telithromycin

Brand name(s):

Ketek, Ketek Pak

What is the most important information I should know about telithromycin?

Telithromycin may cause sudden and serious liver damage. In rare cases, liver failure can develop and may cause death. Stop using the medication and call your doctor right away if you have nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Do not take telithromycin if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid) or pimozide (Orap), or if you have a muscle disorder called myasthenia gravis.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction or liver problems caused by telithromycin or similar antibiotics such as erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), troleandomycin (TAO), or dirithromycin (Dynabac).

Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Telithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

What is telithromycin?

Telithromycin is in a group of drugs called antibiotics. Telithromycin helps the body fight infection that is caused by bacteria.

Telithromycin is used to treat bacterial infections in the lungs and sinuses.

Telithromycin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking telithromycin?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to telithromycin, or if you have:

myasthenia gravis;
if you are also taking cisapride (Propulsid) or pimozide (Orap); or
if you have a history of liver problems caused by telithromycin or similar antibiotics such as erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S., PCE, Erythrocin), azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), troleandomycin (TAO), or dirithromycin (Dynabac).

Before taking telithromycin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease;
liver disease;
myasthenia gravis (a nerve and muscle disorder);
low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood;
a heart rhythm disorder; or
a family history of Long-QT syndrome.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use telithromycin or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether telithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take telithromycin?

Take telithromycin exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not take telithromycin for longer than your doctor has prescribed. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Telithromycin can be taken with or without food.

Telithromycin is usually taken once a day. Try to take telithromycin at about the same time each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Page: 1 2 3 Next >

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.