Biaxin is a macrolide antibiotic preparation with clarithromycin as its active component. It is most commonly prescribed for the treatment of various respiratory bacterial infections such as pneumonia, acute bronchitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, etc. as well as bacterial infections of the skin. It may also be administered together with an acid-suppressing drug to treat gastritis and stomach ulcers associated with Helicobacter Pylori.
What is Biaxin?
Biaxin is an antibiotic drug that can be used to treat a number of respiratory infections. Initially, Biaxin was known under the name of Clarithromycin, and this was a drug developed in the 70’s by the Japanese company Taisho Pharmaceutical. It became a huge hit because it did not cause acidic instability in the digestive tract like similar drugs at that time. As its fame grew, Biaxin spread to more countries and eventually, generic versions of the drug were released. Biaxin is a macrolide antibiotic, which means that it targets many forms of gram-positive bacteria. Biaxin interferes with protein synthesis of bacteria, which prevents them from growing.
What are the indications for using Biaxin?
Biaxin is indicated for treating:
Pharyngitis – an inflammation of the pharynx (in the back of the throat). Besides sore throat, pharyngitis can cause pain, swelling of the tonsils, and fever-like symptoms. Pharyngitis is infectious in nature and is usually picked up through contact with other people.
Tonsillitis – an inflammation of the tonsils. Like pharyngitis, tonsillitis causes fever-like symptoms as well as red, swollen tonsils. Tonsillitis is usually caused by viral infection or infection caused by streptococcus bacteria.
Pneumonia – a serious lung infection causing fever, cough, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia affects hundreds of millions of people every year, and accounts for a large number of deaths in undeveloped countries.
Skin infection – an inflammation of the skin caused by bacteria. It usually manifests itself in the form of cellulitis.
Lyme disease – a dangerous infectious disease carried by ticks. Although initial symptoms are mild, Lyme disease can seriously harm the heart, central nervous system and joints.
Helicobacter pylori – a gram-negative bacterium known to cause gastritis.
What is the dosage of Biaxin?
You will usually find Biaxin in the form of 250 mg or 500 mg tablets. The starting dose for most infections is 500 mg a day, optimally administered in doses of 250 mg once every 12 hours. However, some patients require a different dose and treatment approach, so it’s best to consult a medical practitioner before commencing treatment.
What are the contraindications for using Biaxin?
Besides being contraindicated to patients allergic to the drug, Biaxin is not recommended for use by patients with liver disease, kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, as well as pregnant women. Biaxin is also known to interact with certain statins, calcium channel blockers, carbamazepine, HIV medications and buspirone.
What are the adverse effects of Biaxin?
A small percentage of patients experienced abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.
