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Usage: Biaxin is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Biaxin fights bacteria in your body. Biaxin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis, skin infections, and stomach ulcers caused by bacteria.
Directions: Take Biaxin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Biaxin can be taken with food or milk or on an empty stomach. Take extended release Biaxin (Biaxin XL) with food. Biaxin is usually taken two times a day with the doses about 12 hours apart. Follow your doctor's instructions. Shake the suspension well before measuring each dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring dropper, cup, or spoon, not a regular tablespoon. Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring device if you do not have one. Take all of the Biaxin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Side Effects: If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Biaxin and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), or liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Biaxin and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain; dizziness, fatigue, or headache; vaginal yeast infection; a rash; or increased sensitivity to sunlight. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions: Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Biaxin may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Drug Interactions: Biaxin may cause dangerous side effects when taken with the following drugs: antihistamines such as terfenadine (Seldane) and astemizole (Hismanal). These drugs should not be taken with Biaxin. The combination can cause your heart to beat irregularly. seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene). These drugs may or may not be affected. Since these drugs are so important, your doctor may want to perform some special blood-monitoring tests. asthma medications such as theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron, others). Biaxin may increase levels of these drugs in your blood, and you may need a dosage adjustment. anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin). These medications may have an increased effect, which could lead to bleeding. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood clotting. heart medications for irregular heartbeats, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and disopyramide (Norpace). These drugs may also have an increased effect. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood levels more closely. other antibiotics. Do not use other antibiotics unless they are prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Biaxin without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Biaxin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
If You Take Too Much: Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an Biaxin overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Storage: Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate the suspension.
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