biaxin
| Product dosage: 250mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $3.57 | $107.09 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $2.85 | $214.18 $171.15 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $2.60 | $321.27 $234.20 (27%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $2.49 | $428.37 $298.25 (30%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $2.37
Best per pill | $642.55 $427.36 (33%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Biaxin, known generically as clarithromycin, is a macrolide antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, atypical pathogens, and some mycobacteria. It’s not a dietary supplement or medical device but a prescription medication primarily used to treat respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and Helicobacter pylori-associated peptic ulcer disease. The drug works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis through binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit.
## 1. Introduction: What is Biaxin? Its Role in Modern Medicine
Biaxin (clarithromycin) belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics, developed as a semi-synthetic derivative of erythromycin with improved acid stability, broader antimicrobial spectrum, and better tolerability. It’s indicated for various bacterial infections, including acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and skin structure infections. Additionally, it’s part of combination therapy for eradicating H. pylori. The significance of Biaxin lies in its efficacy against atypical pathogens like Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila, where beta-lactams fail.
## 2. Key Components and Bioavailability of Biaxin
Biaxin’s active ingredient is clarithromycin, available in immediate-release tablets (250 mg, 500 mg), extended-release tablets (Biaxin XL, 500 mg), and granules for oral suspension (125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL). The extended-release formulation uses a dual-release mechanism for prolonged absorption, enhancing compliance in multi-dose regimens. Bioavailability is approximately 50% for immediate-release and higher for XL due to reduced first-pass metabolism. It’s lipophilic, distributing widely into tissues, with concentrations in lung, tonsil, and skin exceeding plasma levels, which is crucial for treating respiratory and soft tissue infections.
## 3. Mechanism of Action of Biaxin: Scientific Substantiation
Clarithromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by reversibly binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing translocation of peptidyl-tRNA. This action is bacteriostatic at low concentrations and bactericidal at higher doses or against highly susceptible organisms. Its spectrum includes Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible), Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, H. pylori, and Mycobacterium avium complex. The drug’s metabolite, 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin, contributes synergistic activity against H. influenzae.
## 4. Indications for Use: What is Biaxin Effective For?
Biaxin for Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Effective against acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis caused by susceptible strains.
Biaxin for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Used for uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections due to S. aureus or S. pyogenes.
Biaxin for Helicobacter Pylori Eradication
Combined with amoxicillin and a proton pump inhibitor or metronidazole and PPI for duodenal ulcer disease.
Biaxin for Mycobacterial Infections
Prophylaxis and treatment of disseminated MAC in HIV patients, often combined with ethambutol.
## 5. Instructions for Use: Dosage and Course of Administration
Dosage varies by indication, formulation, and patient factors. For adults with respiratory infections, immediate-release is 250-500 mg twice daily for 7-14 days; XL is 1000 mg once daily for 7 days. For H. pylori, triple therapy includes clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily, and lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily for 10-14 days. Take with or without food; XL must be taken with food. Missed doses should be taken as soon as remembered, but double dosing avoided.
| Indication | Dosage (Adults) | Frequency | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic Bronchitis | 500 mg (IR) | Every 12 hours | 7-14 days | With food to reduce GI upset |
| Community-Acquired Pneumonia | 250 mg (IR) | Every 12 hours | 7-14 days | Or XL 1000 mg once daily |
| H. Pylori Eradication | 500 mg (IR) | Every 12 hours | 10-14 days | Combined therapy essential |
## 6. Contraindications and Drug Interactions with Biaxin
Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to macrolides, concurrent use with cisapride, pimozide, astemizole, terfenadine, ergot derivatives, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors extensively metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., simvastatin, lovastatin). Caution in patients with hepatic impairment, QT prolongation, or myasthenia gravis. Drug interactions are significant: it inhibits CYP3A4, increasing levels of carbamazepine, digoxin, theophylline, warfarin, and many others. Avoid in pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks (Category C).
## 7. Clinical Studies and Evidence Base for Biaxin
Multiple RCTs support Biaxin’s efficacy. A meta-analysis in Chest (2004) showed clarithromycin comparable to amoxicillin-clavulanate for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, with clinical cure rates around 85%. For H. pylori, the Maastricht V/Florence Consensus Report recommends clarithromycin-based triple therapy where resistance <15%, with eradication rates up to 90%. In MAC prophylaxis, a New England Journal of Medicine study (1996) demonstrated clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily reduced MAC bacteremia by 69% in AIDS patients.
## 8. Comparing Biaxin with Similar Products and Choosing a Quality Product
Compared to other macrolides, clarithromycin has better GI tolerance than erythromycin and longer half-life than azithromycin, allowing twice-daily dosing. Unlike azithromycin, it has active metabolites and is used in H. pylori regimens. When choosing, consider formulation (IR vs. XL), cost, and susceptibility patterns. Generic clarithromycin is bioequivalent; ensure storage at room temperature, protected from moisture.
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Biaxin
What is the recommended course of Biaxin to achieve results?
Typically 7-14 days for respiratory infections; adherence to full course is critical to prevent resistance.
Can Biaxin be combined with statins?
Avoid with simvastatin, lovastatin; use with caution with atorvastatin; pravastatin or rosuvastatin are safer alternatives.
Is Biaxin safe during pregnancy?
Category C: use only if potential benefit justifies potential fetal risk; alternatives like amoxicillin preferred.
How should Biaxin XL be taken?
With food to maximize absorption and reduce GI side effects; do not crush or chew.
## 10. Conclusion: Validity of Biaxin Use in Clinical Practice
Biaxin remains a valuable antibiotic for specific bacterial infections, particularly respiratory and H. pylori-related conditions. Its benefits include broad spectrum, good tissue penetration, and multiple formulations. Risks involve GI side effects, drug interactions, and QT prolongation. In clinical practice, it should be reserved for susceptible infections to curb resistance, with careful attention to contraindications and monitoring.
I remember when we first started using clarithromycin heavily in the late 90s for these persistent MAC cases in HIV patients. Had this one guy, Michael, 38-year-old with CD4 count down to 50, presenting with night sweats, weight loss, positive blood cultures for MAC. We started him on the standard clarithromycin-ethambutol combo, but his GI symptoms were brutal – nausea, diarrhea, just miserable. The team was divided; some wanted to switch to azithromycin for better tolerance, others argued clarithromycin had better CNS penetration for potential MAC meningitis.
We ended up splitting the difference – reduced clarithromycin to 500 mg once daily temporarily, added antiemetics, and pushed nutrition support. Took about three weeks, but his blood cultures finally cleared. What surprised me was how his energy returned before his weight – he said he could think clearly again, which we hadn’t anticipated. Followed him for five years through the HAART era, and he’d always credit that antibiotic regimen with giving him the bridge to get to effective HIV treatment. Still sends Christmas cards, last one showed him hiking in Colorado. These days I’m more cautious with macrolides given the cardiac risks, but for that specific population at that time, it was literally life-saving. The pharmacy team actually fought us on the dose reduction initially, worried about resistance development, but sometimes you have to balance ideal dosing with what the patient can actually tolerate.