Drugs & Vitamins

Telithromycin Active Ingredients: Telithromycin Representative Names: Ketek Available Product Images: What are telithromycin tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with telithromycin? What side effects may I notice from taking telithromycin? What should I watch for while taking telithromycin? Where can I keep my medicine? What are telithromycin tablets? (Back to top) TELITHROMYCIN is a ketolide antibiotic. It kills or stops the growth of some bacteria. This medicine is used to treat lung infections. This medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •diarrhea •heart disease •irregular heart beat •kidney disease •liver disease •low blood potassium (hypokalemia) or magnesium (hypomagnesemia) •myasthenia gravis •stomach problems (like colitis) •other chronic illness •taking cisapride (Propulsid®), pimozide (Orap®), or certain medicines known as antiarrhythmics (such as quinidine, procainamide, or dofetilide) •an unusual or allergic reaction to telithromycin or macrolide antibiotics (like erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, or dirithromycin), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take telithromycin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take the tablets with a full glass of water. You may take telithromycin tablets with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with telithromycin? (Back to top) •alfentanil •alosetron •astemizole •carbamazepine •certain benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam, triazolam) •certain heart medications (digoxin, diltiazem, disopyramide, dofetilide, felodipine, metoprolol, nifedipine, procainamide, quinidine, verapamil) •certain medicines to treat fungal or yeast infections (itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole) •cisapride •cyclosporine •donepezil •ergot alkaloid medicines, like ergotamine •lidocaine •medicines to treat viral infections (delavirdine, indinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir) •methylprednisolone •norethindrone •paricalcitol •phenytoin •pimozide •rifampin •sirolimus •some 'statin' medicines for reducing cholesterol (examples: atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin) •tacrolimus •terfenadine •theophylline •trimetrexate •zonisamide Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking telithromycin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue •dark urine •diarrhea •difficulty breathing •irregular heartbeat •lightheaded, faint •redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth •unusually tired or weak •white patches in the mouth or throat •vision problems such as blurred vision, difficulty focusing, and objects doubled •vomiting •yellowing of eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •dizziness •headache •nausea What should I watch for while taking telithromycin? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days. Make sure to take all of this medicine as prescribed, even if you begin to feel better. Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery. If you have vision problems while taking telithromycin, avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in otherwise hazardous activities. You should also avoid quickly looking between objects in the distance and nearby; this may help to decrease these visual difficulties. If these vision problems interfere with your daily activities, contact you healthcare provider. Telithromycin has been reported to cause liver problems. If you notice a yellowing of the skin or eyes, stop taking telithromycin immediately and contact your healthcare provider. If you have fainting spells while taking telithromycin, contact your healthcare provider. Telithromycin may be affecting the way your heart beats. If you have a disease called myasthenia gravis, telithromycin may worsen your symptoms. If you experience any worsening of your symptoms (such as muscle weakness, difficulty breathing) while taking telithromycin, stop taking telithromycin and contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking telithromycin. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:02/13/2007 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.