Biaxin (Clarithromycin) is composed of an active ingredient known as Clarithromycin and other inactive ingredients. Clarithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic. Biaxin antibiotic is used to treat and prevent bacterial infections which affect the skin and respiratory system. Biaxin combined with other medications is also used to treat stomach ulcers. Clarithromycin present in Biaxin prevents bacterial growth by interfering with their protein synthesis. Biaxin is an oral medication available in different forms and strengths such as, immediate-release tablets as Biaxin tablets, extended-release tablets as Biaxin XL tablets and granules for oral suspension as Biaxin Granules. Biaxin is available in 250mg and 500mg tablets. Biaxin XL is available in 500mg tablets. Biaxin Granules is available in 50ml and 100ml bottles.

The recommended dose for the infection like Pharyngitis or Tonsillitis is Biaxin 250mg, twice daily for 10 days.
The recommended dose for the treatment of acute maxillary sinusitis infection is Biaxin 500mg, twice daily for 2 weeks or 2 Biaxin XL tablets at a time, once daily for 14 days.
The recommended dose for the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis due to catarrhalis and pneumoniae is Biaxin 250mg, twice daily for 7-14 days or 2 Biaxin XL at a time, once daily for 7 days. The recommended dose for the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis due to influenzae and parainfluenzae is Biaxin 500mg, twice daily for 1-2 weeks or 2 Biaxin XL at a time, once daily for a week.
The recommended dose for the treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia due to parainfluenzae and catarrhalis is 2 Biaxin XL at a time, once daily for 7 days. The recommended dose for the treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia due to influenza and pneumonia is Biaxin 250mg, twice daily for 7-14 days or 2 Biaxin XL at a time, once daily for 7 days.
The recommended dose for the treatment of uncomplicated skin and skin structure is Biaxin 250mg, twice daily for 7-14 days.
For children, the usual recommended daily dosage is 15 mg per kg/day, twice daily for 10 days.
Biaxin XL should be taken with food where as Biaxin and Biaxin Granules may be given with or without food. Biaxin XL should not be chewed, broken or crushed. It should be swallowed as whole. Biaxin XL is specially made to release medicine slowly into the body. Breaking the tablet would cause too much of drug released at a time.
For the oral suspension, add the amount of water to the Biaxin Granules as directed in the prescription and shake well before each use. Use within 14 days.

Biaxin (Clarithromycin) side-effects are gastrointestinal; such as diarrhea, vomiting, facial swelling, nausea and abdominal pain.
Less common Biaxin side-effects are headaches, dizziness or motion sickness, rashes, alteration in senses of smell and taste, including a metallic taste which lasts for the entire Biaxin medication time taken.
Biaxin side effects in the central nervous system reported are, damage of the ear specifically the auditory nerve and sometimes the vestibulum; dizziness and headache.
Other Biaxin side effects indicated are dry mouth, hallucinations, nightmares and anxiety.
Serious side effects indicated are jaundice, other liver disorders and kidney problems which include kidney failure.
Uncommon Biaxin side effects are delirium and mania.

Biaxin (Clarithromycin) interacts with several drugs and medications such as, blood thinner warfarin, fluconazole, omeprazole, theophylline, sildenafil, ranitidine bismuth citrate, cholesterol-lowering medicines, drugs that weaken the immune system, digoxin, quinidine, HIV medicines, sedatives and seizure medications.

Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, inform your doctor. Do not share Biaxin with others for whom it was not prescribed and do not use it medicine for other health conditions.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double dose.

Biaxin (Clarithromycin) is used to treat acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, pneumonias associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae; skin and skin structure infections; and in AIDS and HIV patients to prevent and treat disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex. Biaxin is sometimes used to treat Legionellosis and lyme disease.

Biaxin (Clarithromycin) should be stored at a room temperature between 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F), away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Keep away from children and pets.

Concomitant use of Biaxin and ranitidine bismuth citrate should not be avoided.
Without consulting the physician, Biaxin should not be administered during pregnancy.
Caution should be taken when Biaxin is administered to a nursing mother, since many drugs are excreted in breast milk.