Roxithromycin
About
Roxithromycin belongs to the group of antibiotic medicines called macrolides. Roxithromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is used to treat respiratory tract, gastrointestinal, skin and soft tissue infections. Bacterial infections are caused due to the multiplication of harmful bacteria inside or on the body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These harmful bacteria produce chemicals known as toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick.
Roxithromycin works by interfering with the protein synthesis of the bacteria, which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections. Roxithromycin does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
Take Roxithromycin as prescribed. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, stomach upset, diarrhoea, rash and stomach ache. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Do not take antacids medicines along with Roxithromycin; maintain a gap of 2 hours between both. Avoid taking Roxithromycin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by a doctor. Roxithromycin may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives, consult your doctor before taking Roxithromycin if you are using contraceptives. Roxithromycin may cause dizziness, so be cautious while driving. Avoid alcohol consumption to prevent unpleasant side-effects. 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
Medicinal Benefits
Roxithromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Roxithromycin works by interfering with the protein synthesis of the bacteria, which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Roxithromycin
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhoea
- Rash
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Roxithromycin if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you are taking ergot alkaloids (used to treat migraine), terfenadine or astemizole (used to treat allergy), cisapride (used to treat acidity), or pimozide (used to treat psychosis). Do not take Roxithromycin on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Talk to your doctor before taking Roxithromycin if you have heart, kidney or liver problems, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels), diarrhoea, or if you weigh below 60kgs. Do not take antacids medicines along with Roxithromycin; maintain a gap of 2hours between both. Roxithromycin may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives, consult your doctor before taking Roxithromycin if you are using contraceptives. Avoid taking Roxithromycin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by a doctor. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Roxithromycin to prevent unpleasant side-effects. Roxithromycin may cause dizziness, so be cautious while driving. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and about your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side-effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Roxithromycin may have interaction with terfenadine, astemizole (used to treat allergy), cisapride (used to treat acidity), pimozide, thioridazine (used to treat psychosis), disopyramide (used to treat heart conditions), ergotamine, dihydroergotamine (used to treat migraine), midazolam (used to treat sleepiness), ciclosporin (used in organ transplantation), theophylline (used to treat asthma), dofetilide (used to treat irregular heartbeat) and warfarin (used to prevent blood clotting).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Roxithromycin may have interactions with heart, kidney and liver disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Roxithromycin to prevent unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe Roxithromycin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe Roxithromycin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionRoxithromycin may cause dizziness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have liver impairment/liver disease before taking Roxithromycin.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease before taking Roxithromycin.
Children
safe if prescribedRoxithromycin is safe for children if prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help indigestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Eat fibre rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol to treat your condition effectively.
- Avoid usage of tobacco.
- To cure your condition effectually complete the full course of Roxithromycin even though you find symptomatic relief.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Roxithromycin works by interfering with the protein synthesis of the bacteria which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
Roxithromycin may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and omit driving and operating machinery if you are feeling dizzy.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Roxithromycin. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fibre if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience excess diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
It is recommended to complete the course of Roxithromycin even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic, and leaving it in between may lead to even severe infection that will, in fact, stop responding to the antibiotic as well (antibiotic resistance).
Do not take antacids medicines along with Roxithromycin as it reduces the effectiveness of Roxithromycin. Take antacids 2hours before or after taking Roxithromycin.
Roxithromycin may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives. Consult your doctor before taking Roxithromycin if you are using contraceptives; the doctor may prescribe alternate medicine or contraception method.
