Roxithromycin is an antibiotic, which is used for treating infections including infections of the tonsils, chest, genitals, and skin(1). It stops or kills the growth of bacteria. Similar to other antibiotics, it is not effective against viral infections. Roxithromycin is used for treating and preventing bacterial infection of the inner layers of skin, the respiratory tract and the urinary tract.
Roxithromycin treats respiratory infections such as sinusitis, otitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, and pneumonia(1). It prevents the growth of bacteria through interference with protein synthesis. Take the recommended dosage of Roxithromycin or as advised by your healthcare practitioner.
Roxithromycin: Uses
Following are some important uses of Roxithromycin(2, 3):
- Acute Pharyngitis: Roxithromycin can treat and prevent bacterial infections of the airways and the throat. Its common symptoms include difficulty in swallowing and a sore throat(4).
- Sinusitis: It is used to treat and prevent bacterial infections of sinuses.
- Tonsilitis: It is used to treat and prevent bacterial infection of tonsils.
- Acute Bronchitis: Roxithromycin is used to treat and prevent bacterial infection of airways. It can treat severe bacterial infections when the symptoms become worse.
- Pneumonia: It treats bacterial infection of the lungs. The symptoms include tiredness, high fever, headache, etc.
- Soft and Skin Tissue Infections: It can treat bacterial infections of the skin as well as the soft tissue below the skin. The symptoms include fever, painful and red hair base, etc.
- Urinary Tract Infection: Roxithromycin can treat urinary tract infection in case it is not caused due to the Gonococcal strain of bacteria.
- Impetigo: Roxithromycin can treat skin’s bacterial infection that is characterized by painful and red sores on the skin around the mouth and nose.
Roxithromycin: Dosages
The dosages of Roxithromycin vary from person to person and it depends on the age and also on the kind of infection. The recommended dosage for adults is 300 mg daily that may be taken according to the dosage regimen; either one 300 mg tablet daily or 150 mg tablet twice a day(3); however, this should only be taken after consulting a doctor.
The coated Roxithromycin 150 or 300 mg tablets should be swallowed whole along with water. This tablet is taken best on an empty stomach, 15 minutes prior to food or you can take it 3 hours after food. If you feel sick then you should take it along with food. Take it every time at the same time.
The Roxithromycin dosage for children depends on the weight of their bodies. It is given twice daily. The doctors usually advise it to be taken for 5-10 days. Streptococcal throat infections need a minimum of 10 days. Some patients with genital infections need 20 days to cure completely(4).
Roxithromycin: Side Effects
Roxithromycin like other medicines may cause side effects. The side effects improve when your body becomes used to this new medicine. The possible side effects include the following(1, 4):
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vaginal itching, discharge, or soreness
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Symptoms associated with liver including yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, abdominal pain
- Fainting
- Changes in heartbeat
- Allergic reactions including itching, skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, and mouth.
Conclusion
Roxithromycin is an antibiotic and it can prevent bacterial infection. It should be taken strictly according to the recommended dosages of the doctor. The dosages depend on the factors including age, severity, and other medical conditions. You can observe the effect of this medication within 1 or 2 hours of its administration and the effect wears off after at least 12 hours. It interacts with several medications such as colchicine and warfarin and therefore, you should check with a pharmacist before you begin using roxithromycin.
