Biaxin XL is a prescription antibiotic medicine produced by Abbott Pharmaceuticals. The active ingredient in Biaxin XL is 500mg of clarithromycin, which is used to treat pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, skin infections and stomach ulcers caused by the bacteria, Helicobactor pylori, as cited on Dailymed.com. Drugs.com notes that Biaxin XL is marketed as extended release tablets, which are pale yellow and oval in appearance. Biaxin XL also contains various inactive ingredients.
Cellulosic Polymer
An inactive ingredient in Biaxin XL is cellulosic polymer, which is derived from cellulose and used as a tablet coating. Cellulose is also considered a "bulking agent" because it absorbs water, which helps to disintegrate the tablet within the gut, according to the "Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine."
Propylene Glycol
Another inactive ingredient in Biaxin XL is propylene glycol, which is a common solvent used to help dissolve the hydrophobic ingredients in the tablet. Propylene can also be considered as a binder. Because Biaxin XL tablets are designed as extended release vehicles, they are meant to be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed. Propylene glycol helps to release the active ingredient, clarithromycin, slowly over 8 to 12 hours, as noted in the "Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties."
Lactose Monohydrate
Lactose monohydrate is derived from whey protein and acts as a filler within Biaxin XL tablets. Fillers make pharmaceutical tablets larger than the raw ingredients would otherwise dictate, which makes them convenient to manufacture and easier for the end-user to handle. Lactose monohydrate also provides a smooth and powdery texture to the tablets.
Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate is another inactive ingredient in Biaxin XL that functions as a lubricating agent. Lubricating agents prevent the other ingredients within a tablet from sticking to production and handling equipment during the manufacturing process.
Talc Powder
Biaxin XL tablets contain talc powder, which is considered a lubricant and a glidant. Glidants are added to food and pharmaceuticals products so they progress down the esophagus easier, according to the "Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine."
Coloring
Biaxin XL tablets are pale yellow because of the dye, D&C Yellow #10, which is fixed with titanium dioxide.
Sweetener and Flavorings
Biaxin XL tablets contain the sweetener, sorbitan mono-oleate. They also contain the flavorings, sorbic acid and vanillin.
References
- Dailymed: Biaxin XL - Clarithromycin
- Drugs: Biaxin XL Tablets
- "Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine"; G. Nahler et al; 2009
- "Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties"; Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010
