Description of Biaxin XL

Biaxin XL has clarithromycin as its active ingredient, and it belongs to the class of macrolide antibiotics. You can buy Biaxin XL in the form of oral tablets, extended release tablets, or granules for oral suspension. Your doctor will prescribe one as per your medical condition, severity of the infection, and response to treatment.

Indications & Dosage of Biaxin XL

Biaxin XL is used for treating different types of bacterial infections of the skin and the respiratory system, such as chronic bronchitis, community acquired pneumonia, Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, or acute otitis media. When used with other drugs, it can also treat stomach ulcers caused due to helicobacter pylori. Biaxin XL works by fighting the bacteria responsible for causing the infection.

The dosage may range from Biaxin XL 500mg to 1000mg per day, divided into two doses during the day. The duration of treatment may be 7 to 14 days, depending on the type and severity of your bacterial infection.

Side Effects & Interactions of Biaxin XL

Commonly associated side effects of Biaxin XL include stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, unpleasant or unusual taste in the mouth, tooth discoloration, mild rash or itching, headache, vaginal discharge or itching. These are mild side effects of the drug and can be easily managed with or without medical help. However, inform your doctor at once if any of these become too bothersome. Also seek medical attention if you have any serious side effects of Biaxin XL. Such side effects include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Uneven heartbeat
• Bloody or watery diarrhea
• Hearing problems
• Severe skin reaction, followed by fever, swelling of the tongue or face, sore throat, burning in the eyes, purple or red pinpoints under the skin, skin peeling and blistering, or skin pain

In some cases, Biaxin XL may cause a severe condition of your liver. Watch out for symptoms such as low fever, nausea, itching, loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, clay-colored stools, dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Some of the drugs that may interact with Biaxin XL include the following. Do not take these along with Biaxin XL:

• Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin)
• Other antibiotics, including Rifabutin or rifampin
• Cholesterol lowering drugs (e.g. atorvastatin or simvastatin)
• Drugs that make your immune system weaker (e.g. tacrolimus or cyclosporine)
• Heart medicines (e.g. amlodipine or digoxin)
• HIV drugs (e.g. ritonavir or efavirenz)
• Sedatives (e.g. alprazolam or triazolam)
• Anti-seizure medicines (e.g. carbamazepine or valproic acid)

Warnings & Precautions of Biaxin XL

Biaxin XL is not meant to be given to patients less than 6 months of age.

Your doctor will need to take special tests if you have kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, porphyria, or a family or personal history of Long QT syndrome.

Do not buy Biaxin XL if you have an allergy to Clarithromycin, or to any other similar medicine such as azithromycin, erythromycin or telithromycin, as severe allergic reactions may get triggered in hypersensitive patients.