Product Description Guide: Biaxin Syrup (Clarithromycin Oral Suspension)
What is Biaxin Syrup used for?
Biaxin Syrup (Clarithromycin) is a prescription antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, skin infections, and ear infections in children and adults. It belongs to the macrolide antibiotic class and works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
Biaxin Syrup
Generic Name: Clarithromycin Oral Suspension
Available Strengths: Typically 125 mg/5 mL or 250 mg/5 mL
Clarithromycin (a macrolide antibiotic)
Generic Clarithromycin Oral Suspension

Biaxin XL (extended-release form)

Marketed under different brands worldwide: Klaricid, Claripen, Claribid
Class: Macrolide Antibiotic

Schedule: Schedule 4 (Prescription-only in Australia)

ATC Code: J01FA09
Clarithromycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis, which is essential for bacterial growth and replication. It has both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity depending on the organism and drug concentration.
Biaxin Syrup is prescribed for the treatment of the following bacterial infections:

Pharyngitis and tonsillitis (caused by Streptococcus pyogenes)

Acute bacterial sinusitis

Acute bronchitis and exacerbation of chronic bronchitis

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

Otitis media (ear infections) in children

Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., impetigo, folliculitis)

Helicobacter pylori eradication (as part of triple therapy in peptic ulcer disease)
7.5 mg/kg twice daily (maximum: 500 mg/dose) for 5–10 days

Doses usually adjusted based on infection severity and clinical judgment

Adults (off-label for syrup):

Adult dosing typically via tablets, but syrup may be used in cases of swallowing difficulty

250–500 mg twice daily for 7–14 days
Shake well before use

Can be taken with or without food, but food may improve tolerance

Complete the full course, even if symptoms improve earlier

Prescribing Information:
Not effective against viral infections (e.g., flu, cold)

Must be prescribed based on susceptibility of the organism

Dose adjustment needed in renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min)
Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)

Abdominal pain

Headache

Taste disturbances (bitter/metallic taste)

Less Common but Serious Reactions:
QT prolongation and arrhythmia (risk increases with co-administered QT-prolonging drugs)

Hepatic dysfunction or hepatitis

Allergic reactions including rash, urticaria, or anaphylaxis

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (post-antibiotic)
Avoid in patients with history of QT prolongation, cardiac arrhythmia, or uncorrected electrolyte imbalance

Use with caution in hepatic impairment

Monitor for signs of liver dysfunction during prolonged use

Not recommended during pregnancy (Category B3) unless benefits outweigh risks

Caution in breastfeeding: Clarithromycin is excreted in breast milk
Statins (e.g., simvastatin): Increased risk of myopathy

Warfarin: May enhance anticoagulant effect – monitor INR

Theophylline, carbamazepine, and phenytoin: Plasma levels may increase

Ritonavir, atazanavir, and other CYP3A inhibitors: May increase clarithromycin exposure

Other QT-prolonging agents (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol): Avoid co-use
A 2018 meta-analysis (Cochrane Database) confirmed clarithromycin’s efficacy in treating upper and lower respiratory tract infections in pediatric patients

Studies show comparable or superior clinical cure rates compared to penicillin or cephalosporins in sinusitis and bronchitis

Widely used in Helicobacter pylori triple therapy with PPI and amoxicillin/metronidazole (NICE guidelines, 2022)
Store reconstituted syrup at room temperature (below 25°C)

Do not refrigerate

Use within 14 days after reconstitution

Keep out of reach of children

FAQs – Biaxin Syrup
Q: What is Biaxin Syrup used to treat?
A: Biaxin Syrup is used to treat various bacterial infections such as throat infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, skin infections, and ear infections in children.

Q: Can Biaxin Syrup be used in infants?
A: It may be used in infants over 6 months under medical supervision. Dose is calculated based on body weight.

Q: Does Biaxin treat viral infections like colds or flu?
A: No. Clarithromycin is ineffective against viral infections.

Q: How should Biaxin Syrup be stored after mixing?
A: Store at room temperature and use within 14 days. Do not refrigerate.

Q: Can it be taken with food?
A: Yes. Food may reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Q: Are there any serious side effects to watch for?
A: Yes. Watch for signs of liver problems, abnormal heartbeat, or severe diarrhea and report them immediately to your doctor.
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