Generic
Roxithromycin
Pharmacology
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.
Dosage Administration
Adult dose: The usual dose for adults is one 300 mg tablet once daily or one 150 mg tablet twice a day for at least two days after resolution of symptoms, a normal course of therapy is between 5 and 10 days. Roxithromycin is best administered on empty stomach. In severe hepatic impairment the dose is 150 mg once daily. Pediatric dose: The dose for children is 2.5 to 5 mg/kg body weight twice a day. The following general guidelines can be followed 6 to 11 Kg: 25 mg Roxithromycin 12 hourly. 12 to 23 Kg: 50 mg Roxithromycin 12 hourly. 24 to 40 Kg: 100 mg Roxithromycin 12 hourly. A normal course of therapy is between 5 and 10 days.
Contraindications
Roxithromycin should not be administered simultaneously with ergotamine or its derivatives as it may provoke arterial spasm and severe ischaemia.
Side Effects
Roxithromycin is well tolerated by patients of all age groups. Less than 4% of treated patients complain of side effects mainly nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and hypersensitivity rash. Other side effects reported include vomiting, dizziness, headache, pruritus, dyspepsia, flatulence, tinnitus, vertigo and constipation. These are in general minor and do not necessitate withdrawal of therapy.
Pregnancy And Lactation
The safety of Roxithromycin in pregnancy has not been established. It appears in breast milk in small amounts and dose not produce adverse effects in the breast fed infant.
Therapeutic
Macrolides
Over The Counter Products
