Antibiotic Rulide (roxithromycin)
Rulide or roxithromycin is amacrolide antibiotic. It is semi-synthetic in nature and is used for treating urinary, soft tissue, and respiratory tract infections. This medication id derived from erythromycin. They are found under many brand names. They are commonly found in the form of tablets and oral suspensions. This drug helps in preventing the growth of bacteria by causing interference with the way they synthesize their proteins. Roxithromycin is more operational against certain types of gram-negative bacteria, especially Legionella pneumophila.
Composition of Rulide
Rulide is a semi-synthetic antibiotic drug. The tablets are found in two strengths (150 mg and 300 mg). They are round film-coated tablets that are white in colour. The active ingredient in rulide is roxithromycin. It also contains lows substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (hyprolose).
Uses of Rulide
There are various bacterial infections affecting different parts of the body which can be treated with the help of this medication. Some of these medical conditions are mentioned below:
- Sinusitis
- Acute bronchitis (infection in the bronchi that causes coughing)
- Tonsillitis
- Acute pharyngitis (discomfort while swallowing and sore throat)
- Pneumonia (lung infection characterized by malaise, fever, headache)
- Soft tissue and skin infections
- Impetigo (bacterial infections that cause sores on the skin)
- Non-gonoccocal urethritis
Rulide belongs to a group of drugs known as macrolides. They prevent the growth of the bacteria that causes the infection in the body. Rulide only works in treating bacterial infections. They do not cure viral infections (like flu and common cold). These have been no evidence saying that the roxithromycin tablets are addictive.
Side-effects of Rulide
There are many side-effects associated with the use of rulide that might require medical attention. Some may not require any. With time when the body gets used to the medication, the side-effects may eventually disappear. Some of these side-effects are:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Tinnitus or ringing sensation in the ear
- Sleep disturbance
- Irregular heartbeat, palpitations
- Jaundice (skin and eyes turning yellow)
- Decrease in the ability to hear
- Severe and bloody diarrhoea
- Allergic reaction like blistering, rashers, peeling of the skin, hives, swollen lips, difficulty in breathing etc.
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Vertigo
- Changes in the senses of taste and smell
- Abnormal liver function
Contraindications of Rulide
There are certain conditions when rulide should not be prescribed to the patient. They are mentioned below:
- Hypersensitivity towards macrolides, that include erythromycin
- Severe impairment in the hepatic function
- Concomitant therapy along with vasoconstrictive ergot alkaloids
Rulide and pregnancy
Animal studies have shown evidences of developmental abnormalities. When doses higher than 180 mg/kg/day were assigned to rats, there were maternotoxicity and embryotoxicity. The risks associated with the use of rulide for human fetus is not yet established. Therefore, the doctor must be very careful when the patient is pregnant or plans on being pregnant.
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