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Clarithromycin

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Overview

Biaxin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic related to erythromycin.

It is prescribed to fight respiratory tract infections including pneumonia and infections of the skin.

Side Effects and Interactions

The most frequent side effects involve digestive tract upset.

People taking Biaxin report fewer side effects than those on erythromycin, but diarrhea, nausea, abnormal taste, stomachache and upset stomach are potential reactions.

Headache has also been reported. Let your doctor know promptly of any symptoms you experience.
Biaxin interacts with a few other medicines.

It may boost blood levels of the anti-seizure medication Tegretol by 60 percent or more, leading to increased toxicity.

The asthma drug theophylline, the blood thinner Coumadin and the anti-AIDS drug Retrovir (AZT) appear to interact with Biaxin.

It should not be taken by people who are also taking the antihistamines Seldane or Hismanal, as it could lead to a dangerous build-up of these drugs in the body.

Check with your pharmacist and physician to make sure Biaxin is safe in combination with any other drugs you take.

Special Precautions

Because Biaxin, like erythromycin, is eliminated from the body by the liver, this drug should be used very cautiously, if at all, by people with liver problems.

Anyone with a history of allergy to erythromycin-type antibiotics should probably avoid Biaxin. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, rash and itching.

In rare instances allergy may trigger life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

Pregnant women should avoid Biaxin unless the doctor finds no other appropriate therapy. This medication has caused birth defects in animal tests.

Taking the Medicine

Biaxin may be taken with or without food. Doses are usually spaced evenly throughout the day.

Check with your physician or pharmacist for specific instructions, and be sure to complete the full course of medication unless directed otherwise.

  • Currently 2.5/5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Didn't Work ..... Really Worked!
Did this drug work? Average rating: 2.5/5 (4 votes)
What do you think? Click the stars to vote!
If you have more to say, post a comment below!

2 Comments

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Please also list the fact that Biaxin can cause severe mental symptoms as well.

I started Clarithromycin 500mg twice per day, for treatment of an abscess, on the second day I awoke to find my lower left back/glute to be a little tight and a little sore, which progressed during the day, after lunch I struggled to stand up (I couldn't stand up straight) and walk properly, I am an athletic 44 year old who exercises five times per week, I have previously not had any problems with this part of my back. Can this be due to Clarithromycin?

People's Pharmacy response: Tendon and muscle problems happen with quinolone antibiotics, but clarithromycin is a different type of antibiotic. It is not supposed to cause this sort of difficulty.

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