SANTROX-150

Roxythromycin 150 mg

Santrox (Roxithromycin) is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic. It 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. It is absorbed from small intestine, the drug gets partially destroyed by the gastric juice so it must be administered in enteric coated form. Better cellular penetration than Erythromycin and can enhance host defence mechanisms. It get mainly concentrated in the bile.

Indications

• Acute pharyngitis
• Tonsillitis
• Sinusitis
• Acute bronchitis
• Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
• Community acquired pneumonia
• Skin and skin structure infections.
• Nongonococcal urethritis

Dosage

The recommended dose is 150 mg twice daily

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to macrolides, including erythromycin.
• Severely impaired hepatic function .
• Concomitant therapy with vasoconstrictive ergot alkaloids

Precautions

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of liver impairment, abnormal heart rhythm, any allergy, who are taking other medications.
• During pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Monitor liver function regularly while taking this medication.
• Avoid long-term use of this medication; otherwise it may cause liver damage.
• High doses of roxythromycin may, on rare occasion, cause hearing loss, especially during renal or hepatic disease.

Side effects

Weakness, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, elevated alkaline phosphatase, epigastric pain, GI disturbance, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, flatulence, liver inflammation, increased liver enzyme value, rash, changes in blood count, eosinophilia.

Drug interactions

With Acetaminophen, Amiodarone, Anabolic steroids, Androgens, Antithyroid agents, Carmustine, Chloroquine, Dantrolene, Daunorubicin, Disulfiram, Divalproex, Estrogens, Etretinate, Gold salts, Hydroxychloroquine, Mercaptopurine, Methotrexate, Methyldopa, Naltrexone : Use of these drugs with Roxythromycin may increase the chance of hepatic impairment.