Biaxin
(clarithromycin)
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Treats bacterial infections.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Biaxin (clarithromycin) is a good first-choice medicine to treat most common respiratory infections. Side-effects are common, but mild.
Lowest price near you
- Price before coupon$99.48
- Lowest price with coupon$17.9482% savings
Quick facts about Biaxin
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (clarithromycin)
Upsides
- Good first-choice treatment for respiratory infections.
- Compared to similar medicines, Biaxin (clarithromycin) is better tolerated.
- Available as an extended-release pill for convenient once daily dosing and as a liquid for trouble swallowing pills.
- Children as young as 6 months can use Biaxin (clarithromycin) safely and effectively.
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What to expect from Biaxin, on one page
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Downsides
- Can cause changes in taste.
- Can cause abnormal heart rhythms.
- Biaxin (clarithromycin), can interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are taking medicines for heart problems or gout.
- If you have kidney or liver problems, Biaxin (clarithromycin) might not be a good option.
Get our free fact sheet
What to expect from Biaxin, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Biaxin (clarithromycin) kills bacteria by stopping them from making the proteins they need to survive.
Quick facts about Biaxin
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (clarithromycin)
Used for
- Acute bronchitis
- Acute sinusitis
- Community acquired pneumonia
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
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Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 28 (500mg) tablets of clarithromycin near
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Biaxin (clarithromycin) for Infection
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Stomach upset
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Liver toxicity
Side effect rates for Biaxin (clarithromycin)
From 308 clinical trials of Biaxin when taken for infection (500 mg twice a day)
- Nausea12%12%
- Vomiting8%8%
- Abnormal changes in taste4%4%
- Abdominal pain3%3%
- Diarrhea3%3%
- Rash3%3%
- Headache2%2%
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Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Biaxin.
Biaxin (clarithromycin)
Placebo
People taking Biaxin felt side effect more
People taking Biaxin felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for Biaxin (clarithromycin)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Biaxin (clarithromycin) can cause a severe allergic reaction. If you have difficulty breathing, swelling of face and throat, or a serious rash, stop taking Biaxin (clarithromycin) immediately and get medical attention.
Pharmacist Q&A
Biaxin (clarithromycin) questions for
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats community-acquired pneumonia in adults.Common concerns from people taking Biaxin (clarithromycin)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Interactions
- Biaxin (clarithromycin) can interact with colchine, lovastatin, simvastatin, quetiapine, blood thinners, and benzodiazepines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking these medications.
- Biaxin (clarithromycin), can interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are taking medicines for heart problems or gout.
Food
- Take the extended release version with food.
- Taking the medicine with food or milk can ease any upset stomach.
Kidneys and liver
- Serious liver problems have come up in patients taking Biaxin (clarithromycin). If you have a lack of appetite, yellowing of eyes and skin, dark urine, itching, light colored stools, or tender abdomen, let your doctor know right away.
- If you have kidney or liver problems, Biaxin (clarithromycin) might not be a good option.