
Biaxin 500 mg, 250 mg Indications and Usage
Biaxin 500 mg (Normal Dosage)
Biaxin 250 mg (Low Dosage)
Biaxin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia (a lung infection), bronchitis (infection of the tubes leading to the lungs), and infections of the ears, sinuses, skin, and throat. It also is used to treat and prevent disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection [a type of lung infection that often affects people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)]. It is used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers. Biaxin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Biaxin comes as a tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. The regular tablet and liquid are usually taken with or without food every 12 hours (twice a day) for 7-14 days. The long-acting tablet is usually taken with food every 24 hours (once a day) for 7-14 days. Take Biaxin at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Biaxin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
The tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. Swallow the long-acting tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Take Biaxin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking Biaxin too soon, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Other uses for this medicine Return to top
Biaxin also is used sometimes to treat other types of infections including Lyme disease (an infection that may develop after a person is bitten by a tick), crypotosporidiosis (an infection that causes diarrhea), cat scratch disease (an infection that may develop after a person is bitten or scratched by a cat), Legionnaires' disease (a type of lung infection), and pertussis (whooping cough; a serious infection that can cause severe coughing). It is also sometimes used to prevent heart infection in patients having dental or other procedures. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.