Zithromax (azithromycin) is good for treating many bacterial infections and is available in generic form. However, it may cause headache, dizziness, or rash. Biaxin (clarithromycin) is a good first-choice medicine to treat most common respiratory infections. Side-effects are common, but mild. Azithromycin vs Clarithromycin. Definitely, antibiotics are one of the most essential medicines. Antibiotics are used to fight infections. The common signs and symptoms of infection are: fever, redness around the affected area, and even pain. My son has been on augmentin xr, biaxin, omnicef, clindamycin, and now azithromycin. He by far did the best on Biaxin and worse on azithromycin. The efficacy and safety of azithromycin and clarithromycin were compared in an open multicentre study involving 380 adult patients with acute otitis media, acute sinusitis, or acute streptococcal pharyngitis or tonsillitis. Patients were assigned randomly to receive azithromycin as a single dose of 1. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1993 Jun;31 Suppl E:153-62. Comparison of azithromycin versus clarithromycin in the treatment of patients with lower respiratory tract infection. INTRODUCTION. Azithromycin (Zithromax) and clarithromycin (Biaxin) are macrolide antibiotics that are used in the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections, particularly pneumonia. Compare Biaxin vs. Clarithromycin, which is better for uses like: Infection, Lyme and Sinus Infections. Compare head-to-head ratings, side effects, warnings, dosages, interactions and patient reviews. Patients rated Biaxin and Clarithromycin evenly with 2.9/5. Compare Azithromycin vs Clarithromycin head-to-head for uses, ratings, cost, side effects, interactions and more. Azithromycin rated 7.1/10 vs Clarithromycin rated 5.6/10 in overall patient satisfaction. Compare Azithromycin vs. Clarithromycin, which is better for uses like: Infection, Lyme and Pneumonia. Compare head-to-head ratings, side effects, warnings, dosages, interactions and patient reviews. Patients rated Azithromycin 3.3/5 over Clarithromycin 2.9/5 in overall satisfaction. Doctors give trusted answers on uses, effects, side-effects, and cautions: Dr. Mullane on biaxin vs zithromax: These are two antibiotics.The Cefuroxime is a cousin of penicillin. The germs they would likely kill, dose, frequency and side effects would differ.