Roxithromycin is an antibiotic tablet used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. It belongs to a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics that is effectively mild to moderately severe bacterial infections such as upper respiratory tract infections like acute pharyngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, lower respiratory tract infections like acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute bronchitis, skin, and soft tissues infections, impetigo, non-gonococcal urethritis, acute pharyngitis, and tonsillitis (inflammation of tonsils or pharynx with sore throat and pain during swallowing).
Take the tablets as per the dosage prescribed by your healthcare professionals. It is advised to not crush, chew or break the tablets. Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water. Some people may experience a few side effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, stomach upset, diarrhea, rash, and stomach ache. Roxithromycin tablets are not effective against viral infections such as colds and flu. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and about your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Roxithromycin Tablets
Roxithromycin tablet is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The medicine works by interfering with the protein synthesis of the bacteria, which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, helping in treating and preventing the spread of infections. Roxithromycin tablets are highly useful in treating several bacterial infections such as:
- Upper respiratory tract infections like acute pharyngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis
- Lower respiratory tract infections like acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia
- Skin and soft tissues infections, impetigo (contagious skin infections)
- Non-gonococcal urethritis
- Acute pharyngitis
- Acute tonsillitis
Side Effects of Roxithromycin Tablets
Mostly the side effects of Roxithromycin Tablets are mild to moderate that does not last for a long time. The side effects may vary in all users as they depend on the physiological conditions and response to the treatment. In case your side effects persist or get severe with time, immediately contact your healthcare professional. The range of side effects noticed on using Roxithromycin Tablets are mentioned below:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rash
Direction for Use
Carefully, read the manual given along the tablets before consuming them. Take them as per the dosage and duration prescribed by the doctor. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water before food or on an empty stomach (more than 3 hours after a meal). Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending on the age, body weight, and severity of the infection.
Drug Interactions
Roxithromycin Tablets may interact with certain medicines. The drugs also have a tendency to interact with certain food items and health conditions. It is advised to not take Roxithromycin Tablets with the following mentioned drugs.
- Theophylline (a medicine used to treat asthma)
- Ergotamine or dihydroergotamine (used to treat migraine headaches)
- Terfenadine, astemizole (medicines used to treat allergic conditions)
- Cisapride (used to treat heartburn and gastrointestinal problems)
- Pimozide (used to treat psychosis)
- Warfarin, vitamin K Antagonists like phenprocoumon (used to prevent blood clots)
- Digoxin, digitoxin (medicines used to treat heart failure, irregular heart rhythms)
- Midazolam (used to induce drowsiness or sleep before operations)
- Ciclosporin (medicine used to prevent graft rejection after organ transplantation)
- Chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine (used to treat malaria)
- Rifabutin and bromocriptine (used in the treatment of HIV infections)
Precautions and Warnings
1. Avoid consuming alcohol with the Roxithromycin tablets as it may interact with and cause unpleasant health effects.
2. Do not take Roxithromycin tablets with a doctor’s consultation if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your newborn.
3. Store the medicines in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
4. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets.