Brand name: CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin)
CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin)
Systematic (IUPAC) name
Identifiers
Therapeutic considerations
CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin) is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic. It is used
to treat respiratory tract, urinary and soft tissue infections. CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin)
is derived from erythromycin, containing the same 14-membered lactone
ring. However, an N-oxime side chain is attached to the lactone ring.
CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin) is available under several brandnames, for example Surlid,
Rulide, Biaxsig, Roxar and Roximycin.
Contents
* 1 History * 2 Available forms * * 3 Mechanism of action * 4
Pharmacokinetics * 5 Metabolism * 6 Side effects * 7 Drug interactions
History
German pharmaceutical company Hoechst Uclaf brought out CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin)
in 1987.
Available forms *
CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin) is commonly available as tablets or oral suspension.
Mechanism of action CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin)
CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin) prevents bacteria from growing, by interfering with
their protein synthesis. CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin) binds to the subunit 50S of
the bacterial ribosome, and thus inhibits the translocation of peptides.
CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin) has similar antimicrobial spectrum as erythromycin, but
is more effective against certain gram-negative bacteria, particularly
Legionella pneumophila.
Pharmacokinetics
When taken before a meal, CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin) is very rapidly absorbed,
and diffused into most tissues and phagocytes. Due to the high concentration
in phagocytes, CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin) is actively transported to the site of
infection. During active phagocytosis, large concentrations of CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin)
are released.
Metabolism
Only a small portion of CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin) is metabolised. Most of CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin)
is secreted unchanged into the bile and some in expired air. Under
10% is excreted into the urine. CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin)'s half-life is 12 hours.
Side effects CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin)
Most common side effects are gastrointestinal; diarrhoea, nausea,
abdominal pain and vomiting. Less common side effects include central
or peripheral nervous system events such as headaches, dizziness, vertigo,
and also the rarely seen rashes, abnormal liver function values and
alteration in senses of smell and taste.
Drug interactions
CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin) has less interactions than erythromycin as it has a
lower affinity for cytochrome P450.
CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin) does not interact with oral contraceptives, prednisolone,
carbamazepine, ranitidine or antacids.
When CADITHRO (Rulide, Roxithromycin) is administered with theophylline, some studies
have shown an increase in the plasma concentration of theophylline.
A change in dosage is usually not required but patients with high levels
of theophylline at the start of the treatment should have their plasma
levels monitored.
