Roxithromycin Usage

Roxithromycin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections
It is used in infections of tonsils, sinus, ear, nose, throat, skin and soft tissues, windpipe and lungs (pneumonia).

How Roxithromycin works

Roxithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It stops bacterial growth by inhibiting synthesis of essential proteins, which are required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.

Common side effects of Roxithromycin

Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Diarrhoea, Allergy

Expert advice for Roxithromycin

• Roxithromycin will cure your infection and improve symptoms.
• It may cause an upset stomach. If this happens to you, take it with food.
• Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
• Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete.
• Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
• Do not take antacids 2 hours before or after taking Roxithromycin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. Q. Is Roxithromycin an antibiotic?
Roxithromycin is an antibiotic and belongs to the group of antibiotics known as macrolides. Roxithromycin prevents bacteria from growing, by interfering with their protein synthesis.

Ques. Q. Can I take Roxithromycin with food?
Roxithromycin is to be taken on an empty stomach at least 15 minutes before a meal. The Roxithromycin tablets should be taken with good amount of water.

Ques. Q. Does Roxithromycin treat streptococcal throat infection?
Roxithromycin is used to treat throat infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. It is also indicated for other upper respiratory tract infections like tonsillitis and sinusitis. If you think you are suffering from a streptococcal throat infection, please consult your doctor as it requires proper diagnosis before the start of antibiotics.

Ques. Q. Can I take Roxithromycin with codeine?
Roxithromycin can be taken with codeine. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, this does not mean that interactions cannot occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.

Ques. Q. Does Roxithromycin treat urinary tract infections (UTI)?
Roxithromycin can treat lower urinary tract infections i.e. infections of the urinary bladder and urethra. However, please consult a doctor before taking any antibiotics for your condition as it is important to diagnose the infection before start of antibiotics.

Ques. Q. Is Roxithromycin safe?
Roxithromycin is safe if taken for prescribed duration in prescribed doses as advised by your doctor.

Ques. Q. Does Roxithromycin contain penicillin?
Roxithromycin does not contain penicillin. Roxithromycin belongs to a group of antibiotics known as macrolides.

Ques. Q. Does Roxithromycin affect the contraceptive pill (birth control pills)?
Roxithromycin can decrease the level or effect of estradiol (a component of contraceptive pill) by affecting the normal bacteria in the gut and you may need to take an extra precaution. Please consult your doctor before taking Roxithromycin with the contraceptive pills.

Ques. Q. Does Roxithromycin make you drowsy?
Roxithromycin is not known to cause drowsiness. However, dizziness may occur when you have just started taking Roxithromycin. Hence, driving, operating machinery or other skillful activities should be avoided if you feel drowsy.

Ques. Q. Does Roxithromycin treat Chlamydia?
Roxithromycin is active against chlamydia species and is used for the treatment of infections caused by chlamydia. Please consult your doctor before taking any treatment if you have been diagnosed with chlamydial infection.

Ques. Q. Does Roxithromycin contain sulfur?
Roxithromycin does not contain sulfur. Please refer to the package insert for more information on the components.

Ques. Q. Can I take Roxithromycin with alcohol?
As with other medicines, it is not recommended to take Roxithromycin with alcohol, although there are no drug interactions reported. Please talk to your doctor before taking alcohol with any medicine.

Ques. Q. Can I take Roxithromycin with paracetamol?
Roxithromycin can be taken with paracetamol. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, this does not mean that interactions cannot occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.

Ques. Q. Can I take Roxithromycin with ibuprofen?
Roxithromycin can be taken with ibuprofen. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, this does not mean that interactions cannot occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.

Ques. Q. Can I take Roxithromycin with pseudoephedrine?
Roxithromycin can be taken with pseudoephedrine. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, this does not mean that interactions cannot occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.

Ques. Q. Is Roxithromycin safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Roxithromycin in pregnant women has not been established. Roxithromycin should be taken during pregnancy only if it is considered necessary to be used by your doctor.

Ques. Q. Is Roxithromycin a penicillin?
Roxithromycin is not a penicillin. Roxithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic.

Ques. Q. Is Roxithromycin same as erythromycin?
Roxithromycin and erythromycin are two different antibiotics which belong to the same group known as macrolides. However, they differ in the way they behave in the body. Roxithromycin, as compared to erythromycin, is more acid-stable and reaches better concentrations in blood and is active against more bacteria as compared to erythromycin. Please consult your doctor before taking any antibiotics.

Ques. Q. Is Roxithromycin safe for breastfeeding?
Small amounts of Roxithromycin are excreted in the breast milk. Either breastfeeding or treatment of the mother should be discontinued as necessary. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding and you are advised to take Roxithromycin.