Biaxin

Side effects of Biaxin XL are generally milder than those of regular Biaxin. They may include diarrhea, abnormal taste, and nausea.

Why should Biaxin not be prescribed?

Do not take Biaxin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you are sensitive to it or erythromycin, or similar antibiotics such as Tao and Zithromax. Also avoid Biaxin if you have a heart condition or an imbalance in the body's water and minerals; and do not take the drug while taking Orap, Propulsid, or Seldane.

Special warnings about Biaxin

If you have severe kidney disease, the doctor may need to prescribe a smaller dose of Biaxin. Make sure the doctor is aware of any kidney problems you may have.

Like other antibiotics, Biaxin may cause a potentially life-threatening form of diarrhea that signals a condition called pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the large intestine). Mild diarrhea, a fairly common Biaxin side effect, may disappear as your body gets used to the drug. However, if Biaxin gives you prolonged or severe diarrhea, stop taking the drug and call your doctor immediately.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Biaxin

If Biaxin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either can be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Biaxin with the following:

Alprazolam (Xanax)
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Mevacor and Zocor
Cilostazol (Pletal)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Disopyramide (Norpace)
Ergot-based migraine drugs such as Cafergot, DHE, Sansert, and Wigraine
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Hexobarbital
Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Midazolam (Versed)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Pimozide (Orap)
Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
Ritonavir (Norvir)
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Theophylline (Slo-Phyllin, Theo-Dur, others)
Triazolam (Halcion)
Valproate (Depakene, Depakote)
Zidovudine (Retrovir)