From the Research
Roxithromycin is typically prescribed at a dosage of 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily for adults, with treatment duration usually ranging from 5 to 10 days depending on the type and severity of infection. The medication should be taken at least 15 minutes before meals or 2 hours after meals for optimal absorption. For children, the recommended dosage is 5-8 mg/kg/day divided into two doses. Specific infections may require adjustments:
- for pharyngitis/tonsillitis, 150 mg twice daily for 10 days
- for sinusitis, 150 mg twice daily for 10 days
- and for skin/soft tissue infections, 150 mg twice daily for 7-10 days. Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 10 ml/min) should have their dosage reduced by half. Roxithromycin works by binding to bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting protein synthesis and thereby preventing bacterial growth. Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, and skin rashes. The full course of antibiotics should always be completed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure complete eradication of the infection 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Key Considerations
- Roxithromycin has a broad spectrum of activity against various bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae 1.
- The medication is well tolerated, with fewer side effects compared to other macrolides, such as erythromycin 2, 3.
- Roxithromycin is effective in treating various infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and genitourinary tract infections 1, 4.
- The dosage and treatment duration may vary depending on the specific infection and patient population, and it is essential to follow the recommended guidelines to ensure optimal efficacy and minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Patient Education
- Patients should be instructed to take the medication as directed, with or without food, and to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve.
- Patients should be advised to report any side effects or adverse reactions to their healthcare provider.
- Patients with severe renal impairment should be closely monitored for potential adverse effects and dosage adjustments should be made as necessary.