Biaxin

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Since Biaxin may have the potential to cause birth defects, it is prescribed during pregnancy only when there is no alternative. Caution is advised when using Biaxin while breastfeeding. Biaxin may appear in breast milk, as does its chemical cousin, erythromycin.

Recommended dosage

BIAXIN

Adults

Respiratory, ear, and skin infections: Your doctor will carefully tailor your individual dosage of Biaxin depending upon the type of infection and organism causing it.

The usual dose varies from 250 to 500 milligrams every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days.

Duodenal ulcers: You can expect one of the following treatment regimens:

500 milligrams of Biaxin, 30 milligrams of Prevacid, and 1 gram amoxicillin every 12 hours for 10 or 14 days.

500 milligrams of Biaxin, 20 milligrams of Prilosec, and 1 gram amoxicillin every 12 hours for 10 days. Some patients need to continue taking 20 milligrams of Prilosec on a once-daily basis for an additional 18 days.

500 milligrams of Biaxin every 8 hours plus 40 milligrams of Prilosec every morning for 14 days. Some patients need to continue taking Prilosec at a reduced dosage of 20 milligrams once a day for an additional 14 days.

500 milligrams of Biaxin every 8 or 12 hours plus 400 milligrams of Tritec every 12 hours for 14 days. Some patients need to continue taking 400 milligrams of Tritec every 12 hours for an additional 14 days.

Mycobacterium Avium infections: For prevention or treatment, the recommended dose is 500 milligrams twice a day.

Children

Biaxin is not recommended for children under 6 months of age.

The dose for children older than 6 months depends on how much the child weighs. Biaxin is usually given twice a day for 10 days.

BIAXIN XL

Adults

Sinusitis: The usual dosage is 1000 milligrams once a day for 14 days.

Bronchitis or pneumonia: The usual dosage is 1000 milligrams once a day for 7 days.

Children

Safety and effectiveness of Biaxin XL have not been established for children.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Biaxin overdose may include:
  Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting