Generic Biaxin

Common use

Biaxin belongs to a group of macrolide antibiotics, which inhibit bacterial synthesis of protein. This action is mainly bacteriostatic, but can also be bactericidal. Macrolides tend to accumulate within leukocytes, and are transported into the site of infection. Biaxin is effective against Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, mycobacterium avium, and many others so it is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections of skin and respiratory system, stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.



Dosage and directions

Biaxin tablets should be taken with or without food with a big glass of water. Swallow the pill whole. Do not take more of the medication than it was recommended to you. Continue to take the drug even if symptoms of your illness became less pronounced and you feel fine. Biaxin is usually given from 7 to 14 days or longer when stomach ulcers are treated.



Precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to erythromycin and any of its derivatives or related macrolide antibiotics. If you have diseases of liver or kidneys, mineral dis-balance (low levels of potassium or magnesium), certain heart disease, arrhythmias, discuss it with your doctor before to take Bizxin. This mediation is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.



Contraindications

Biaxin cannot be administered in patients with a known hypersensitivity to clarithromycin, erythromycin, or any of the macrolide antibiotics.



Possible side effect

If you have such signs of allergic reaction as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat or more serious signs of poor health as uneven heartbeats, chest pain, nausea, stomach pain, low fever, problems with hearing contact your doctor or pharmacist or seek for immediate medical help.



Drug interaction

Biaxin may interact with cisapride, pimozide, ergot medicines and result in life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.



Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.



Overdose

Signs of overdose may be: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. If you suppose that you took too much of Biaxin contact your doctor for help.





Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care advisor or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim all responsibility for the reliability of this information. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)