BIAXIN (CLARITHROMYCIN)

About Biaxin

Biaxin is a macrolide antibiotic that your doctor may prescribed to treat bacterial skin, middle ear, and throat infections, as well as pneumonia and tonsillitis. Biaxin or generic Clarithromycin has also been proven as effective for preventing Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), an opportunistic infection that is more common in those with compromised immune systems.

Biaxin or generic Clarithromycin may be taken with another antibacterial medication when treating MAC as a way to decrease the odds that the mycobacteria will become drug resistant. Biaxin is only prescribed to treat infections caused by bacteria. You may be started on Biaxin while waiting for test results to determine whether you need to continue taking Biaxin or stop if infection is caused by a virus. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Biaxin Interferes with Bacteria

When taken as directed, Biaxin inhibits the process that the bacteria use in order to construct proteins, called protein synthesis. The action of Biaxin is primarily bacteriostatic; the bacteria are not necessarily killed but are blocked from being able to grow and reproduce so their numbers fall and your immune system will take care of any bacteria that are left. This is why it’s important that you take Biaxin as your doctor has instructed and for the time stated. Failure to do so may result in a relapse from any remaining bacteria that have not yet been affected by Clarithromycin.

Conditions Treated with Biaxin

Not everyone is aware that our bodies are home to numerous bacteria. For the most part they simply go about their business until something happens that rocks the balance of bacteria or we sustain an injury and a Staph (Staphylococcus aureus) infection could be imminent. Biaxin is effective for many Staph infections, including cellulitis. This is a non-contagious infection of an area of your skin and the tissues that lie beneath that can cause painful swelling and redness.

People with HIV/AIDS or who are undergoing cancer treatment may be more susceptible to infections because the drugs they are already taking have suppressed their immune system so they are at a disadvantage for fighting even small infections without the help of Rx medicine such as Biaxin.

Before You Take Biaxin

To avoid possible harm or health risks to an unborn or nursing baby, you should tell your doctor before taking Biaxin that you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss your medical history with your doctor and list all current over the counter and Rx drugs you are on, including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements. This allows your doctor to determine if Biaxin is the right medicine for your situation. Biaxin is effective as an alternative to penicillin, so those with allergic reactions or sensitivities to penicillin can still be treated.

Proper Use and Recommendations for Biaxin

If you are scheduled for blood tests, tell the healthcare technician that you are taking Biaxin as you could experience a decrease in white blood cells, platelet count, and hemoglobin or urine testing may cause positive results for cocaine. You should not start or stop any medications without first talking with your doctor about how this may affect being on Biaxin.

Possible Side Effects of Biaxin

• Constipation/diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea