Biaxin is the brand name for clarithromycin, an antibiotic used in the treatment of a variety of infections. It may be used to treat such conditions as Legionnaire's disease, MAC or mycobacterium avium complex, or for ulcers in the upper part of the small intestines known as the duodenum. Clarithromycin is a prescription-only antibiotic drug that is administered as a pill or suspension powder.
Serious Side Effects
There are many potential side effects from clarithromycin that are considered serious, but they are not common in patients who take Biaxin. There are no data on how often they occur in people, according to the Mayo Clinic. Serious side effects of clarithromycin include a cough, urination difficulties or pain, a fever, pain in the side or back, chills and hoarseness. Rare, serious side effects include skin or eye yellowing, tenderness in the abdomen, diarrhea that is watery and can include blood, vomiting and nausea, and stomach cramps and pain that are severe. Others that have been reported include feces discoloration, anxiety, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), unreal sensations, skin blistering, hunger increases and vision blurring. Other people have reported nightmares, mental confusion, nervousness, appetite loss, urine discoloration, depression, hallucinations, swallowing difficulties, dizziness and shakiness, mood changes that are severe, fainting that happens more than once, seizures, vomiting blood, halitosis and abnormal behavior.
Non-Serious Side Effects
A course of treatment with the antibiotic clarithromycin may last from one to two weeks, the Mayo Clinic says. During this time, you may experience some non-serious side effects at the beginning of treatment that will fade and disappear as you continue. Seek medical guidance if they persist or bother you. These side effects include an acidic stomach or discomfort, belching, discoloration of the tongue, changes in the way things smell or taste, mild diarrhea, a loss of taste, noises in the ears that are continual, headaches and indigestion. Others include insomnia, fear, loss of hearing, discoloration of the teeth, lightheadedness, flatulence, loss of weight and shakiness in the extremities.
Allergic Reactions
Get medical help if you experience any allergic reactions associated as a side effect of clarithromycin. These are serious and severe. They may include swelling of the tongue, mouth or lips, a rash, facial swelling, chest tightness, itching, hives, a rash or difficulty breathing.
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