milk. Do
not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Biaxin?
Take Biaxin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do
not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to
explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Biaxin can be taken with food or milk or on an empty stomach.
Take extended release clarithromycin (Biaxin XL) with food.
Biaxin is usually taken two times a day with the doses
about 12 hours apart. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Shake the suspension well before measuring each dose. To
ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring
dropper, cup, or spoon, not a regular tablespoon. Ask your pharmacist for a
dose-measuring device if you do not have one.
Take all of the Biaxin that has been prescribed for you
even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the
infection is completely treated.
Store this medication at room temperature away from
moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate the suspension.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if
it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose
and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Biaxin?
If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Biaxin and seek emergency medical attention:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of
your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
· liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea,
abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue)
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to
occur. Continue to take Biaxin and talk to your doctor if you experience:
· nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
· dizziness, fatigue, or headache
· a rash
· vaginal yeast infection
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.
Related
Links:
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Biaxin
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