Biaxin (Generic)

Generic Biaxin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication can also be used in combination with anti-ulcer medications to treat certain types of stomach ulcers. It may also be used to prevent certain bacterial infections. Generic Biaxin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Take Generic Biaxin by mouth with or without food. Generic Biaxin works best if it is taken at the same time each day. Continue to take Generic Biaxin even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Abnormal taste; diarrhea; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach discomfort; vomiting.
• Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; confusion; decreased urination; depression; emotional or mood changes; hallucinations; nightmares; severe diarrhea; severe stomach pain/cramps; trouble sleeping.

Before taking clarithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, azithromycin); or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should be used with caution if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: liver or kidney disease, certain heart problems (e.g., QTc prolongation, bradycardia), mineral imbalance (e.g., low potassium or magnesium levels), family history of certain heart rhythm disorders (QTc prolongation).

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Based on information for similar drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Generic Biaxin should be avoided by patients known to be allergic to clarithromycin or other chemically similar macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin. Generic Biaxin can significantly increase blood levels of the active metabolite of terfenadine (Seldane) when these two medications are co-administered. Erythromycin, another macrolide antibiotic structurally similar to clarithromycin, has been known to interact with astemizole (Hismanal), loratadine (Claritin), bromocriptine, warfarin (Coumadin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), cyclosporine, digoxin (Lanoxin), disopyramide (Norpace), ergotamine, lovastatin (Mevacor), phenytoin (Dilantin), theophylline, triazolam (Halcion), and valproate to alter the blood levels of these medicines. Whether Generic Biaxin can interfere similarly with these medications is not clearly established.

Treatment with Generic Biaxin and other antibiotics can alter normal bacteria flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of C. difficile, a bacteria responsible for pseudomembranous colitis. Patients who develop pseudomembranous colitis as a result of antibiotics treatment can experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes even shock. Safe use with children has not been established. It is not habit forming.

If you miss a dose of Generic Biaxin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.