Ketek Medication - Uses & Side Effects

TELITHROMYCIN (Ketek™) is an antibiotic. Telithromycin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It treats lung, sinus, and throat infections. Telithromycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Generic telithromycin tablets are not yet available.

KETEK (KEE tek) is an antibiotic used to treat adults 18 years of age and older with certain respiratory (lung and sinus) infections caused by certain germs called bacteria. KETEK kills many of the types of bacteria that can infect the lungs and sinuses, and has been found to treat these infections safely and effectively in clinical trials. Ketek is a new type of antibiotic known as a ketolide.

Ketek Dosage

• The usual dose is two 400-milligram tablets (for a total of 800 milligrams) taken once a day at the same time. For acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis or acute sinusitis, treatment lasts 5 days. For pneumonia, treatment lasts 7 to 10 days.

Uses of Ketek

• It is used to treat bacterial infections in the lungs and sinuses, specifically:Acute (severe or sudden) flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, Acute sinusitis, Pneumonia.
• Ketek is used to treat bacterial infections in the lungs and sinuses.
• Ketek may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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 to continue using Ketek. Side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
  
• Sleepiness (somnolence)
  
• Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
  
• Nervousness
  
• Blurred or double vision
  
• Rash or itching
  
• Flushing
  
• Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)
  
• Jaundice
  
• Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)
  
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  
• Temporary loss of conciousness
  
• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
  

Warnings and precautions before taking Ketek:

• Use Ketek with caution if you have myasthenia gravis. The drug can worsen your symptoms and cause severe--and even life-threatening--reactions. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have this illness.
• Ketek may cause visual problems, including blurred vision or difficulty focusing. These episodes can last for several hours. Problems with vision are most likely to occur after the first or second dose, although they can occur any time during treatment. If visual problems occur, avoid driving a motor vehicle, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in other hazardous activities. Also avoid looking quickly from one object to another. If you have vision problems that interfere with your daily activities, notify your doctor.
• Ketek could potentially affect heart rhythm and cause changes on an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). Tell the doctor if you develop an irregular heartbeat or if you faint while taking the drug. Use Ketek cautiously, if at all, if you have a condition that makes you susceptible to heartbeat irregularities, such as low potassium or magnesium levels, a severely slow heartbeat, or a congenital heart rhythm disturbance.
• There have been reports of liver function problems in people taking Ketek. Use Ketek cautiously if you've ever had liver problems, including hepatitis or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes).

Drug Interaction :- When Ketek is taken together with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decrease, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Ketek with the following:

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
  
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
  
• Diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix) or hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL,
• Esidrix)
  
• Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot
  
• Hexobarbital
  
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
  
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  
• Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)
  
• Midazolam (Versed)
  
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
  
• Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane)
  
• Sirolimus (Rapamune)
  
• Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Ketek is not expected to cause overdose symptoms.