Biaxin belongs to a group of drugs known as macrolide antibiotics. It is used for the treatment of many bacterial infections varieties, primarly those that affect the respiratory systme and the skin. Also, Biaxin is occasionally prescribed as a part of a complex medicine combination in cases of stomach ulcers caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium.
As any antibiotic, Biaxin has a number of side effects. Most of them are unpleasant yet far from dangerous: an unusual taste in your mouth, tooth discoloration, mild stomach pain or diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, headache, skin rash. However, if you notice you have clay-colored, watery or bloody stools (especially combined with diarrhea), you should imediattely seek medical attention. Do the same if your urine is dark, or if you have developed a fever, a strong chest pain, hearing problems, complete loss of appetite, or jaundice.
A Biaxin treatment course usually lasts from seven to fourteen days, unless you have been prescribed this drug for stomach ulcer (in this case the treatment generally lasts a lot longer). Do not stop taking Biaxin before your healthcare provider deems it safe. The symptoms may have gone in the first days of therapy, but it does not mean the infection itself is treated already.
