Roxithromycin

In New Zealand, roxithromycin is available as tablets (150 mg and 300 mg). 

• The dose of roxithromycin will be different for different people depending on the type of infection.
• The usual dose in adults is 300 mg once a day OR 150 mg twice a day.
• Your doctor will advise you how long to take roxithromycin for (usually 5 to 10 days).
• Always take your roxithromycin exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

• Timing of your dose: Roxithromycin is best taken on an empty stomach, about 15 minutes before food or 3 hours after food. If it makes you feel sick, then take it with food. Take roxithromycin at the same time each day. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose.

Here are some things to know when you're taking roxithromycin. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Roxithromycin doesn't have a direct interaction with alcohol. This means that most people could have the occasional drink while taking it without any serious problems. However, if roxithromycin makes you feel sick (nausea), don't drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.
• If you are taking the contraceptive pill, you don't usually need to use additional contraception if you're taking roxithromycin. But if the antibiotic or the illness they're treating cause diarrhoea or vomiting, lasting more than 24 hours, absorption of the contraceptive pill may be affected. If this happens, ask your prescriber for advice about contraception over the following few days.

Like all medicines, roxithromycin can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.