What is Biaxin?

Biaxin belongs to a clan of medicines which are meant to combat bacteria within your body. Biaxin can treat a number of bacterial infections. These include infections of the respiratory system and skin. In some cases, Biaxin is used in conjunction with other drugs for the treatment for stomach ulcers. Besides these traditional uses, Biaxin may also be exploited for other medical purposes as well.

Before you start using Biaxin, you need to make sure you are not taking some medicines. This is because it can interact with certain drugs and thus cause serious health problems such as heart rhythm disorders which may prove to be fatal in worst case. Some of the drugs you must not take with Biaxin include Hismanal, Propulsid, Ergomar, Ergostat, and Migranal Nasal Spray. Other drugs which may react with Biaxin are Orap and Seldane.

Generally Biaxin is recommended for one to two weeks. When it is used for the treatment of stomach ulcers, Biaxin may be recommended for more than two weeks. Whatever length is prescribed to you by your physician, make sure you complete the entire course. Patients normally quit using a drug as soon as they observe some improvement; however, this is not a desirable approach. You ought to complete the course of Biaxin even if you may feel better before the completion of the course. This is essential as to make sure that the infection is completely cured.

Some considerations pertinent to Biaxin

If you are going to start the course of Biaxin, you need to make sure you do not have certain health conditions prior to starting this drug. You should not take Biaxin if you are allergic to clarithromycin, azithromycin, dirithromycin or erythromycin. You should also stay away from this drug if you are allergic to troleandomycin.

Moreover, if you have problems such as kidney or liver ailments, myasthenia gravis or porphyriar, you need to intimate your doctor before starting Biaxin. Those who have family or individual history of Long QT syndrome should also consult their physicians. Your doctor may make some adjustments in your dose or recommend you Biaxin after doing some tests. 

Furthermore, pregnant women also need to be cautious while taking Biaxin. Although it has not been proved if Biaxin can do any harm to the fetus but you ought to take this medicine in consultation with your doctors if you are expecting. If you are breast-feeding your baby, then also you need to intimate your doctor, though it is not proved if Biaxin can pass into the milk or not.

Indications for taking Biaxin

You need to use Biaxin precisely as it is directed by your doctor. It is not advised to take this medicine in larger amounts than recommended. You must also not take it more than the prescribed duration. Take Biaxin with a glass of water although there is no compulsion of having it on empty of full stomach. However, Biaxin XL should be taken with meals. The medicine must not be crushed or chewed; it should also not be broken.

You need to consume the entire pill as it is designed to let go of the medicine slowly within your body. If you break the pill, too much medicine will be released in your body instantly which is not the right way to take Biaxin. If you are having the Biaxin oral suspension, you need to shake it thoroughly before consuming.

Always make sure to take Biaxin in right quantity. You can use a measuring spoon or a medicine cup to measure the amount of the drug. These instruments can easily be obtained from pharmaceutics.

How to store Biaxin?

Just like all medicines, Biaxin has to be kept away from moisture and heat. Store it at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose or take overdose?

In case you miss a dose of Biaxin, you must take it as soon as you recall. However, in case it is time for the next dose, you can miss the previous dose and continue with the next one. There is no need to take extra medicine or additional quantity of Biaxin to cover up for the missed dose.

In case of overdose, you need to take emergency medical help. If you experience symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea or vomiting, you need to speak to your doctor on urgent basis.

The side effects of Biaxin

Biaxin may have some side effects; some slight while other may be of more serious nature. You need to seek emergency medical aid in case you experience some kinds of allergic reaction such as hives or difficulty in breathing. If you see swelling on your face, lips or tongue, it is also a warning sign. Other serious side effects include uneven heartbeats, pain in the chest, watery or bloody diarrhea or nausea. Furthermore loss of appetite, dark urine and fever in addition to sore throat are also some serious side effects of Biaxin. Some people also experience headache, peeling, hearing issue, and red skin rash. In case of any of these side effects, you need to intimate your doctor without delay.

There can be minor side effects as well which can be ignored as they are not really serious. Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and unpleasant taste in your mouth are a few common side effects of Biaxin. Some people may also undergo dizziness, headache or anxiety while other may experience skin rash. There can be other side effects of Biaxin as well. For this reason, whenever you experience any pain or disturbing condition while taking Biaxin, you must speak to your doctor immediately to be on the safe side.

Other precautions pertinent to Biaxin

Keep Biaxin away from the reach of children. This drug is not recommended for infants under 6 months. Furthermore, bear in mind that Biaxin is not meant to heal common infections such as flu or cold.