Biaxin is also known by its generic name clarithromycin. Biaxin is used to treat a variety of bacterial
infections such as pneumonia,
bronchitis,
Legionnaires' disease, ear infections, strep throat, sinusitis, and tonsillitis. Biaxin is also used to treat MAC (mycobacterium avium complex) infections in advanced
AIDS patients. It will not, however, treat the
common cold or other viral infections.
Side effects of biaxin use include mild
diarrhea,
headache,
nausea, abdominal pain, and indigestion. Biaxin can worsen preexisting
kidney problems.
Using biaxin in conjunction with certain
cholesterol reducing drugs known as statins, particularly the recently recalled
Baycol, may cause
rhabdomyolysis, a condition characterized by deterioration of the
muscles that may lead to
kidney failure and possible
death.
See Also
- Antibiotics
- Diarrhea: Overview
- Headaches
- Kidney Failure
- Myositis: Overview
- Nausea: Overview
- Rhabdomyolysis