Biaxin (Clarithromycin)

Biaxin is used for treating infections caused by certain bacteria.

Biaxin is a macrolide antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of or killing sensitive bacteria by reducing the production of important proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

Do not use Biaxin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Biaxin or any other macrolide (e.g., erythromycin);
• you are taking cisapride, cyclosporine, dofetilide, eletriptan, ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), H1 antagonists (e.g., terfenadine, astemizole), pimozide, QT-prolonging agents (e.g., quinidine, sotalol, thioridazine), quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin), or sumatriptan.

• Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
• Biaxin only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold).
• Long-term or repeated use of Biaxin may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
• Be sure to use Biaxin for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Lab tests, including complete blood counts, may be performed while you use Biaxin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: This medicine has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Biaxin is not recommended for use during pregnancy except when no other antibiotics can be used. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Biaxin while you are pregnant. It is not known if Biaxin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Biaxin, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• abnormal taste; diarrhea; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach discomfort; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; confusion; decreased urination; depression; emotional or mood changes; hallucinations; nightmares; severe diarrhea; severe stomach pain/cramps; trouble sleeping.

Biaxin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.