Roxithromycin
About Roxithromycin
Roxithromycin is a prescription antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It is commonly prescribed for infections of the airways, throat, sinuses, skin, and soft tissues. By stopping the growth of bacteria, this medicine helps your body fight off the infection and recover.
To get the best results, you must take Roxithromycin regularly at the same times each day as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken on an empty stomach, ideally at least 15 minutes before a meal, to help your body absorb the medicine properly. Staying well-hydrated and getting plenty of rest during your treatment supports your body's healing process.
While taking this medication, you may experience mild side effects such as nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhoea. If you notice severe watery diarrhoea, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or a severe skin rash, you should contact your doctor right away.
Before starting Roxithromycin, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver problems, kidney issues, or heart rhythm disorders. Do not take this if you are allergic to roxithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin or azithromycin.
Certain medicines, such as migraine treatments containing ergotamine, can cause serious side effects if taken with this antibiotic. It is also important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, as they will evaluate if this treatment is safe for you.
Uses of Roxithromycin
• Treatment of Bacterial Infections: Roxithromycin is commonly prescribed for managing bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Roxithromycin effectively treats skin conditions like cellulitis and other soft tissue infections caused by bacteria that respond to this medication.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Roxithromycin is widely used in the treatment of STIs such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea, due to its efficacy against the bacteria responsible for these diseases.
• Ear Infections (Otitis Media): Roxithromycin is also employed in the treatment of otitis media, a middle ear infection often seen in children, to alleviate symptoms and combat the infection.
Medicinal Benefits
Roxithromycin helps treat bacterial infections by stopping the growth and spread of infection-causing bacteria. This helps relieve symptoms, clear the infection, and support recovery. Its benefits may include:
- Rapid Symptom Relief: Roxithromycin works quickly to stop the spread of bacteria, which helps reduce painful throat inflammation, eases coughing, and brings down a fever within a few days of starting the course.
- Promotes Full Recovery: By completely clearing the underlying bacterial infection, this medicine prevents the illness from worsening or returning, helping you get back to your normal daily activities.
- Convenient Oral Dosing: The oral tablet form allows you to easily manage your treatment at home without the need for clinical injections.
Directions for Use
To use Roxithromycin safely and effectively, follow these instructions:
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this can affect how the medicine is absorbed in your body.
- Take this medicine on an empty stomach, preferably at least 15 minutes before meals or as directed by your doctor.
Always complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, even if you start to feel better after a few days. Stopping an antibiotic too early can cause the infection to return and make the bacteria resistant to future treatments.
Storage
Side Effects of Roxithromycin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Mild diarrhoea
- Headache
- Changes in taste or loss of appetite
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Severe, persistent, or watery diarrhoea (which could indicate a serious bowel condition)
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin rash
- Signs of liver damage, including yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain
- A fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Complete the full course: Always finish every tablet prescribed, even if your symptoms disappear. Leaving an infection partially treated can lead to antibiotic resistance.
- Check for allergies: Do not take this medication if you have had a past allergic reaction to roxithromycin or similar antibiotics.
- Monitor your liver: Inform your doctor immediately if you notice unusually dark urine, pale stools, or persistent nausea, as these can be early signs of liver irritation.
- Watch for severe diarrhoea: If you develop severe, watery diarrhoea during or up to several weeks after stopping treatment, do not take anti-diarrhoea medications without consulting your doctor first.
- Inform your dentist: Let your dentist or any surgeon know you are taking this antibiotic before undergoing any medical procedures.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact with this medication:
- Ergot-Containing Migraine Medicines: Medicines containing ergotamine or dihydroergotamine may interact with this medicine and increase the risk of serious circulation problems.
- Digoxin, Midazolam, and Warfarin: This medicine may increase the effects of medicines such as digoxin and midazolam. When taken with warfarin, your doctor may monitor your blood clotting tests (INR) more closely because the risk of bleeding may increase.
Drug-Food Interactions
- Food: Taking this medicine with food may significantly reduce its absorption. For best results, take it on an empty stomach, preferably at least 15 minutes before a meal.
Drug-Disease Interactions
Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking this medicine, as it may worsen your condition or require closer monitoring.
- Severe Liver Disease: Do not take this medicine if you have severe liver damage, as your body may not be able to process it properly.
- Heart Rhythm Disorders: Use this medicine with caution if you have a pre-existing heart rhythm disorder, as it may increase the risk of heart-related side effects.
- Low Potassium Levels: Use with caution if you have a history of low potassium levels, as this may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Roxithromycin to prevent unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe Roxithromycin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe Roxithromycin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
unsafeRoxithromycin may cause dizziness; do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
consult your doctorDose 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
consult your doctorDose 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
- Support your gut health: Consider eating probiotic-rich foods, such as plain yoghurt, or taking a probiotic supplement a few hours after your antibiotic dose to help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you experience mild diarrhoea, to keep your body hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can strain your liver and worsen side effects like dizziness or stomach upset.
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, 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. However, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Roxithromycin is used to treat Bacterial infections.
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.
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.
Before starting Roxithromycin, inform the doctor if you have heart, kidney or liver problems, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels), diarrhoea, or if you weigh below 60kgs.
Roxithromycin contains Roxithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
No, Roxithromycin is not used to treat fever. It is indicated in the treatment of bacterial infections.
Roxithromycin should be taken on an empty stomach or 15 minutes before food. Swallow it as a whole with water; do not crush or chew it.
Yes, Roxithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
Yes, Roxithromycin is safe if taken in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor.
Yes, Roxithromycin is used to treat urinary tract infections (UTI), including infections of the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.
Consult the doctor if you do not get better even after using Roxithromycin for the prescribed duration. The doctor may increase the dose or prescribe alternate medicine based on your condition.
Roxithromycin is not known to cause infertility. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Yes, Roxithromycin can be taken on an empty stomach or 15 minutes before food.
Roxithromycin may cause 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.
Roxithromycin should be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding only if prescribed by the doctor. Please consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe Roxithromycin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Do not take antacid medicines along with Roxithromycin; maintain a gap of 2 hours between both. Roxithromycin may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives, consult your doctor before taking Roxithromycin if you are using contraceptives. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Roxithromycin to prevent unpleasant side effects. Roxithromycin may cause dizziness, so be cautious while driving.
Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Roxithromycin as it may cause an overdose. Seek medical attention if you have overdosed on Roxithromycin. The doctor may perform gastric lavage to remove residual drug in the stomach.
It is best to take Roxithromycin on an empty stomach, ideally 15 minutes before a meal, because food can reduce how much of the medicine your body absorbs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you struggle to take it on an empty stomach.
Mild diarrhoea is a common side effect of roxithromycin. However, if you develop severe, watery, or bloody diarrhoea, contact your doctor immediately. This can occasionally be a sign of a serious bowel condition associated with antibiotic use. Do not take over-the-counter anti-diarrhoea drugs without medical advice.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol during your treatment. Alcohol can increase side effects like dizziness, headache, and stomach upset, and it can place extra stress on your liver. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
The medicine begins working against bacteria within a few hours of your first dose. However, it may take 2 to 3 days before you notice a significant improvement in your physical symptoms. Always complete the entire prescribed course even if you feel better sooner.
Yes, Roxithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic and does not belong to the penicillin family. It is often prescribed as a safe alternative for patients with penicillin allergies. However, always inform your doctor of any allergies before starting a new medicine.
No, Roxithromycin is specifically designed to treat bacterial infections. It is completely ineffective against viral infections like colds, flu, or COVID-19. Using antibiotics when they are not needed can lead to bacterial resistance.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Yes, Roxithromycin may be prescribed for children when appropriate. The dose is determined according to the child's age, weight, and type of infection. Always use the dose prescribed by a healthcare professional and never give antibiotics to a child without medical advice.
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