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What is Biaxin
 Biaxin
is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Biaxin
fights bacteria in your body.
Biaxin
is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections,
such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis, skin
infections, and stomach ulcers caused by bacteria.
Biaxin
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Biaxin
Take all of the Biaxin that has been prescribed for
you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may
start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Do not take Biaxin if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid),
pimozide (Orap), or terfenadine (Seldane). These medicines
can interact, possibly leading to a dangerous irregular
heartbeat pattern.
Who should not take Biaxin Do not take Biaxin if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid),
pimozide (Orap), or terfenadine (Seldane). These medicines
can interact, possibly leading to a dangerous irregular
heartbeat pattern.
Before taking Biaxin, tell your
doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. You may not
be able to take Biaxin, or you may require a lower dose
and special monitoring during therapy.
Biaxin is
in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether Biaxin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take
Biaxin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether Biaxin passes into breast
milk. Do not take this medication without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Biaxin Take Biaxin exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Biaxin
can be taken with food or milk or on an empty stomach.
Take extended release Biaxin (Biaxin XL) with food.
Biaxin is usually taken two times a day with the doses about
12 hours apart. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Shake the suspension well before measuring each dose. To
ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension
with a dose-measuring dropper, cup, or spoon, not a regular
tablespoon. Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring device
if you do not have one.
Take all of the Biaxin that
has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better.
Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection
is completely treated.
Store this medication at room
temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate
the suspension.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed.
Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of an Biaxin overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
and abdominal discomfort.
Avoid while taking Biaxin Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Biaxin may
increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to
the sun is unavoidable.
Possible side effects of Biaxin If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Biaxin and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing
of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face;
or hives), or
- liver damage (yellowing of the skin
or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding
or bruising, severe fatigue).
Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Biaxin and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;
-
dizziness, fatigue, or headache;
- vaginal yeast
infection;
- a rash; or
- increased sensitivity
to sunlight.
Side effects other than those listed
here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Biaxin Biaxin may cause dangerous side effects when taken
with the following drugs:
- antihistamines such as
terfenadine (Seldane) and astemizole (Hismanal). These drugs
should not be taken with Biaxin. The combination can cause
your heart to beat irregularly.
- seizure medications
such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin),
and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene). These drugs may
or may not be affected. Since these drugs are so important,
your doctor may want to perform some special blood-monitoring
tests.
- asthma medications such as theophylline
(Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron, others). Biaxin may increase
levels of these drugs in your blood, and you may need a
dosage adjustment.
- anticoagulants (blood thinners)
such as warfarin (Coumadin). These medications may have
an increased effect, which could lead to bleeding. Your
doctor may want to monitor your blood clotting.
-
heart medications for irregular heartbeats, such as digoxin
(Lanoxin) and disopyramide (Norpace). These drugs may also
have an increased effect. Your doctor may want to monitor
your blood levels more closely.
- other antibiotics.
Do not use other antibiotics unless they are prescribed
by your doctor.
Do not take Biaxin without first
talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines
listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Biaxin.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
