BIAXIN vs BIAXIN XL

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 23, 2026·How we rate

Attribute	BIAXIN	BIAXIN XL
Rating	72/100	72/100
Pharmacy pays	$0.47 /mL	$0.47 /mL
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	CLARITHROMYCIN	CLARITHROMYCIN
Manufacturer	Abbvie	Abbvie
Dosage forms	Tablet	Tablet, Tablet, extended release
Drug class	Macrolide Antimicrobial	Macrolide Antimicrobial
Boxed warning	None	None
Half-life	about 3 to 4 hours at 250 mg, rising to 5 to 7 hours at 500 mg (dose-dependent)	about 3 to 4 hours at 250 mg, rising to 5 to 7 hours at 500 mg (dose-dependent)
Treats	Bronchitis, Chlamydia Infections, Duodenal Ulcer	Bronchitis, Chlamydia Infections, Duodenal Ulcer

biaxin biaxin xl

Rating

72/100

Pharmacy pays

$0.47 /mL

Type

Active ingredient

CLARITHROMYCIN

Manufacturer

Abbvie

Dosage forms

Tablet

Tablet, Tablet, extended release

Drug class

Macrolide Antimicrobial

Boxed warning

None

Half-life

about 3 to 4 hours at 250 mg, rising to 5 to 7 hours at 500 mg (dose-dependent)

Treats

Bronchitis, Chlamydia Infections, Duodenal Ulcer

Get biaxinhigher-rated option

Advertising disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects our independent ratings.

Get treatment online

Licensed online providers — consult & get prescribed if eligible.

SesameCompare online visit prices

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Biaxin or Biaxin XL?

Biaxin and Biaxin XL are tied at 3.6 out of 5 by our independent rating.

Which is cheaper, Biaxin or Biaxin XL?

Pharmacies pay about the same to acquire either one — roughly $0.47 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. That is not what you will be charged: your price is set by your insurer and the pharmacy, not by what the drug cost them.

What is the difference between Biaxin and Biaxin XL?

Both Biaxin and Biaxin XL share the active ingredient Clarithromycin.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.