Biaxin
Generic Name:
Clarithromycin
Brand Names:
Biaxin, Biaxin Filmtab, Biaxin XL, Biaxin Granules
Biaxin Description:
Clarithromycin or Biaxin is an antibiotic used to kill bacteria and stop infections in various parts of the body, including the sinuses, tonsils, ears, skin, airways, stomach, and intestines. The drug works by hindering bacteria’s ability to make protein on the molecular level, keeping the bacteria from growing and multiplying.
Biaxin can treat infections that are caused by many different strains of bacteria. Biaxin Filmtabs can be used in combination with amoxicillin and lansoprazole (Prevacid) or omeprazole (Prilosec) to treat patients with duodenal ulcers (ulcers in the first section of the small intestine).
It is important to note that Biaxin will not be effective for the common flu or cold, since these are caused by viruses and not bacteria.
Biaxin Uses:
Biaxin is indicated in adults for the treatment of bacterial infections that cause strep throat (Streptococcus pyogenes), sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, middle ear infections, and pneumonia. The drug is also approved for use in children over the age of 6 months who have strep throat, tonsillitis, sinus infections, ear infections, or pneumonia.
Biaxin can be used to treat skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
When used in combination with amoxicillin and Prevacid or Prilosec, Biaxin can treat duodenal ulcers in people with Helicobacter pylori infections.
Biaxin extended-release capsules (Biaxin XL) can treat sinus infections, bronchitis flare-ups, and pneumonia.
In patients with advanced HIV infection, Biaxin can be used to prevent and also treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), a serious bacterial infection.
Biaxin Interactions:
Use of the following drugs may alter the effectiveness of Biaxin:
- Terfenadine
- Ranitidine bysmuth citrate
- Zidovudine
- Didanosine
- Fluconazole
- Ritonavir
- Digoxin
- Colchicine
- Carbamazepine
- Efavirenz
- Rifampicin
- Rifapentine
- Nevirapine
- Slidenafil
- Vardenafil
- Tadalafil
- Tolterodine
- Alprazolam
- Midazolam
- Triazolam
- Atazanavir
- Itraconazole
- Saquinavir
- Ergotamine
- Dihydroergotamine
- Cilostazol
- Cyclosporine
- Cisapride
- Levomethadyl
- Ajmaline
- Chloral Hydrate
- Azimilide
- Chlorquine
- Dasatinib
- Dofetilide
- Droperidol
- Enflurane
- Fluticasone
- Erithromycin
Biaxin Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Biaxin is available in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets and also in an oral suspension. Dosages depend on the type of infection, the severity, the bacteria causing the infection, and the patient’s weight.
Generally in adults with respiratory, ear, or skin infections, Biaxin is taken every 8 to 12 hours, for 7 to 14 days, but a doctor will determine exact dosage requirements. Children aged 6 months and older are usually prescribed 15 mg per day for 10 days.
For treatment of H. pylori infections in adults, larger doses of 500 mg are given three times a day for 14 days, along with amoxicillin and either Prevacid or Prilosec.
Other bacterial infections and pneumonia require doses of 1000 mg per day for a 7 to 14 day period.
Missing a Dose:
If you miss a dose of Biaxin, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
Overdosing:
Overdoses of clarithromycin or Biaxin can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Biaxin FDA Approval:
December 23, 1993
Biaxin Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There have been no recalls or Black Box warnings for Biaxin.
Other Warnings
Women who are pregnant should not use Biaxin, as it can have an adverse effect on pregnancy. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea has occurred in patients using anti-bacterial medications. A mild form of diarrhea may also occur with Biaxin use.
It is important to note that Biaxin should not be used in combination with certain drugs such as ranitidine bismuth citrate. This combination in particular should not be used in patients who have a creatinine clearance of less than 25 mL/min and patients who have suffered from severe porphyria in the past.
After Biaxin was marketed, it was found that the drug caused discoloration of the tongue, dizziness, anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Elderly women who used the drug reported tooth discoloration and hearing loss. Patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders have reported seeing Biaxin tablets in stools. When clarithromycin was used along with colchicine, there have been reports of colchicine toxicity. Hypoglycemia has been reported in a few cases where patients were taking insulin.
Temporary mental issues such as disorientation, hallucination, convulsions, behavioral changes, depression, nightmares, tinnitus, tremor, vertigo, and psychosis have also been reported. However, these reactions disappeared once the treatment was stopped.
There have been rare incidences of hepatitic dysfunction, sometimes accompanied by jaundice, in patients using Biaxin.
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