Telithromycin can be used for mild-to-moderate
pneumonia that you get in your daily life, such as at
school or work (community-based pneumonia). It is effective against pneumonia
caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella
catarrhalis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and
Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It is also effective against some
types of Streptococcus pneumoniae that are
resistant to other medications.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved telithromycin
in 2004, so it has not been widely studied. The research used to gain approval
shows that:1
About 80% of those using telithromycin were
cured. This is about the same as other antibiotics.
About 90% of
people age 65 or older using telithromycin were cured.
The most common side effects of telithromycin are nausea, headache,
dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may cause vision problems such as blurred
vision, difficulty focusing, and seeing double.
Also, there may be a link between Ketek and serious liver
problems.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
You have ever had a severe
allergic reaction to telithromycin or to any of the
group of antibiotics known as macrolides. These include erythromycin (Ery-Tab,
Eryc, EryPed), azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), and
dirithromycin (Dynabac).
You are currently taking pimozide (Orap),
which is used for tics associated with
Tourette's disorder.
Telithromycin may affect other medications. Talk to your doctor if
you take:
The cholesterol medications simvastatin,
lovastatin, or atorvastatin. You should stop treatment with these medications
while you are taking telithromycin.
Antiarrhythmics
medications such as quinidine, procainamide, or dofetilide.
Diuretics such as furosemide or
hydrochlorothiazide.
Any of the following medicines: itraconazole,
ketoconazole, midazolam, digoxin, ergot alkaloid derivatives, cyclosporine,
carbamazepine, hexobarbital, phenytoin, tacrolimus, sirolimus, metoprolol,
theophylline, or rifampin.
Always tell your doctor which medications you are taking, including
prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal
supplements.
Talk to your doctor if you:
Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding.
Have
myasthenia gravis, a long-lasting disorder that causes
weakness and rapid tiring of muscles.
Have had jaundice (yellow
color of the skin and/or eyes) while taking telithromycin.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here.
