Roxithromycin
Indications
Roxithromycin is used for:
Pneumonia, Pharyngitis, Susceptible infections, Sinusitis, Otitis media, Cellulitis,Tonsillitis, Folliculitis, Carbuncles, Prostatitis, Urethritis, Acute and chronic bronchitis, Bronchopneumonia, Furuncles, Pyoderma, Impetigo and infected dermatitis, Cervicitis and salpingitis
Adult Dose
Oral
Susceptible infections
Adult: 150 mg bid or 300 mg once daily for 5-10 days in susceptible infections.
Hepatic impairment: Usual daily doses should be halved in hepatic impairment.
Child Dose
Oral
Susceptible infections
Child: 6-40 kg: 5-8 mg/kg daily.
Renal Dose
Renal impairment: Dosage adjustment may be required.
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take at least 15 min before meals.
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity. Porphyria.
Precautions
Hepatic impairment. Monitor liver function. Prolonged treatment increases risk of hepatotoxicity. History of arrhythmias.
Pregnancy-Lactation
Interactions
May raise serum levels of ciclosporin and digoxin. Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis when used with simvastatin.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Roxithromycin :
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weakness, malaise, anorexia, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence; hepatitis; rashes, headache, dizziness, weakness, changes in blood counts; increased liver enzyme values; eosinophilia; rarely, acute pancreatitis.
Mechanism of Action
Roxithromycin inhibits protein synthesis by irreversibly binding to the 50s ribosomal subunits thus blocking the transpeptidation or translocation reactions of susceptible organisms resulting in stunted cell growth.