Learn More About Your Drugs

So you were just prescribed Risperdal and, after a single dosage you find that your anxiety level has increased and you have suddenly become even more restlessness than you were before. After a week of this you wonder, what are the side effects associated with this drug? Your answer can be found at Drug Information. This website – which continues to grow in depth and breadth – provides you with an abundance of information and presents it in a well written and cleanly formatted style. I’ve provided below a sample entry (edited down) to give you a sense of the comprehensiveness of the entries. The bottom line is this: if you have any questions about your drugs, their potential side effects and interactions, about any recalls or other warnings, you’ll want to visit this website.

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Sample Entry (edited) That Appears on DrugWatch.Com

Biaxin

Generic Name:
Clarithromycin

Brand Names:
Biaxin, Biaxin Filmtab, Biaxin XL, Biaxin Granules

Drug Description:

Clarithromycin or Biaxin is an antibiotic used to kill bacteria and stop infections in various parts of the body, including the sinuses, tonsils, ears, skin, airways, stomach, and intestines. The drug works by hindering bacteria’s ability to make protein on the molecular level, keeping the bacteria from growing and multiplying. [...]

Conditions Treated:Biaxin is indicated in adults for the treatment of bacterial infections that cause strep throat (Streptococcus pyogenes), sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, middle ear infections, and pneumonia. The drug is also approved for use in children over the age of 6 months who have strep throat, tonsillitis, sinus infections, ear infections, or pneumonia.[...]

Typical Dosage Recommendation:Biaxin is available in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets and also in an oral suspension. Dosages depend on the type of infection, the severity, the bacteria causing the infection, and the patient’s weight. [...]

Missing a Dose:If you miss a dose of Biaxin, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.

Overdosing:

Overdoses of clarithromycin or Biaxin can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

FDA Approved:

December 23, 1993
Recall/Black Box Warning Information:

There have been no recalls or Black Box warnings for Biaxin.

Other Warnings

Women who are pregnant should not use Biaxin, as it can have an adverse effect on pregnancy. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea has occurred in patients using anti-bacterial medications. A mild form of diarrhea may also occur with Biaxin use.  [...]

Biaxin Side Effects

Common side effects of Biaxin include:

* Cough
* Hoarseness
* Painful urination
* Abdominal tenderness
* Nausea and vomiting
[...]

Some of the uncommon symptoms of Biaxin include:

* Blurred vision
* Chest pain
* Abdominal pain
* Anxiety
* Increased appetite
[...]

Things to Know, Precautions, Things to Ask Your Physician:

Talk with your doctor if you have any allergies to medications or food.

Pregnant women or those who become pregnant during the course of the treatment should be informed about the adverse effects the drug will have on a fetus.

Patients suffering from kidney disorders are at a greater risk for adverse reactions with Biaxin.

Be sure to note that Biaxin cannot be used to treat viral infections, the flu, or a common cold caused due to viral infection.

[...]

Drug Interactions:Use of the following drugs may alter the effectiveness of Biaxin:

* Terfenadine
* Ranitidine bysmuth citrate
* Zidovudine
* Didanosine
* Fluconazole
* Erithromycin

[...]

What to Avoid When Taking the Drug:

Additional Drugs

Using Biaxin for treatment may cause watery diarrhea, but you should not take medications to stop diarrhea without first consulting a doctor about possible interactions.

Food/Alcohol

Any food that might cause an allergic reaction should be avoided.

Certain activities

Avoid getting pregnant and avoid breast feeding if you are taking Biaxin.
Other Interactions that May Affect the Drug:

Other drugs that may cause an interaction with Biaxin or clarithromycin are hexobarbital, valproate and phenytoin.