BRAND NAMES
MACROLIDE ANTIBIOTICS
AZITHROMYCIN- Zithromax, Zmax
CLARITHROMYCIN-
Biaxin
DIRITHROMYCIN-
Dynabac
BASIC BIAXIN INFO
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes, for some
Drug class: Antibiotic (macrolide), antibiotic (erythromycin)
MEDICAL USES
Treatment for mild to moderate bacterial infections responsive to macrolide antibiotics. These include bronchitis, tonsillitis, some pneumonia's, ear infections, skin infections (e.g., acne), sinusitis, streptococcal sore throat, urethritis and others. (Note: Erythromycin is also a macrolide antibiotic.
MEDICAL DOSAGE & BIAXIN USAGE
How to take
Biaxin:
- Enteric-coated tablet or delayed release tablet: Swallow with liquid. Do not crush or chew tablet.
- Tablet or capsule: Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, then crumble tablet or open capsule and take with food or water.
- Oral suspension: Swallow with liquid.
When to take Biaxin:
- At the same time each day.
- Take azithromycin on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
- Clarithromycin may be taken with or without food.
- Take dirithromycin with food or within 1 hour after eating.
If you forget a dose:
- Take as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, wait for that dose (don't double this dose) and resume regular schedule.
What drug does:
- Prevents growth and reproduction of susceptible
bacteria.
Time lapse before drug works:
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Usually 2 to 5 days.
- Some infections may take 10 days or longer to resolve.
Don't take with:
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Any other medicine or any dietary supplement without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
 BIAXIN
OVERDOSE |
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 SYMPTOMS:
Possibly diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,
abdominal pain.
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 BIAXIN
SIDE EFFECTS
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Life-threatening:
Rare allergic reaction- Breathing difficulty; swelling of hands, feet, face, mouth, neck; skin rash; temporary deafness.
Common Biaxin Side Effects:
None expected.
Infrequent Biaxin Side Effects:
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea.
Rare Biaxin Side Effects:
Headache, dizziness.
Allergic reaction (skin rash, itching).
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 | PRECAUTIONS
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Don't take if:
-
You are allergic to macrolide antibiotics.
Before you start, consult your doctor if:
- You have impaired liver or kidney function.
- You are allergic to any medication, food or other substance.
Over age 60:
- No special problems expected.
Pregnancy:
- Risk factors vary for drugs in this group.
Breast-feeding:
-
One or more of these drugs may pass into milk.
- Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine.
- Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.
Infants & children:
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Give only under close medical supervision to those under age 12.
- Young children may not complain or recognize adverse effects of drug. Observe child closely for any reactions.
Prolonged use:
- Not recommended.
- Medicine is discontinued once the infection is cured.
Skin & sunlight:
-
No special problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
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Avoid if you experience dizziness. Otherwise, no problems expected.
Discontinuing:
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Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.
Others:
- Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
- May affect the results of some medical tests.
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