Biaxin

Biaxin

Drug information

Generic name for Biaxin is Clarithromycin. It is used for treating various bacterial infections like pharangytis, tonsillitis, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, acute Otitis Media, skin and soft tissue infections, infection of throat or ear, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections etc. Biaxin can be used in combination with other anti ulcer medications and help in treatment of stomach ulcers of certain types. This medication may not work for viral infections like cold, flu etc. Biaxin is effective only for bacterial infections. This medicine is available in tablets, oral suspension and extended release tablets.

Mechanism

Biaxin belongs to microlide antibiotic group of medicines and works by stopping the growth of bacteria and treating infections. It prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with protein synthesis. It binds to the subunit of 50S of the bacterial ribosome and in the process stops translation of peptides.

 How to take Biaxin                                                         

Since Biaxin is used for treatment of various bacterial infections the dose depends upon the infection and its severity a patient is suffering from. The dose should be taken exactly as prescribed by your health consultant. Everyone responds differently to a treatment so follow your health consultant’s advice properly.

Do not stop taking medicine without consulting the health consultant and do not share it with anyone else, even if that person has same symptoms, without consulting the doctor.

For the medicine to work effectively, take it daily at the same time with a glass full of water.

Effective standard dose is 250mg twice daily or as prescribed by the doctor. For severe infection it may be increased to 500mg twice daily under medical supervision. The general duration of treatment may vary from 6 to 14 days.

Do not skip doses. If you miss any dose do not take two doses together. Shake well the oral suspension before use and take in the right measurement as prescribed. Discard unused oral suspension after fourteen days.

Precautions

Before you start taking Biaxin do inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medication or any macrolide antibiotics. If you suffer from any allergies or are taking any other medication do inform your doctor, as it may interact with this medicine and have some negative effect.

 If you suffer from any medical diseases relating to liver, kidney or heart or were suffering earlier then inform your doctor before you start on Biaxin.

Usually this medicine is not recommended for elderly, pregnant ladies and nursing mothers. Do inform your doctor if you fall under any of this category.

Do not take Biaxin if you have a history of irregular heartbeats called QT prolongation. Any other serious disease should also be informed to doctor along with your full family history.

Do not use Biaxin to treat viral infections as it will not respond. Store the medication at room temperature. If you experience any serious side effect which is unusual or lasts longer than usual then consult your doctor immediately. Do not neglect any medical emergency and take immediate medical help.