Drug Name: BIAXIN
Pronounced: buy-AX-in
Chemical names: Clarithromycin

BIAXIN Drug Use: Biaxin (clarithromycin) is used to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract including: Strep throat, pneumonia, sinusitis (inflamed sinuses), tonsillitis, acute middle ear infections, and acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis (inflamed airways). Biaxin (clarithromycin) drugs may also be prescribed to treat infections of the skins. Combined with Prilosec or Tritec (also know as Prevacid and amoxicillin), it is used to cure ulcers the exit from the stomach (duodenal ulcers) caused by H. pylori bacteria. Biaxin (clarithromycin) may also be used to combat Mycobacterium avium infections in people with AIDS. Biaxin (clarithromycin) is available in tablet and suspension forms and also in extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL). The extended-release form of Biaxin (clarithromycin) is used only for sinus inflammation and flare-ups of bronchitis.

BIAXIN Drug Usage Instructions: Take Biaxin (clarithromycin) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to continue taking Biaxin (clarithromycin) for the full course of treatment. You may take Biaxin (clarithromycin) suspension or tablets with or without food. However, Biaxin (clarithromycin) XL should always be taken with food. Do not chew or crush Biaxin XL tablets. Shake Biaxin suspension before each dose and use it within 14 days.

BIAXIN Storage Instructions: Do not refrigerate the Biaxin (clarithromycin) suspension. Store Biaxin (clarithromycin) at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from light.

BIAXIN Missed Dose: Take your missed Biaxin (clarithromycin) dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take the one you missed and take the next one 5 to 6 hours later. Then return to your regular Biaxin (clarithromycin) dosage schedule.

BIAXIN Side Effects: More common side effects of Biaxin (clarithromycin) may include: abdominal pain, abnormal taste, diarrhea, nausea, rash, vomiting. Less common side effects of Biaxin (clarithromycin) may include: headache, indigestion.

Special Precautions with BIAXIN: Rare side effects of Biaxin (clarithromycin) may include: allergic reactions, altered sense of smell, anxiety, behavior changes, confusion, disorientation, dizziness, and fungal infections of the mouth, hallucinations, hearing loss, inflammation of the mouth, liver problems, mental problems, nightmares, sleeplessness, tongue discoloration or swelling, tooth discoloration, tremor, very low blood sugar. Side effects of Biaxin (clarithromycin) XL are generally milder than those of regular Biaxin (clarithromycin). Other side effects of Biaxin (clarithromycin) may include diarrhea, abnormal taste and nausea. So, you are advised not to take these drugs without your doctor's prescription.