Biaxin

The prescription antibiotic Biaxin is used for the treatment of various infections. It is also used to prevent a serious bacterial infection that can develop in people who have advanced forms of AIDS. By decreasing bacteria's ability to make protein, Biaxin can help stop bacteria from growing and multiplying. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion.

 

What Is Biaxin?

Biaxin® (clarithromycin) is a prescription antibiotic approved to treat a variety of different infections. It is also approved to prevent Mycobacterium avium, a complex disease (a serious bacterial infection) that can develop in people who have advanced AIDS. Biaxin XL is a long-acting form of the drug.
 
(Click Biaxin Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Biaxin is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.
 

How Does It Work?

Biaxin belongs to a group of medications known as macrolides. It works by binding to bacterial ribosomes, which are protein "factories" inside bacteria. By binding to these ribosomes, Biaxin interferes with the production of proteins, inhibiting bacterial growth and multiplication.
 

When and How to Take Biaxin

Some general considerations for those taking Biaxin include the following:
 
  • The medication comes as regular (immediate-release) tablets, extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL), and an oral suspension (a liquid).
     
  • The regular tablets and oral suspension are usually taken twice a day (sometimes three times a day for certain infections). The extended-release form is taken just once a day.
     
  • Make sure to shake the oral suspension well before each dose.
     
  • You can take the tablets or oral suspension with food or on an empty stomach. However, Biaxin XL tablets must be taken with food, as they may not work as well if you take them on an empty stomach.
     
  • The medication can be taken at any time of the day; however, make sure to take it at the same time(s) each day, every 12 hours (if you take it twice daily) or every 24 hours (if you take it once daily).
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Biaxin will not work if you stop taking it too soon.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Biaxin your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The type of infection and bacteria
  • Your age and weight (for children)
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you are currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Biaxin Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Biaxin

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Biaxin. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Some of the common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Biaxin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Biaxin can potentially interact with several other medications (see Biaxin Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Biaxin?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • An arrhythmia known as long QT syndrome
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Biaxin Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take an overdose of Biaxin may experience effects such as:
 
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea.
     
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Biaxin Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Biaxin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Try not to miss doses, as this increases the risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection.
 

Available Strengths

This medication comes in the following strengths and forms:
 
  • Biaxin 250 mg tablets
  • Biaxin 500 mg tablets
  • Biaxin XL 500 mg tablets
  • Biaxin granules, which are mixed by your pharmacist into an oral suspension with a concentration of 125 mg or 250 mg per teaspoonful (per 5 mL), depending on the strength.
     

How Should Biaxin Be Stored?

Store Biaxin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children. Do not keep the oral suspension in the refrigerator. It must be discarded 14 days after it is mixed, even if there is some left.
 

Is Generic Biaxin Available?

This medication is currently available in generic form (see Generic Biaxin for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;