Generic
Roxithromycin
19 brands available in the market
At a glance
Roxithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, ENT, skin, and genital tract. It inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit.
Description
Roxithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic with antibacterial properties similar to erythromycin. It is active against Gram-positive bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci, listeria, corynebacteria), Gram-negative bacteria (gonococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella, Campylobacter), and atypical pathogens (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia).
Indications
- Respiratory tract infections (pneumonia, bronchitis)
- ENT infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis media)
- Skin infections (folliculitis, furuncles, cellulitis, impetigo)
- Genital infections (urethritis, prostatitis, cervicitis – especially Chlamydia trachomatis)
Therapeutic class
Macrolide Antibiotics
Pharmacological class
Macrolide
Pharmacology
Roxithromycin irreversibly binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, blocking transpeptidation or translocation reactions, resulting in stunted cell growth and preventing the infection from spreading.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Susceptible infections: 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily (5-10 days)
- Severe hepatic impairment: 150 mg/day
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- 6-11 kg: 25 mg every 12 hours
- 12-23 kg: 50 mg every 12 hours
- 24-40 kg: 100 mg every 12 hours
- Dose: 5-8 mg/kg/day (5-10 days)
Administration
- Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after food)
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break
- Do not take antacids 2 hours before or after taking roxithromycin
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Allergic rash
- Dizziness and headache
- Dyspepsia, flatulence
- Tinnitus, vertigo, constipation
Precautions & warnings
- Do not use in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug
- In hepatic disease, dose should not exceed 150 mg twice daily
- May affect driving ability (drowsiness and dizziness)
- Safety in pregnancy not established
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to roxithromycin or macrolides
- Porphyria
Drug interactions
- Cyclosporine and digoxin: May raise serum levels
- Simvastatin: Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis
- Ergotamine or derivatives: May provoke arterial spasm and severe ischemia (do not co-administer)
Food interactions
Alcohol with Roxithromycin is safe (no harmful side effects).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Generally considered safe; animal studies show low or no adverse effects; limited human data; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Safe during breastfeeding; human studies show insignificant drug passage into breastmilk and no harm to the baby; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safe for children (6-40 kg); dose based on body weight.
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients; dose adjustment may be needed.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; dose adjustment may not be needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed (150 mg/day in severe impairment); consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Limited overdose information; excessive doses may increase side effects; consult your doctor.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Roxithromycin