Biaxin

Biaxin Prescribing Information

It is the brand name for Clarithromycin and is available across the globe. It was first available in the market in the year 1980 and is currently one of the most effective and safe medicine. This medicine is part of the WHO`s list of essential medicines. It is an antibiotic which is used to treat bacterial infections only. It stops the growth of bacteria.

Clarithromycin is employed to treat a large variety of bacterial infections. It is available under the brand name of Biaxin.

Uses of Biaxin

Biaxin, also known by its generic name clarithromycin, is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the macrolide class. It is primarily used to treat various bacterial infections in the body. Here are some common uses of this drug:

• Respiratory Infections: Biaxin is frequently prescribed to treat respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis. It can effectively target bacteria that cause these infections.
• Skin Infections: Medicine can be used to treat certain skin infections caused by bacteria, including cellulitis and impetigo.
• Ear Infections: It is sometimes prescribed for ear infections, particularly when the infection is caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae.
• Strep Throat: Biaxin can be used to treat streptococcal throat infections, including strep throat, which is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Gastric Conditions: In combination with other medications, Biaxin is sometimes used to treat Helicobacter pylori infections, which are associated with conditions like peptic ulcers and gastritis.
• Mycobacterial Infections: Biaxin can be part of a treatment regimen for certain mycobacterial infections, such as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections, in patients with compromised immune systems (such as those with HIV/AIDS).
• Lyme Disease: In some cases, Biaxin may be prescribed to treat Lyme disease, a tick-borne bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.
• Dental Infections: Antibiotic can be used to treat certain dental infections caused by bacteria.
• Preventive Measures: Biaxin might also be used in some cases as a preventive measure before dental procedures or surgical interventions for individuals with certain heart conditions to prevent bacterial endocarditis.

Dosage

The appropriate dosage of Biaxin can vary depending on the type of infection being treated, the severity of the infection, the patient's age and weight, and any underlying medical conditions. It's crucial to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and the dosage information provided on the prescription label. Here are some general guidelines for dosing Biaxin:

Adults and Adolescents:

• For respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, and skin infections: The typical dose is 250 to 500 mg every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.
• For more severe infections, such as pneumonia: The dose may be increased to 500 to 1000 mg every 12 hours.
• For Helicobacter pylori eradication (in combination with other medications): The usual dose is 500 mg twice daily for 10 to 14 days.

Pediatric Patients:

• The dosage for children will be based on their weight and the specific infection being treated.
• Dosage may range from 7.5 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg every 12 hours, up to a maximum of 500 mg per dose.

Elderly Patients:

• Elderly patients or those with impaired kidney function may require adjusted dosages. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on individual factors.

Always take the medication exactly as prescribed, and complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better before the medication is finished. This helps to ensure that the infection is fully treated and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Side Effects of Biaxin

Like all antibiotics, even Biaxin can have certain side effects. Only few patients can develop the serious side effects, however, if you do, please contact the medical services immediately. You may see new symptoms of rashes, hives, swelling of the face and difficulty in breathing. There are some common side effects which the doctor may let you know beforehand. These symptoms are

• Stomach pain
• Unusual taste in mouth
• Headache
• Rash
• Mild diarrhea
• Indigestion

These symptoms can go away in time. If they don’t, then get the necessary medicines from your doctor. Do not take any medicine without consulting your doctor.

Some patients can report serious side effects as well. For these side effects get the necessary medical help immediately, before it gets further worse. These symptoms are:

• Chest pain
• Severe dizziness
• Short of breath
• Headache
• Fainting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Cough
• Body aches
• Hearing problems
• Easy bruising
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Liver problem
• Frequency of urination
• Swelling of the feet
• Skin pain

Apart from these older patients may have heart rhythm side effects which can be life threatening at times.

This medication may also be utilized in combination with anti-ulcer drugs to treat certain varieties of abdomen ulcers. It may even be used to prevent some bacterial infections. Clarithromycin is thought as a macrolide antibiotic. It works by stopping the expansion of bacteria.

Interaction with other drugs

Biaxin can interact with various other drugs, potentially affecting their effectiveness or causing adverse effects. It's important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Here are some examples of drug interactions that can occur with this antibiotic:

Drugs that Increase the Risk of Heart Rhythm Problems (QT Prolongation):

• Biaxin can prolong the QT interval on the electrocardiogram (ECG), potentially leading to a serious heart rhythm disorder called QT prolongation. Combining Biaxin with other drugs that also prolong the QT interval can increase this risk. Some examples of such drugs include certain antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, and certain antibiotics like erythromycin.

Statins (Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs):

• Biaxin can increase the blood levels of some statins, leading to an increased risk of muscle-related side effects, including a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis. Statins like simvastatin and lovastatin should be used with caution and possibly at lower doses when taken with Biaxin.

CYP3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers:

• Medicine is metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver. Drugs that inhibit or induce this enzyme can affect the blood levels of Biaxin and other drugs. For example, drugs like ketoconazole, itraconazole, and ritonavir can increase Biaxin levels, while drugs like rifampin can decrease its levels.

Antiarrhythmic Drugs (Quinidine, Disopyramide):

• Biaxin can increase the blood levels of certain antiarrhythmic drugs, potentially leading to serious heart rhythm abnormalities.

Blood Thinners (Warfarin):

• Biaxin can interact with warfarin and affect its blood-thinning effects, possibly leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

Some Antidepressants (SSRIs and TCAs):

• Combining remedy with certain antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Calcium Channel Blockers (Verapamil, Diltiazem):

• Biaxin can increase the blood levels of certain calcium channel blockers, which can lead to side effects or toxicity.

Immunosuppressive Drugs (Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus):

• Biaxin can affect the blood levels of these drugs, potentially leading to increased or decreased immunosuppressive effects.

Contraindications of Biaxin

It is advised to use this medicine only after consulting a doctor. Especially if you have a history of heart diseases, low level of potassium, myasthenia gravis, long QT syndrome, jaundice, or liver problems. It has been established that many drugs can interact with this medicine and can be life threatening. If you are using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines, do let the doctor know about them. It is advisable not to start or stop any medicines while using this medicine. Take the medicine for the entire length of the prescribed time, even if the symptoms of infection have improved. This is important because if the medicine is skipped, it may make the infection resistant to the antibiotics. The common medicines which can interact with this medicine are pimozide, cisapride, and ergotamine. You can take this medicine with or without food and swallow it whole. Keep the medicine at room temperature and away from moisture and heat. Overdose of this medicine can be life threatening and may show symptoms of nausea, diarrhea and severe stomach pain.

Before taking clarithromycin, Let your doctor or druggist know if you're hypersenstive to it; or to alternative macrolide antibiotics (such as azithromycin or erythromycin); or if you have got the other hypersensitive reactions. Before using this drug, inform your doctor or pharmacist about your case history, particularly of: liver disorders (including liver issues with past clarithromycin dose), nephropathy, a definite type of muscle disorder (myasthenia gravis). Clarithromycin might cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). This may seldom cause serious (rarely fatal) irregular heartbeat and alternative symptoms (like severe lightheadedness, fainting) that require medical attention promptly. The risk of QT prolongation could also be elevated if you have got some medical conditions or are taking alternative medication which will cause QT prolongation. Before consuming clarithromycin, inform your doctor about all the medication you're taking and if you have got any of the subsequent conditions: some heart issues (heart failure, QT prolongation within the EKG, slow heartbeat,), case history of some heart issues (QT prolongation within the graph, instant cardiac death). Low amounts of potassium and magnesium in the blood may also elevate the chances of QT prolongation. Clarithromycin might stop the working of live bacterial vaccines (like typhoid vaccine), don't have any vaccinations/ immunizations whereas using this drug without the approval of your doctor. Older adults could also be additionally sensitive to the aftereffects of this drug, particularly hearing impairment and QT prolongation.

Pregnancy and Biaxin

During maternity, this drug is meant to be used only when clearly required. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your pharmacist or doctor before breast-feeding.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. It can cause birth defects in the unborn child. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant and need to use this medicine. This medicine can, also, pass into the breast milk and can harm the nursing baby.