Biaxin provides excellent coverage against both typical and atypical respiratory pathogens with the convenience of twice-daily dosing. Its effectiveness against Mycoplasma and Chlamydia makes it valuable for treating pneumonia that doesn't respond to first-line antibiotics.
6 months and older
125 mg/5 mL
Fruit flavor with slight bitter note - Fair to good - some children may resist due to aftertaste palatability
Children who can handle larger volumes
250 mg/5 mL
Fruit flavor, more concentrated with bitter notes - Fair - may need masking for some children palatability
Children who can reliably swallow tablets (usually 8+ years)
250 mg, 500 mg
No taste when swallowed whole, bitter if chewed - Excellent if can swallow, poor if chewed palatability
Older children and adolescents (usually 12+ years)
500 mg
No taste if swallowed whole - Excellent if swallowed, must not be crushed palatability
Check child's name, Biaxin dose, frequency, and duration. Review all current medications for potential interactions.
Safety Note: Biaxin has significant interactions with many medications
Add exact amount of water specified by pharmacist. Shake vigorously until powder completely dissolves.
Safety Note: Incorrect water amount affects concentration and dosing accuracy
Shake for 10-15 seconds until completely uniform. Clarithromycin settles between doses.
Safety Note: Inadequate mixing leads to variable dosing
Ensure proper spacing from interacting medications if any are being taken concurrently.
Safety Note: Some interactions require dose timing or monitoring adjustments
Use provided measuring device or calibrated oral syringe. Draw to exact prescribed volume.
Safety Note: Accurate dosing important for effectiveness against atypical organisms
Give medication and confirm full dose swallowed. Address taste concerns if needed.
Safety Note: Partial doses may not achieve therapeutic levels for atypical organisms
Keep in original bottle at room temperature. Mark discard date (14 days after mixing).
Safety Note: Room temperature storage prevents degradation
Method: Oral syringe with slow administration
Positioning: Upright or semi-upright position
Method: Medicine cup or syringe
Positioning: Sitting upright during routine time
Method: Medicine cup with increasing independence
Positioning: Sitting at table during meal times
Method: Suspension or tablets based on preference
Positioning: Independent with supervision
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Temperature: Not specified
Stability: Not specified
Risk: Serious drug interactions and potential toxicity
Prevention: Always review complete medication list including OTC drugs
Risk: Medication refusal and compliance problems
Prevention: Proactive discussion about taste and masking strategies
Risk: Inaccurate dosing affecting treatment of atypical organisms
Prevention: Always use provided measuring device or calibrated syringe
Excellent activity against atypical organisms makes Biaxin valuable for pneumonia not responding to beta-lactams
Drug interactions are significant and require careful medication review
Longer courses (10-14 days) often needed for atypical organisms
Room temperature storage advantage improves convenience over refrigerated antibiotics
Biaxin's effectiveness against atypical respiratory pathogens makes it valuable for specific indications, though careful attention to drug interactions and taste management are essential for successful treatment. Its room temperature storage and twice-daily dosing provide practical advantages.