Ketek

Generic name: Telithromycin

What is Ketek?

Ketek is an antibiotic used to treat adults over 18 years of age who have a lung infection called community-acquired pneumonia. This type of pneumonia is caused by certain bacterial germs. Ketek is not for other types of infections caused by bacteria, and like other antibiotics, Ketek does not kill viruses.

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

Do not take Ketek if you have myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis is a rare disease that causes muscle weakness. Patients with myasthenia gravis who have taken Ketek have sometimes experienced life-threatening breathing problems.

Ketek can also cause other serious side effects, including severe liver damage. Do not take Ketek if you have ever had side effects of the liver while taking Ketek, or any of the group of antibiotics known as macrolides, such as erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and dirithromycin. Stop Ketek and call your doctor right away if you have signs of liver problems. Do not take another dose unless your doctor tells you to. Signs of liver problems include:

Dark Urine,Increased tiredness,Itchy skin,Light-colored stools,Loss of appetite,Right upper belly pain,Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes

Who should not take Ketek?

Do not take Ketek if you have myasthenia gravis. Also, do not take Ketek if you have had an allergic reaction to, or have had side effects on the liver to Ketek, or to any of the group of antibiotics known as macrolides (see "What is the most important information I should know about this medication?"). Do not take Ketek if you are taking cisapride or pimozide.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Ketek?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Ketek. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have myasthenia gravis. Tell your doctor if you or someone in your family has a rare heart condition known as QTc prolongation, or any other heart problems. Tell your doctor if you are being treated for heart rhythm disturbances with certain medicines knows as antiarrhythmics. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have low blood potassium or magnesium; or heart, liver, or kidney disease.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual dosage is 800 milligrams (mg), or 2 tablets, taken 1 time each day for 7-10 days, depending on the type of infection being treated.

How should I take Ketek?

Ketek tablets should be swallowed whole and may be taken with or without food. To make sure that all bacteria are killed, take all of the medication that was prescribed for you, even if you begin to feel better. You should contact your doctor if your condition is not improving while taking Ketek or if you took too much of the medication.

What should I avoid while taking Ketek?

Ketek may cause problems with vision, particularly when looking quickly between objects close by and objects far away. Most vision problems are mild to moderate and occur following the first or second dose. However, severe cases have been reported and vision problems may occur after any dose during treatment. These problems may last several hours and sometimes come back with the next dose. Ketek may also cause you to faint, especially if you are also experiencing nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness.

If visual difficulties or fainting occur, you should avoid driving a motor vehicle, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in otherwise hazardous activities.

Taking Ketek with certain other medications may lead to serious side effects, therefore, you should talk to your doctor before taking these medications (see "What are possible food and drug interactions associated with this medication?").

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Ketek?

If Ketek is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Ketek with the following:

Atorvastatin, Carbamazepine, Cisapride, Cyclosporine, Digoxin, Dofetilide, Ergot alkaloid derivatives, Hexobarbital, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Lovastatin, Metoprolol, Midazolam, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Pimozide, Procainamide, Rifampin, Quinidine, Simvastatin, Sirolimus, Tacrolimus, Theophylline

What are the possible side effects of Ketek?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting

Ketek has the potential to affect the heart. In rare cases, this may result in an abnormal heartbeat, which may result in a fainting spell. Contact your doctor if you have a fainting spell and stop taking Ketek immediately.

An intestine infection is another serious side effect of taking Ketek. Call your doctor if you get watery diarrhea; diarrhea that does not go away; or bloody stools, which may be accompanied by stomach cramps and a fever, up to 2 months after you have finished your antibiotic.

Can I receive Ketek if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Ketek during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ketek?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take more than 1 dose of Ketek in a 24-hour period.

How should I store Ketek?

Store Ketek tablets at room temperature.