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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Telithromycin

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Telithromycin


  • Even if your condition improves, it is important to complete the course of this antibiotic unless you are told to stop. Otherwise your infection could come back.
  • This antibiotic may temporarily affect your eyesight and cause dizziness or fainting. Do not drive or use tools or machines until you know how you react.
  • Contact your doctor immediately if you develop jaundice, dark urine and sickness.

About telithromycin

Type of medicineAntibiotic
Used forBacterial infections such as chest and throat infections which other antibiotics may not be able to treat
Also calledKetek®
Available asTablets

Telithromycin treats infections by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause the infection.

Before taking telithromycin

Before taking telithromycin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have heart problems, especially if it is a problem related to your heart beat.
  • If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder) or myasthenia gravis (a condition causing muscle weakness).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take telithromycin

  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take telithromycin exactly as your doctor has told you. It is taken once a day. Taking your dose at bedtime may help reduce side-effects such as dizziness and fainting.
  • Swallow telithromycin tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or break the tablets.
  • You may take telithromycin before or after food.
  • Keep taking this antibiotic until the course is finished unless you are told to stop. If you stop taking this antibiotic too soon your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.
  • Try not to miss any doses. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember but do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Telithromycin can cause dizziness and difficulties with eyesight, even after just one dose. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
  • Some people develop thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
  • If you still feel unwell after completing your course of this antibiotic, make another appointment to see your doctor.
  • If you are using oral combined hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking telithromycin.
  • This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this antibiotic.

Can telithromycin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If the diarrhoea continues or is severe, see your doctor or pharmacist for advice
Feeling or being sick, stomach ache, wind, and indigestionEat little and often and stick to simple or bland foods
Blurred vision, fainting, dizzinessIf this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines. Taking your tablets at bedtime may help
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Changes in the way things tasteThis will disappear after you finish your treatment

Important: If you develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), dark urine and sickness, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store telithromycin

  • Keep out of reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3841DocRef: dils3867Last Reviewed: 21 Mar 2011Version: 24
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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