AboutMary E Scott, RPh, CGP Expertise I am a certified geriatric pharmacist with over 23 years experience as a long-term care consultant to nursing homes. I also do community-based consulting on an individual basis. My facility-based monthly newsletter on pharmacy topics is read by nurses in over 200 long-term care facilities in 5 states.
Experience I received a BS in Pharmacy in 1980 with post-graduate work in public health. I have had a Consultant Pharmacist license since 1984.
Organizations American Society of Consultant Pharmacists .I received certification in geriatric pharmacy in 1998.
Question Hi, I was prescribed Biaxin XL (timed release) for pneumonia, sinusitis, & bronchitis. I got the generic. I didn't notice that the bottle said to take two daily at the same time. I have been taking one in the morning and one at night. Is this a problem and will this still be as effective? I have called different pharmacies and the keep telling me different things as to whether I should keep doing what I'm doing or switch to two pills at once. What should I do? Is it still as effective how I have been taking it? Thank you.
Answer Hi,Worried!
I can understand how you could be worried about this, but it can be taken either way. The best thing for you to do would be to call your doctor and ask him/her. Chances are he/she wants you to take it the way the directions are on the prescription label, but in case the pharmacy put it on the label wrong, it would be best if you double-checked.
You mentioned that you are taking it for pneumonia, sinusitis and bronchitis. Depending on the indication (reason why a medication is prescribed), it can be taken as 2 tablets (1000mg) all at one time, or 1 tablet (500mg) every 12 hours. As long as you take the whole course of the Biaxin XL, it should work the same way.
Also, Biaxin XL should be taken with food. Hope this helps, Mary
