The oral antibiotic Biaxin® contains the medication clarithromycin, which doctors prescribe for a variety of illnesses as well as to kill the bacteria that contributes to stomach ulcers. Despite its effectiveness at treating bacterial infections, Biaxin® poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Types of Side Effects

In adults, common side effects of Biaxin® include diarrhea, nausea, changes in the taste of food, indigestion, abdominal pain and headaches. The most common side effects in children are diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, skin rashes and headache.

Features

The most common side effects of Biaxin® occur in 2% to 3% of adults who take the drug and 2% to 6% of children, according to the Food and Drug Administration clinical trials published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Approximately 2% of both adults and children who take Biaxin® discontinue its use because of the side effects.

Drug Interactions

Biaxin increases the likelihood of side effects from other medications such as the lung disease drug theop®hylline, the hypertension drug verapamil, the anti-convulsant drug carbamazepine and the antihistamine drug terfenadine. When combined with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, Biaxin poses a risk for prolonged or uncontrollable bleeding following an injury or surgery, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Risks

The most serious risk associated with Biaxin® is that of severe diarrhea due to changes in the chemistry of your digestive system caused by the drug, explains the U.S. National Library of Medicine. In severe cases, this may lead to a life-threatening inflammation of your colon known as colitis.

Considerations

Biaxin is not safe for use in pregnant women. If you have a history of kidney disease, it may not be safe for you to take Biaxin, cautions the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

U.S. National Library of Medicine

Mayo Clinic

More Information:

Abbott Laboratories