People's Pharmacy

Biaxin

Generic Name:clarithromycin

Revised:4/1/2000

Table of Contents

Side Effects and Interactions

The most frequent side effects involve digestive tract upset.

People taking Biaxin report fewer side effects than those on erythromycin, but diarrhea, nausea, abnormal taste, stomachache and upset stomach are potential reactions.

Headache has also been reported. Let your doctor know promptly of any symptoms you experience.
Biaxin interacts with a few other medicines.

It may boost blood levels of the anti-seizure medication Tegretol by 60 percent or more, leading to increased toxicity.

The asthma drug theophylline, the blood thinner Coumadin and the anti-AIDS drug Retrovir (AZT) appear to interact with Biaxin.

It should not be taken by people who are also taking the antihistamines Seldane or Hismanal, as it could lead to a dangerous build-up of these drugs in the body.

Check with your pharmacist and physician to make sure Biaxin is safe in combination with any other drugs you take.