Roxithromycin
Roxithromycin
Roxithromycin (pronounced: rox-i-thro-my-sin) is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic used for treating various types of bacterial infections. It is derived from erythromycin, with the addition of a nitrogen atom in its lactone ring.
Etymology
The term "Roxithromycin" is derived from the words "erythromycin" and "roxane". The prefix "Roxi-" is taken from the name of the pharmaceutical company, Roxane laboratories, that first developed the drug. The suffix "-thromycin" is derived from erythromycin, indicating its relation to this macrolide antibiotic.
Usage
Roxithromycin is used to treat respiratory tract, urinary and soft tissue infections. It is also effective against certain sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and non-gonococcal urethritis. Roxithromycin works by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria, preventing them from growing and reproducing.
Related Terms
- Macrolide: A class of antibiotics that includes drugs like erythromycin and roxithromycin.
- Erythromycin: A macrolide antibiotic that roxithromycin is derived from.
- Chlamydia: A sexually transmitted infection that can be treated with roxithromycin.
- Non-gonococcal urethritis: An inflammation of the urethra that is not caused by gonorrhea, often treated with roxithromycin.
Side Effects
Like all medications, roxithromycin can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Less common side effects can include dizziness, headache, and changes in taste.
Precautions
Roxithromycin should not be used by people with a known allergy to macrolide antibiotics. It should also be used with caution in people with liver or kidney disease.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Roxithromycin
- Wikipedia's article - Roxithromycin
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