Roxithromycin 150 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Roxithromycin Uses  

Roxithromycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the macrolide class. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as: 

1. Bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis 
2. Skin and soft tissue infections like boils, cellulitis, wound infections 
3. Ear infections  
4. Pharyngitis 
5. Certain sexually transmitted infections (like Chlamydia infections)    

Directions for use

1. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.  

Roxithromycin side effects 

More Common  

1. Nausea 
2. Vomiting 
3. Diarrhea 
4. Stomach pain or cramps 
5. Headache 
6. Mild skin rash      

Less Common

1. Severe allergic reactions (swelling, difficulty breathing, hives) 
2. Liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine) 
3. Irregular heartbeat or palpitations 
4. Severe diarrhea due to Clostridioides difficile infection 
5. Hearing problems     

How Roxithromycin works 

Roxithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by binding to bacterial ribosomes and blocking protein synthesis. Without proteins, bacteria cannot grow or multiply, which helps the body fight and eliminate the infection. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy Warning

 If you are allergic to roxithromycin, erythromycin, or other macrolides should avoid it, as it may cause severe allergic reactions like swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing. 

Severe Liver Problems

Roxithromycin is processed by the liver; in serious liver disease, it can accumulate and worsen liver function. Communicate with your doctor about your past disease history. 

Heart rhythm issues

People with irregular heartbeat or prolonged QT interval should avoid it, as the drug can trigger dangerous heart rhythm changes. Communicate with your doctor about your past disease history. 

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women

One should use only if clearly needed, under a doctor’s supervision, as safety is not fully established. 

Myasthenia Gravis

Roxithromycin may worsen muscle weakness in these patients. Always inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions before taking this medicine. 

Roxithromycin Interaction with Food Product

Roxithromycin can be taken with or without food but taking it after meals may help reduce stomach upset. Avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of liver strain and stomach irritation. Certain grapefruit products may also affect how the medicine works, so it’s best to avoid them while on this antibiotic.  

Roxithromycin Interaction with Other Medicines

Avoid taking Roxithromycin with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Roxithromycin Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) / Chemical name

Roxithromycin: (3R,4S,5S,6R,7R,9R,10E,11S,12R,13S,14R)-6-[(2S,3R,4S,6R)-4-(dimethylamino)-3-hydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-14-ethyl-7,12,13-trihydroxy-4-[(2R,4R,5S,6S)-5-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4,6-dimethyloxan-2-yl]oxy-10-(2-methoxyethoxymethoxyimino)-3,5,7,9,11,13-hexamethyl-oxacyclotetradecan-2-one 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Roxithromycin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor. 

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage. 

Overdose

It is not recommended to take Roxithromycin more than 300 mg per day. Taking too much of this medicine may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, confusion, skin rashes, tremors, or changes in heartbeat. In severe cases, it can affect the kidneys or blood cells. If you notice any unusual or severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately. 

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Roxithromycin Summary

Roxithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis), ear and throat infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia. It works by binding to bacterial ribosomes and blocking protein synthesis, stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and mild skin rash, while rare but serious effects may include severe allergic reactions, liver problems, irregular heartbeat, severe diarrhea, or hearing issues.  

Roxithromycin should be used with caution in people with liver problems, heart rhythm issues, allergies to macrolides, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or myasthenia gravis, and it can be taken with or without food, though taking it after meals may reduce stomach upset. 

FAQ’s

What are the uses of roxithromycin tablets? 

Roxithromycin tablet is used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis), ear infections, throat infections (pharyngitis), skin and soft tissue infections, and some sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia. 

What are the side effects of Roxithromycin? 

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and mild skin rash. Rare but serious side effects may include severe allergic reactions, liver problems, irregular heartbeat, severe diarrhea, and hearing problems. Seek medical help immediately if you notice severe rash, breathing difficulty, yellowing of eyes/skin, or irregular heartbeat. 

What is the mechanism of action of Roxithromycin?

Roxithromycin works by binding to bacterial ribosomes and blocking protein synthesis, which stops bacteria from growing and multiplying, helping the body fight the infection.

Is Roxithromycin safe to use during pregnancy? 

Roxithromycin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor. Its safety is not fully established, and it should be avoided unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the baby. 

What is the drug class of Roxithromycin? 

Roxithromycin belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics. 

Reference 

1. PubChem. Roxithromycin [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from 
2. Roxithromycin [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. Available from 
3. Roxithromycin: View Uses, Side Effects and Medicines | 1mg [Internet]. 1mg. 2023 [cited 2026 Jan 2]. Available from 

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.