Biaxin: Potent Macrolide Antibiotic for Bacterial Infection Resolution
| Product dosage: 250mg | |||
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Biaxin (clarithromycin) is a advanced-generation macrolide antibiotic prescribed for the treatment of a wide spectrum of bacterial infections. Its formulation is designed to target both common and atypical pathogens, offering healthcare providers a reliable therapeutic option. By inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, Biaxin effectively halts the proliferation of susceptible microorganisms, facilitating patient recovery. This medication is available in both immediate and extended-release forms, allowing for tailored treatment regimens based on clinical indication and patient-specific factors.
Features
- Active ingredient: Clarithromycin
- Available formulations: Biaxin (immediate-release tablets), Biaxin XL (extended-release tablets)
- Standard strengths: 250 mg and 500 mg tablets
- Pharmacological class: Macrolide antibiotic
- Administration: Oral route
- FDA-approved for multiple bacterial indications
Benefits
- Effectively eradicates a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
- Demonstrates excellent tissue penetration, reaching infection sites effectively
- Convenient twice-daily dosing regimen enhances patient compliance
- Proven clinical efficacy in respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections
- Extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing in appropriate indications
- Well-established safety profile with extensive clinical use history
Common use
Biaxin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of:
- Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis
- Acute maxillary sinusitis
- Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
- Helicobacter pylori eradication (as part of combination therapy)
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection prophylaxis and treatment
Dosage and direction
Adults:
- Standard dosage: 250-500 mg every 12 hours
- Biaxin XL: 1000 mg (two 500 mg tablets) once daily with food
- Duration: Typically 7-14 days depending on infection type and severity
Pediatric patients:
- 7.5 mg/kg twice daily (maximum 500 mg twice daily)
- Duration determined by indication and clinical response
Administration guidelines:
- Take with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort
- Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve
- Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets
- Space doses evenly throughout the waking hours
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min)
- Monitor hepatic function during prolonged therapy
- May prolong cardiac QT interval; use caution in patients with known QT prolongation
- Not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly needed (Pregnancy Category C)
- Exercise caution in elderly patients due to potential for increased side effects
- May cause dizziness; advise patients regarding driving or operating machinery
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or other macrolide antibiotics
- Patients receiving cisapride, pimozide, or ergot derivatives
- History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction with previous clarithromycin use
- Concomitant use with colchicine in patients with renal or hepatic impairment
- Patients with hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia (increased risk of QT prolongation)
Possible side effect
Common (≥1%):
- Diarrhea (3%)
- Nausea (3%)
- Abnormal taste perception (3%)
- Dyspepsia (2%)
- Abdominal pain (2%)
- Headache (2%)
Less common (<1%):
- Oral thrush or vaginal candidiasis
- Transaminase elevations
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
Rare but serious:
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias
- Hepatotoxicity
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Hearing loss (usually reversible)
Drug interaction
Biaxin has significant interaction potential due to CYP3A4 inhibition:
- Contraindicated: Cisapride, pimozide, ergot alkaloids
- Major interactions: Statins (increased risk of myopathy), colchicine, warfarin (monitor INR)
- Significant interactions: Calcium channel blockers, benzodiazepines, carbamazepine
- Moderate interactions: Oral hypoglycemics, theophylline, digoxin
- Always review complete medication profile before prescribing
Missed dose
- Take the missed dose as soon as remembered
- If near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
- Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose
- Maintain regular dosing schedule to ensure consistent antibiotic levels
- Contact healthcare provider if multiple doses are missed
Overdose
Symptoms: Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain Management:
- Gastric lavage if presented early
- Supportive care with attention to electrolyte balance
- Monitor for QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias
- Hemodialysis not effective for removal
- Contact poison control center for specific guidance
Storage
- Store at room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F)
- Keep in original container with lid tightly closed
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Do not use after expiration date
- Do not transfer to other containers
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Biaxin is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Dosage and treatment duration should be determined based on individual patient factors, infection type, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Always follow the prescribing information provided by the manufacturer and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Reviews
“Biaxin has been a reliable choice in my practice for respiratory infections, particularly when covering atypical pathogens. The twice-daily dosing is generally well-tolerated by patients.” - Infectious Disease Specialist, 15 years experience
“While effective, I monitor patients closely for gastrointestinal side effects and potential drug interactions. The extended-release formulation has improved compliance in my chronic bronchitis patients.” - Pulmonologist, 12 years experience
“In pediatric otitis media and pneumonia cases, Biaxin provides good coverage with generally acceptable tolerability. Taste issues can sometimes be a challenge with younger patients.” - Pediatrician, 8 years experience