Generic Biaxin (Clarithromycin)

Introduction

Biaxin is a prescription medication primarily used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as macrolides. Biaxin, containing the active ingredient clarithromycin, is available in pill form at dosages of 250mg and 500mg. It is effective against a range of bacteria and is used for conditions such as respiratory tract infections and skin infections.

Quick Reference Facts

Active Ingredient: Clarithromycin Form: Pill (250mg | 500mg) Primary and Off-Label Uses:

• Bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, pharyngitis, skin infections)
• Helicobacter pylori eradication
• Mycobaterium avium complex (MAC) infections
• Prophylaxis against MAC infections in HIV patients

What is Biaxin?

Biaxin is a brand name for a medication whose active ingredient is clarithromycin. As a generic medication, clarithromycin is widely available. Biaxin is classified as a macrolide antibiotic, a group of drugs that work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. This class of antibiotics has been in use for several decades, with clarithromycin being developed as an improvement over earlier macrolides due to enhanced antibacterial spectrum and pharmacokinetic properties. Clarithromycin was first approved for medical use in the late 1980s. Generic versions of medications containing clarithromycin are now available, offering a cost-effective alternative to the original brand.

How Biaxin Works

Biaxin, containing clarithromycin, functions by interfering with essential bacterial processes. Specifically, it binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria. Ribosomes are the cellular machinery responsible for protein production. By blocking this binding site, clarithromycin inhibits the translocation step in protein synthesis, effectively halting the production of vital bacterial proteins necessary for growth and replication. Bacteria are killed or their growth is significantly slowed, allowing the body's immune system to clear the infection. The effectiveness of Biaxin depends on the susceptibility of the infecting bacteria to clarithromycin.

Conditions Treated with Biaxin

Biaxin is prescribed for a variety of bacterial infections. Its efficacy stems from its broad spectrum of activity against many common pathogens.

• Respiratory Tract Infections: Biaxin is used to treat infections such as pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and acute bacterial sinusitis. It is effective against bacteria like Streptonya pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, which commonly cause these conditions.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: It can be used for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease: Biaxin is a key component in combination therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, a bacterium associated with peptic ulcers and gastritis. It is typically used alongside a proton pump inhibitor and another antibiotic.
• Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) Infections: In individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with advanced HIV, Biaxin is used to treat disseminated MAC infections. It helps control the growth of these opportunistic bacteria.
• Prophylaxis Against MAC Infections: For individuals with advanced HIV and low CD4 counts, Biaxin can be prescribed to prevent MAC infections from developing.

Is Biaxin the Right Medication for You?

Biaxin is generally suitable for adults and children who have been diagnosed with bacterial infections susceptible to clarithromycin. It is often considered when other antibiotics may be less effective or not tolerated. Certain types of pneumonia, such as community-acquired pneumonia, and specific strains of bronchitis are frequently targets for clarithromycin therapy. Patients with known allergies to macrolide antibiotics (like erythromycin or azithromycin) or other components of Biaxin should not use it. It may also be used with caution in individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions, and professional medical advice should always be sought in such cases.

Buying Biaxin from Our Online Pharmacy

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Pricing & Access

We strive to offer cost-effective pricing for medications such as Biaxin. By sourcing from international suppliers, we can often provide more affordable options compared to local markets, especially for generic alternatives like clarithromycin. This allows more people to manage their healthcare needs effectively.

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Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

General dosing guidelines for Biaxin (clarithromycin) in adults typically involve 250mg or 500mg twice daily, depending on the type and severity of the infection. The duration of treatment is usually between 6 to 14 days.

• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of Biaxin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Overdose: In the event of an overdose, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Administration: Biaxin pills can be taken with or without food. Taking them with food may reduce the likelihood of stomach upset.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Biaxin, as it can potentially increase side effects like dizziness and stomach upset.
• Operating Machinery: Be cautious when operating machinery or driving, as Biaxin can cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness.

Safety Information

⚠️ Who Should Not Take Biaxin

Biaxin (clarithromycin) is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, any other macrolide antibiotic, or to any of the inactive ingredients in the pill formulation. It should also not be used in patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with prior clarithromycin use. Due to potential severe drug interactions, Biaxin should not be used concurrently with certain medications, including crizotinib, isavuconazonium, lomitapide, naloxegol, and particularly strong inhibitors of CYP3A4. It is also contraindicated in populations with known QT prolongation or ventricular arrhythmia, such as Torsades de Pointes.

Common Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects of Biaxin are gastrointestinal in nature. These can include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)

These effects are usually mild to moderate and often resolve on their own as treatment progresses. If they become severe or persistent, consult your healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Help)

Although rare, Biaxin can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention:

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
• Liver Problems: Signs include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite.
• Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD): Symptoms can range from mild diarrhea to severe colitis, with abdominal cramping, bloody stools, and fever.
• Heart Problems: Such as QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias, indicated by fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting.
• Neurological Effects: Such as dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, or seizures.

Drug & Food Interactions

Biaxin can interact with a number of medications. It inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4, which metabolizes many other drugs. This can lead to increased levels of these co-administered drugs, potentially causing toxicity. Clinically significant interactions include:

• Statins: Such as simvastatin and lovastatin, due to an increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis.
• Certain Anticoagulants: Such as warfarin, requiring careful monitoring of INR.
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Like verapamil or diltiazem, potentially leading to hypotension and renal failure.
• Colchicine: Increased risk of colchicine toxicity, especially in renal or hepatic impairment.
• Ergot Alkaloids: Such as ergotamine or dihydroergotamine, leading to ergotism.
• Certain Antiviral Medications: Such as ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors.
• Theophylline: Increased blood levels of theophylline.
• Triazolobenzodiazepines: Such as alprazolam, with increased plasma concentrations and potential CNS effects.

Patients should always inform their healthcare provider and pharmacist about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, they are currently taking.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Biaxin

While Biaxin (clarithromycin) has several approved indications, clinical studies and practice have explored its use in other areas, often considered off-label. For instance, clarithromycin has demonstrated activity against certain atypical bacteria and intracellular pathogens, leading to its use in treating conditions beyond its primary approved list. In some cases, it has been used in combination therapy for certain non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections, for which it has specific approved uses. Investigational uses may explore clarithromycin's potential anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects, though these are not established clinical applications. Any off-label use of Biaxin should only be undertaken under the close supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, as its safety and efficacy for these purposes are not formally recognized by regulatory bodies.

Storage & Handling

Biaxin (clarithromycin) pills should be stored at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), protected from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. The medication should be kept in its original container, tightly closed. Check the expiry date on the packaging, and do not use the medication past this date. If you have expired Biaxin, or medication for which it is no longer needed, inquire with your pharmacist about safe disposal methods to protect the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Using Biaxin

• Can I take Biaxin with grapefruit juice? Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with clarithromycin by inhibiting the CYP3A4 enzyme. This can lead to increased levels of clarithromycin in the blood, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. It is generally advisable to avoid consuming grapefruit products while taking Biaxin.

• Is it safe to take Biaxin while traveling across time zones? When traveling across time zones, it is important to maintain your regular dosing schedule as closely as possible. Try to take Biaxin at consistent intervals relative to your original time zone or adjust the timing to best fit your new schedule, ensuring no more than 12 hours pass between doses if taking twice daily.

• How long does it typically take for Biaxin to start working? Antibiotics like Biaxin usually begin working within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment. You may start to feel some relief from symptoms during this period. It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you feel better sooner, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent resistance.

Product Information

• What do Biaxin pills look like? Biaxin pills, containing clarithromycin, are typically white to off-white in colour. They are often film-coated to make them easier to swallow. Specific markings or shapes may vary depending on the manufacturer of the generic version.

• What are the inactive ingredients in Biaxin? Inactive ingredients in clarithromycin pills can vary by manufacturer but commonly include microcrystalline cellulose, starch, magnesium stearate, and hypromellose. These do not have therapeutic effects but are used in the formulation process.

Safety & Regulations

• Will Biaxin show up on a drug test? Common drug tests typically screen for illicit substances or specific classes of prescription drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines. Biaxin (clarithromycin) is an antibiotic and is not usually included in standard drug screening panels.

• Are there any specific warnings for elderly patients taking Biaxin? Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects of clarithromycin and may have reduced kidney or liver function, which could affect how the drug is processed. They may also be taking other medications that could interact with Biaxin. Close monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.

• Can Biaxin affect my ability to drive or operate machinery? Yes, Biaxin can potentially cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, and confusion. If you experience these side effects, it is advisable to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Glossary

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic, often due to mutations or the acquisition of resistance genes. This can make infections harder to treat.

Macrolide Antibiotic

A class of antibacterial drugs that inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. Examples include erythromycin, azithromycin, and Biaxin (clarithromycin).

Spectum of Activity

The range of microorganisms against which an antimicrobial drug is effective. A broad-spectrum antibiotic is effective against a wide variety of bacteria.

QT Prolongation

A condition where the heart's electrical recharging phase (QT interval) is lengthened, which can increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities.

CYP3A4 Enzyme

A key enzyme primarily found in the liver and intestines that is responsible for metabolizing a large number of drugs, including many that interact with Biaxin.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Biaxin is for general knowledge purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All treatment decisions, including those concerning off-label uses or specific patient populations, should be made under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume that users of our service are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy service aims to provide convenient access to medications such as Biaxin, particularly for individuals who may face challenges with local availability or cost. Always consult with your doctor or another qualified health professional before starting, altering, or discontinuing any medication.