Roxithromycin
Drug name: Roxithromycin
Other names used:
- Biaxsig®
- Roxar®
- Roximycin®
- Rulide®
- Surlid®
Active Ingredients:
Roxithromycin
Therapeutic actions: Roxithromycin prevents bacteria from growing, by interfering with their protein synthesis. Roxithromycin binds to the subunit 50S of the bacterial ribosome, and thus inhibits the translocation of peptides. Roxithromycin has similar antimicrobial spectrum as erythromycin, but is more effective against certain gram-negative bacteria, particularly Legionella pneumophila.
Indications: Roxithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic. It is used to treat respiratory tract, urinary and soft tissue infections. Roxithromycin is derived from erythromycin, containing the same 14-membered lactone ring.
Contraindications and cautions: Systemic administration
- Contraindicated with allergy to Roxithromycin.
- Use cautiously with hepatic dysfunction, lactation (secreted and may be concentrated in breast milk; may modify bowel flora of nursing infant and interfere with fever workups).
Ophthalmic ointment
- Contraindicated with allergy to erythromycin; viral, fungal, mycobacterial infections of the eye.
Adverse effects: The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Most common side effects are gastrointestinal; diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. Less common side effects include central or peripheral nervous system events such as headaches, dizziness, vertigo, and also the rarely seen rashes, abnormal liver function values and alteration in senses of smell and taste. The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
Interactions: Tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine.
Roxithromycin has less interactions than erythromycin as it has a lower affinity for cytochrome P450. Roxithromycin does not interact with oral contraceptives, prednisolone, carbamazepine, ranitidine or antacids. When roxithromycin is administered with theophylline, some studies have shown an increase in the plasma concentration of theophylline. A change in dosage is usually not required but patients with high levels of theophylline at the start of the treatment should have their plasma levels monitored.
Roxithromycin appears to interact with warfarin. This is shown by an increase in prothrombin time (international normalised ratio (INR)) in patients taking roxithromycin and warfarin concurrently. As a consequence, severe bleeding episodes have occurred.
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
