Understanding when Biaxin should not be used is crucial for your child's safety. Most importantly, avoid this medication if your child has had allergic reactions to macrolide antibiotics, has heart rhythm problems, or is taking medications that interact with Biaxin.
Biaxin contraindications include absolute restrictions (macrolide allergies, certain cardiac arrhythmias, specific drug combinations) and relative cautions (liver disease, myasthenia gravis, QT prolongation risk). Its extensive drug interaction profile requires comprehensive medication review before use.
Any history of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to clarithromycin, azithromycin, erythromycin, or other macrolide antibiotics
Previous cardiac arrhythmias specifically associated with macrolide antibiotic use
History of hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, or severe liver dysfunction specifically related to clarithromycin use
Clarithromycin may prolong the QT interval on ECG, increasing the risk for torsades de pointes, especially in children with congenital long QT syndrome or other predispositions. It should be avoided in children with known cardiac rhythm abnormalities, electrolyte disturbances, or who are taking other QT-prolonging medications.
Clarithromycin is primarily metabolized in the liver and should be used cautiously or avoided in children with significant hepatic dysfunction. In severe cases, alternative antibiotics may be preferred. Monitor for signs of liver dysfunction (e.g., jaundice, dark urine, fatigue) during treatment.
Like other macrolides, clarithromycin may exacerbate symptoms of myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular condition. It should be avoided in children diagnosed with this condition unless no alternatives exist and benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
As with all antibiotics, clarithromycin should not be prescribed for viral illnesses like the common cold or influenza. Unnecessary use may cause side effects or promote antibiotic resistance. Ensure bacterial infection is likely before initiating therapy.
This medication is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed. However, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and need to give this medication to your child, it's always a good idea to discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure it's the best choice for your specific situation.
Specific drugs: See description
Effect: Theophylline toxicity with nausea, vomiting, seizures, arrhythmias
How it happens: CYP3A4 inhibition dramatically increases theophylline levels
Management: Monitor theophylline levels closely; significant dose reduction usually needed
Specific drugs: See description
Effect: Carbamazepine toxicity with drowsiness, ataxia, diplopia, potential coma
How it happens: Inhibition of carbamazepine metabolism leading to toxic levels
Management: Monitor carbamazepine levels; dose reduction often necessary
Specific drugs: See description
Effect: Digoxin toxicity with nausea, arrhythmias, visual disturbances
How it happens: Increased digoxin absorption and decreased metabolism
Management: Monitor digoxin levels closely; dose reduction usually required
Specific drugs: See description
Effect: Increased bleeding risk, elevated INR
How it happens: Enhanced anticoagulant effect through CYP450 inhibition
Management: Monitor INR more frequently; warfarin dose reduction often needed
Specific drugs: See description
Effect: Colchicine toxicity including GI symptoms and bone marrow suppression
How it happens: CYP3A4 inhibition increases colchicine levels dramatically
Management: Avoid combination or reduce colchicine dose significantly
No information available
No information available
Frequency
Continuous during first dose, then daily
Frequency
Daily monitoring for symptoms, ECG if high risk
Frequency
Dependent on interacting medications
Frequency
Monitor symptoms, labs if prolonged treatment