Biaxin and/or Equivalents

Biaxin

Biaxin Drug Description

Biaxin is the brand name of a medication that belongs to the group of antibiotics known as macrolides. It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Your physician will prescribe Biaxin in case you are suffering from infections of the respiratory tract or skin. The medicine may also be prescribed for the prevention or treatment of bacterial infections in other parts of your body. The prime ingredient in Biaxin is clarithromycin. It is available as immediate release formulation (Biaxin BID), extended release formulation (Biaxin XL) and oral suspension. Biaxin BID is available in two strengths of 250mg and 500mg (USP). The 250mg tablet is yellow in colour and 500mg tablet is pale yellow in colour. Both the tablets are oval shaped, film coated and imprinted with the Abbott logo on one side. Excipeints include croscarmellose sodium, cellulosic polymers, D&C Yellow No. 10, povidone, propylene glycol, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, sorbitan monooleate, sorbic acid, stearic acid, vanillin, talc and titanium dioxide. None of the tablets contain tartrazine. The tablets are available in bottles of hundred tablets each. Biaxin XL tablets are available as 500mg (USP). Each tablet is film coated, oval shaped, yellow coloured, debossed and available in bottles of sixty tablets each. Excipeints include cellulosic polymers, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, Quinoline Yellow Lake E104, propylene glycol, sorbitan monooleate, titanium dioxide, vanillin and talc. Biaxin oral suspension is presented in two strengths of 125 mg/5 ml and 250 mg/5 ml (USP). The former is available in bottles of 55ml, 105ml and 150ml while the latter is available in bottles of 105ml. Both the formulations contain granules of clarithromycin which are to be mixed with water to reconstitute the suspension. The granules contain povidone (K90), carbopol and HP-55 polymer as a coating. Inactive ingredients include natural and artificial fruit flavours, citric acid, castor oil, potassium sorbate, silicon dioxide, maltodextrin, sucrose, xanthan gum and titanium dioxide. Biaxin is approved by the FDA and is available only on prescription. It is presented by Abbott Laboratories Limited.

Conditions Treated by Biaxin

Different formulations of Biaxin is prescribed to treat a host of bacterial infections of both the upper and lower respiratory tract like tonsillitis, pharyngitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, acute otitis media, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and influenza. It is used in the treatment of uncomplicated skin infections like cellulitis and impetigo. Biaxin is also recommended for treating Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) disease in patients with severe HIV infection and is prescribed concomitantly with other medicines in the treatment of ulcers in the digestive tract.

Biaxin Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Typical dosage of different formulations of Biaxin depends on individual patient condition, compliance, requirement, body weight, age and several other factors. In general, for adults suffering from respiratory tract infection the typical dosage of Biaxin BID is between 250 mg and 500mg for 7 to 14 days. For skin infections, 250mg of Biaxin BID is recommended for 7 to 14 days. In concomitant prescription for the treatment of stomach ulcers, 500mg of Biaxin BID is recommended for 10 days. For the treatment of Mycobacterium Avium Complex, 500mg of Biaxin BID is recommended. In case Biaxin XL is prescribed, the typical dosage for adults suffering from respiratory or skin infections is 1000mg once daily for five days, one week or two weeks (as determined by your physician). Biaxin oral suspension is the preferred formulation for paediatric patients. Usual recommended dosage is 15mg per kg of body weight to be given twice daily. The total dose must not exceed 1000 mg per day. The typical duration of treatment is for 5 to 10 days depending on the pathogen involved and the gravity of the infection.

b.) Missing a dose

In case you have missed a particular dose of Biaxin, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take more tablets at the same time to compensate for a missed dose. Skip the missed dose, continue with your normal dosage and seek medical advice.

c.) Overdosing

In case you have overdosed Biaxin, visit your physician or the nearest healthcare centre for treatment of overdose symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, nausea or stomach pain.

Biaxin Warnings

Biaxin will be contraindicated for you if you are allergic to clarithromycin (or any other similar macrolide antibiotic) or to any of the other active / inactive ingredients present in the medicine. It is not recommended for patients with a history of hepatic or renal impairments, cardiac arrhythmia, or myasthenia gravis. Biaxin is also contraindicated in patients who are already using colchicine, insulin, oral hypoglycaemic agents, warfarin (or other oral anti-coagulants), statins and several other molecules. Therefore, before prescribing Biaxin, your physician must know about all other medicines you are taking along with your present and past medical history. This is important as such information will help him to determine the safety or efficacy of the medicine for you. Biaxin XL must always be taken with meals. The extended-release tablets must not be broken, crushed or chewed; instead it must always be swallowed whole with water. Biaxin BID and oral suspension can be taken with or without food. The reconstituted Biaxin oral suspension must be shaken thoroughly before use. Never refrigerate the reconstituted suspension and discard any leftover medicine after two weeks. Rinse the graduated syringe (included in the pack) thoroughly between uses. Never store the syringe inside the bottle or store any reconstituted suspension inside the syringe. Always inform your physician if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or plan to conceive while undergoing treatment with Biaxin. Take Biaxin exactly as prescribed by your physician. Do not alter doses or discontinue use arbitrarily. Contact your physician immediately on experiencing any adverse effect or feeling of discomfort. Store the medicine in a cool and dark place and never share with another person without consulting your physician.

Biaxin Side Effects

Adverse effects of a medicine depend on individual patient condition and the same kind of side effects may not be experienced by all patients. In general, typical side effects include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Change in sense of taste
• Flatulence
• Bloody or watery stool
• Fever
• Headache
• Stomach cramps
• Skin rash
• Liver problems
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Irregular heartbeat
• Allergic reactions

Biaxin Drug Interactions

The active and inactive ingredients of Biaxin (all formulations) may interact with other medicines or preparations that you are taking presently. In order to ensure the safety and efficacy of the formulation, your doctor must know if you are taking other prescription or non-prescription drugs including herbal preparations, dietary supplements or vitamins. S/he must also be aware of your addictions towards caffeine, alcohol, tobacco or street drugs.

If you have any questions about buying discount Biaxin online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Biaxin and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information