A-Rox 300 mg (Tablet)

Indications

• Respiratory infections like pneumonia, acute and chronic bronchitis, and bronchopneumonia
• ENT infections like tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis and otitis media
• Skin infections like folliculitis, furuncles, cellulitis, carbuncles, pyoderma, impetigo and infected dermatitis
• Genital infections like urethritis, prostatitis, cervicitis and salpingitis especially if produced by Chlamydia trachomatis

Description

A-Rox is a macrolide with antibacterial properties similar to erythromycin. It is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as atypical pathogens like Mycoplasma and Chlamydia. It is used to treat upper and lower respiratory tract infections, otorhinolaryngological, skin, dental and genital infections. Well tolerated by adults and children.

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 an 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. Specific guidelines by weight range are provided.

Interaction

A-Rox does not have any affinity for cytochrome P-450 binding sites and thus is unlikely to produce drug interaction mediated by this enzymatic system. It shows mild interaction with theophylline though this has not been found to produce clinically relevant effects. Alteration in the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine or warfarin has not been found. Antacids, H2- receptor antagonists, and food have no effect on the absorption of A-Rox.

Contraindications

Roxithromycin should not be administered simultaneously with ergotamine or its derivatives as it may provoke arterial spasm and severe ischemia.

Side Effects

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Hypersensitivity rash
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Pruritus
• Dyspepsia
• Flatulence
• Tinnitus
• Vertigo
• Constipation

Pregnancy & Lactation

The safety of Roxithromycin in pregnancy has not been established. It appears in breast milk in small amounts and does not produce adverse effects in the breastfed infant.

Precautions & Warnings

A-Rox should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug. In patients with hepatic diseases, the dose of A-Rox should not exceed 150 mg twice a day.

Therapeutic Class

Macrolides

Related Brands

• A-Rox 150 mg (Tablet) - ambee-pharmaceuticals-ltd