Telithromycin

About telithromycin

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

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 suffer from liver or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from myasthenia gravis.
• If you suffer from a heart problem or problems related to heart beat.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine, any antibiotic or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take telithromycin

• Always read the printed information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow telithromycin tablets whole (not crushed or chewed), with plenty of water.
• Try to take this medicine at regular intervals to keep a steady level of telithromycin in your body.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this preparation contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside telithromycin.
• Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course of telithromycin. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking telithromycin.
• If you have any medical tests, tell the person carrying out the test that you are being treated with telithromycin.
• Some people develop thrush after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Important: Oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking telithromycin. In addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking telithromycin and for at least seven days after your course of telithromycin has finished. If these seven days run into a 'pill-free' week, start taking the next packet of contraceptives without leaving a break. If you are taking the type of contraceptive pill that is taken every day or if you need any further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Telithromycin can cause dizziness. 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.

Can telithromycin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, or if you experience a skin rash, itching or swelling of the tongue.

How to store telithromycin

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines