Generic Biaxin, an antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin, is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, including:

• Strep throat,
• Pneumonia,
• Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses),
• Tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils),
• Acute middle ear infections,
• Acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis (inflamed airways).

Generic Biaxin is also prescribed to treat infections of the skin. Combined with Prilosec or Prevacid and amoxicillin, Generic Biaxin is used to cure ulcers near the exit from the stomach (duodenal ulcers) caused by H. pylori bacteria.

Generic Biaxin can also be prescribed to combat Mycobacterium avium infections in people with AIDS.

Generic Biaxin is available in tablet and suspension form, and in extended-release tablets (Generic Biaxin XL). The extended-release form is used only for sinus inflammation and flare-ups of bronchitis.

Generic Biaxin (Clarithromycin) prevents bacteria from growing, by interfering with their protein synthesis. Generic Biaxin (Clarithromycin) binds to the subunit 50S of the bacterial ribosome, and thus inhibits the translocation of peptides.

Adults
Respiratory, ear, and skin infections:
Your doctor will carefully tailor your individual dosage of Generic Biaxin depending upon the type of infection and organism causing it.

The usual dose varies from 250 to 500 milligrams every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days. You may take Generic Biaxin suspension or tablets with or without food

Duodenal ulcers:
You can expect one of the following treatment regimens:

500 milligrams of Generic Biaxin, 30 milligrams of Prevacid, and 1 gram Amoxicillin every 12 hours for 10 or 14 days.

500 milligrams of Generic Biaxin, 20 milligrams of Prilosec, and 1 gram Amoxicillin every 12 hours for 10 days. Some patients need to continue taking 20 milligrams of Prilosec on a once-daily basis for an additional 18 days.

500 milligrams of Generic Biaxin every 8 hours plus 40 milligrams of Prilosec every morning for 14 days. Some patients need to continue taking Prilosec at a reduced dosage of 20 milligrams once a day for an additional 14 days.

500 milligrams of Generic Biaxin every 8 or 12 hours plus 400 milligrams of Tritec every 12 hours for 14 days.

Mycobacterium Avium infections: For prevention or treatment, the recommended dose is 500 milligrams twice a day.

Children
Generic Biaxin is not recommended for children under 6 months of age.

The dose for children older than 6 months depends on how much the child weighs. Generic Biaxin is usually given twice a day for 10 days.

BIAXIN XL

Generic Biaxin XL should always be taken with food. Do not chew or crush Generic Biaxin XL tablets.

Adults

Sinusitis: The usual dosage is 1000 milligrams once a day for 14 days.

Bronchitis or pneumonia: The usual dosage is 1000 milligrams once a day for 7 days.

Children
Safety and effectiveness of Generic Biaxin XL have not been established for children.

Generic Biaxin Overdose
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Generic Biaxin overdose may include:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

If you miss a Generic Biaxin dose:
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next Generic Biaxin dose, take the one you missed and take the next one 5 to 6 hours later. Then go back to your regular schedule.

Generic Biaxin Storage instructions:
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.
Do not refrigerate the suspension.Shake Generic Biaxin suspension before each dose and use it within 14 days.

Generic Biaxin Preparations:
Generic Biaxin Tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg
Generic Biaxin Suspension: 125 mg per 5 ml teaspoonful, 250 mg per 5 ml teaspoonful.

If Generic Biaxin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Generic Biaxin with the following:

• Alprazolam (Xanax),
• Blood thinners such as Coumadin,
• Bromocriptine (Parlodel),
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol),
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Mevacor and Zocor ,
• Cilostazol (Pletal),
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral),
• Digoxin (Lanoxin),
• Disopyramide (Norpace),
• Ergot-based migraine drugs such as Cafergot, DHE, Sansert, and Wigraine,
• Fluconazole (Diflucan),
• Hexobarbital,
• Methylprednisolone (Medrol),
• Midazolam (Versed),
• Phenytoin (Dilantin),
• Quinidine (Quinidex),
• Pimozide (Orap),
• Rifabutin (Mycobutin),
• Ritonavir (Norvir),
• Sildenafil (Viagra),
• Tacrolimus (Prograf),
• Theophylline (Slo-Phyllin, Theo-Dur, others),
• Triazolam (Halcion),
• Valproate (Depakene, Depakote),
• Zidovudine (Retrovir).

Special Precautions if you are pregnant or breast feeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Since Generic Biaxin may have the potential to cause birth defects, it is prescribed during pregnancy only when there is no alternative.
Caution is advised when using Generic Biaxin while breastfeeding.
Generic Biaxin may appear in breast milk, as does its chemical cousin, erythromycin.

Special warnings about Generic Biaxin
If you have severe kidney disease, the doctor may need to prescribe a smaller dose of Generic Biaxin. Make sure the doctor is aware of any kidney problems you may have.

Like other antibiotics, Generic Biaxin may cause a potentially life-threatening form of diarrhea that signals a condition called pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the large intestine). Mild diarrhea, a fairly common Generic Biaxin side effect, may disappear as your body gets used to the drug. However, if Generic Biaxin gives you prolonged or severe diarrhea, stop taking Generic Biaxin and call your doctor immediately.

Side effects of Generic Biaxin cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Generic Biaxin.

More common side effects of Generic Biaxin may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal taste, diarrhea, nausea, rash, vomiting.

Less common side effects of Generic Biaxin may include:
Headache, indigestion.

Rare common side effects of Generic Biaxin may include:
Allergic reactions, altered sense of smell, anxiety, behavior changes, confusion, convulsions, disorientation, dizziness, fungal infections of the mouth, hallucinations, hearing loss, inflammation of the mouth, liver problems, mental problems, nightmares, pancreatitis, ringing in the ears, sleeplessness, tongue discoloration or swelling, tooth discoloration, tremor, vertigo, very low blood sugar.

Side effects of Generic Biaxin XL are generally milder than those of regular Generic Biaxin. They may include diarrhea, abnormal taste, and nausea.