subject: How does Clarithromycin (Generic Biaxin) work? [print this page] How does Clarithromycin (Generic Biaxin) work?
How does Biaxin / Clarithromycin Hydrochloride work?
Biaxin is a semi synthetic macrolide antibiotic which exerts its antibacterial effect by binding to the 50s ribosomal sub-unit of susceptible bacteria. This binding works to suppress protein synthesis necessary for growth of bacteria. The result is first an arrest of growth and then a reversal of the bacterial infection leading to treatment of the condition. If you need any additional information about Clarithromycin, just continue reading the FAQs that follow.
Side Effects of Biaxin
Biaxin or its generic alternatives all have few side effects; most commonly observed yet milder Biaxin side effects are diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Moreover caution should be also taken for side effects like headache, skin rashes and severe allergic reactions as these could be dangerous Biaxin side effects due to an overdose or incompatibility. The severity of these side effects varies from patient to patient depending on the physiology of the patient and can mostly be controlled through dosage or switching to generic alternatives.
Guidelines before taking Biaxin
Certain precautions should be taken prior to taking Biaxin. The most important is that it should only be taken under medical supervision. Biaxin tablet and granules for oral suspension can be taken with or without food at anytime or as prescribed by your physician. Biaxin XL tabs on the other hand should be taken with food only. If you are having hypersensitivity towards Macrolide antibiotic drugs or are receiving terfenadine therapy for existing cardiac abnormalities or electrolyte disturbance then you should consult your doctor clarifying the condition. Doctors should prescribe Biaxin to women with care, especially during pregnancy and breast-feeding as its effects on the foetus and nursing infants is not very clear.
What are the common dosages of Clarithromycin?
Biaxin tablets can be purchased in strengths of 250mg and 500mg, while the extended release versions are available in 500mg tablet forms. Granules for oral suspension come in 50mL and 100mL packet sizes in 125mg/mL and 250mg/mL dosage strengths respectively.
Difference between Brand Biaxin and Generic Clarithromycin
Brand Biaxin is manufactured by Abbott Pharmaceuticals while generic Clarithromycin is manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies. While brand Biaxin comes in a particular colour, shape, size and packaging, generic Clarithromycin is available in many different variants. Different versions of generic Clarithromycin might actually be more effective than the original Biaxin, while costing much lesser.
