Roxithromycin: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions And More-
Roxithromycin
How Does Roxithromycin Work?
Roxithromycin fights bacteria by stopping them from making proteins they need to survive. It sticks to the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes and blocks the path where new protein chains form. Bacteria cannot grow or multiply without these proteins. The antibiotic also builds up inside white blood cells to help them target and destroy harmful bacteria. Lower doses slow bacterial growth, while higher concentrations can kill bacteria completely.
Uses of Roxithromycin
Doctors prescribe roxithromycin tablets to treat many infections, such as:
Upper respiratory problems: sore throat, tonsillitis, sinusitis
Lower respiratory issues: bronchitis, pneumonia
Skin and soft tissue infections: impetigo, cellulitis
Non-gonococcal urethritis
This versatile antibiotic fights many types of bacteria effectively and treats various conditions.
How & When to Take Roxithromycin?
You should take roxithromycin at least 15 minutes before eating or on an empty stomach (more than 3 hours after meals).
Simply swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.
Treatment usually lasts 5-10 days, though streptococcal throat infections need at least 10 days.
What are the Side Effects of Roxithromycin?
Most people handle roxithromycin well. The following are some common complications:
Digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea
Dizziness or vertigo
Changes in taste or smell
Serious complications are rare but can include severe allergic reactions or liver problems.
Can I Take Roxithromycin Daily?
You can take roxithromycin daily as part of your prescribed treatment plan. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions about dosage and duration exactly. Don't stop taking the medication early, even if you feel better.
What Precautions are to Be Taken While Using Roxithromycin?
Patients with severe liver impairment should consult their doctor before taking this medicine.
Studies on safety during pregnancy remain limited, so pregnant or breastfeeding women should use roxithromycin only when necessary.
Extra caution is needed if you have heart conditions, low potassium levels, or myasthenia gravis.
Your ability to drive or operate machinery might be affected as roxithromycin can cause dizziness or blurred vision.
Tell your doctor about all medications you take to avoid unwanted interactions.
What If I Missed a Dose?
Take your roxithromycin dose as soon as you realise you missed it. If it is almost time for your next dose skip the one you missed and continue with your regular schedule. Don't take a double dose to make up for a missed one - this can be dangerous.
What If I Overdose?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and dizziness might occur if you overdose on roxithromycin. Medical attention is needed immediately in such cases. Doctors may perform gastric lavage to remove remaining medication from your stomach.
Drug Interactions
These medications should not be combined with roxithromycin:
Digoxin
Ergot alkaloids (migraine medications)
Heart rhythm medications like disopyramide
Terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, or pimozide
Theophylline (asthma medication)
Warfarin
Dosage for Roxithromycin
Adults should take 300 mg daily. This can be one 300 mg tablet once daily, one 150 mg tablet twice daily, or two 150 mg tablets once daily.
Children who weigh 6-40 kg need 5-8 mg/kg/day split into two doses. Those over 40 kg should take one 150 mg tablet twice daily.
Treatment usually lasts 5-10 days, depending on the infection type. Streptococcal throat infections need at least 10 days of therapy.
Roxithromycin vs Azithromycin
Roxithromycin and azithromycin share the same macrolide antibiotic family but differ in several ways:
Comparison Factor | Roxithromycin | Azithromycin |
Standard Course Duration | 10 days | 3 days |
Dosage Pattern | 150 mg twice daily | 500 mg once daily |
Clinical Cure Rate (Respiratory Infections) | Good | Better |
Clinical Cure Rate (Atypical Pneumonia) | Good | Higher |
Bacterial Eradication Rate | Good | Higher |
Antistreptococcal Effects | Less pronounced | More pronounced |
Treatment Discontinuation Due to Side Effects | Some cases reported | No cases reported |
Multiple studies show that azithromycin works better than roxithromycin against most infections. Azithromycin's biggest advantage comes from its shorter treatment time and once-daily dosing, which patients find more convenient.
FAQs
What is Roxithromycin Tablet used for?
Roxithromycin tablets help fight bacterial infections throughout your body including:
Throat and airway conditions like pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and sinusitis
Lung infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
Skin and soft tissue infections including impetigo
Infections affecting their kidneys, bladder, and urethra
Dental infections
How does Roxithromycin work in the body?
The medicine prevents bacteria from multiplying by stopping their protein production. It binds to the bacterial ribosome's 50S subunit and halts protein synthesis that bacteria need to grow. The drug shows a unique advantage - it builds up inside white blood cells and helps them destroy harmful bacteria more effectively.
What is the usual dosage of Roxithromycin for adults and children?
Adult patients typically need 300mg each day. They can take this as one tablet daily, split into two 150mg doses, or two tablets at once. Children over 40kg should take one 150mg tablet twice daily. Smaller children weighing between 6-40kg need 5-8mg/kg daily in two separate doses.
Can Roxithromycin be used for respiratory and skin infections?
This antibiotic works great for both! Your respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and pharyngitis will respond well to roxithromycin. The medicine also fights skin conditions such as impetigo, cellulitis, and other soft tissue infections. Its wide-ranging effectiveness makes it a reliable choice for these conditions.
What are the common side effects of Roxithromycin?
Most patients handle roxithromycin well. Common side effects are:
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pain
Diarrhoea
Headaches and occasional dizziness
Skin rashes (rare)
Changes in taste or smell
Is Roxithromycin safe for long-term use?
Doctors usually prescribe roxithromycin for 5-10 days instead of longer periods. The risk of superinfection by resistant organisms increases with extended use. Your doctor will determine if you need longer treatment for specific conditions.
Can Roxithromycin interact with other medications?
Roxithromycin can interact with several medicines:
Ergot alkaloids
Blood thinners like warfarin
Heart medications such as disopyramide
Theophylline (asthma medicine)
Digoxin
Is Roxithromycin safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Doctors don't generally recommend roxithromycin during pregnancy unless absolutely needed. Nursing mothers should know that tiny amounts pass into breast milk. Parents should monitor breastfed babies for diarrhoea or thrush.
What precautions should be taken before using Roxithromycin?
Tell your doctor about:
Any allergies to macrolide antibiotics
Liver or kidney problems
Heart conditions or irregular heartbeats
All medicines you're currently taking
Pregnancy or breastfeeding plans
How long does it take for Roxithromycin to start working?
Symptoms usually improve within a few days after starting treatment. You should contact your physician right away if symptoms worsen or don't improve after several days.
