Roxithromycin

Roxithromycin (CAS number: 80214-83-1) is a semisynthetic macrolide derived from erythromycin A (9-[O-[(2-methoxyethoxy)-methyl]oxime]) (Chantot et al., 1986; Kirst and Sides, 1989a). The empirical formula is C₄₁H₇₆N₂O₁₅ and the molecular weight is 837.05. Its chemical structure is shown in Figure 60.1. Its in vitro antibacterial activity is similar to that of erythromycin, with similar or slightly higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) (Pechére and Auckenthaler, 1987; Barry et al., 1988), and it has complete cross-resistance with erythromycin (Barlam and Neu, 1984; Pechére and Auckenthaler, 1987; Barry et al., 1988). Figure 60.1 Chemical structure of roxithromycin. Chemical stability in acid medium is due to the replacement of the keto group in position 9 of erythromycin by an N-oxime. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315152110/08d8042d-9481-4a8d-8c27-9bd589f6de6b/content/fig60_1.tif" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>