How it works
Biaxin reduces the ability of the bacteria to produce proteins that are necessary for its survival. This limits the spread of the bacteria and the infection is cured.
Guidelines for usage
Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.
Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.
Biaxin may be used with or without food.
Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.
NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.
Missed Dose
It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.
Do not panic if you have missed a dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.
How & where do I store Biaxin?
The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.
Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.
Overdose Related Information
If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.
Safety Information
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.
Ensure that you mention the following:
• Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
• All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
• Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
• Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• myasthenia gravis;
• porphyria;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
• a family history of Long QT syndrome
This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.
To be avoided
You must avoid using Biaxin if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or
• If you are allergic to any other macrolide (e.g., erythromycin),
• If you have been prescribed any of the following medicines, cisapride, cyclosporine, dofetilide, eletriptan, ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), H1 antagonists (e.g., terfenadine, astemizole), pimozide, QT-prolonging agents (e.g., quinidine, sotalol, thioridazine), quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin), or sumatriptan.
• If you have a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder, a history of Long QT syndrome, if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking Biaxin, or if you have liver or kidney disease and are also taking colchicine (Colcrys).
Using Alcohol
Biaxin is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Biaxin.
These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.
Possible Drug & Food Interactions
Certain prescription drugs or health supplements or even food items are known to interact with the effects of medications. Biaxin is known to have possible interactions with the following medications.
• cisapride (Propulsid);
• pimozide (Orap);
• lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev, Advicor) or simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin); or
• ergot medicine such as ergotamine
Additional Information
Some patients experience a persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in their stool. Contact your doctor immediately if this happens.
If your doctor has prescribed laboratory tests like complete blood count then ensure that you do not miss out on them.
Important Information for Pregnant Women
Biaxin is categorized under FDA category C.
Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.
Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.
