Ketek Overview

Ketek (telithromycin) is an antibiotic doctors use to treat bacterial respiratory infections affecting the lungs and sinuses. Specifically, the drug is helpful for patients with bronchitis and pneumonia. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ketek in April 2004. Sanofi-Aventis manufactures and markets this medication.

Read on to learn more about how Ketek works, its side effects of the drug, and more.

General Precautions With Ketek

Like most drugs, Ketek has many side effects. Clinical trials have shown that Ketek may cause vision problems, specifically when a patient looks between objects nearby and far away. Other vision problems include:

• Difficulty focusing
• Blurred vision
• Double vision

Some patients experience severe vision problems that interfere with everyday activities. These problems may last several hours and, in some patients, can reoccur with subsequent doses.

If you're taking Ketek, be careful of the following:

• Driving a motor vehicle
• Operating heavy machinery
• Engaging in otherwise hazardous activities

Who Should Avoid Taking Ketek?

Ketek does help many patients with respiratory issues. But certain people should avoid this medication.

Don't take Ketek if you:

• Have had a severe allergic reaction to Ketek or any antibiotics known as "macrolides," such as erythromycin, azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or dirithromycin (Dynabac)
• Are currently taking cisapride (Propulsid) or pimozide (Orap)

People with liver problems should also avoid taking this drug.

Ketek Special Warnings

Experts have linked Ketek to reports of severe liver disease. In some cases, liver damage occurred or worsened rapidly after just a few doses of Ketek. Some patients taking Ketek experience liver failure and may even require a liver transplant.

Some of the symptoms of hepatitis include the following:

• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pains
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Nausea
• Jaundice (yellow color of the skin and eyes)
• Dark urine
• Light-colored stools
• Itchy skin

If you notice any of these symptoms after your use of Ketek, contact your doctor immediately and stop using the medication.

Talk to your healthcare professional about other treatments before taking Ketek if you have myasthenia gravis. Stop taking Ketek and seek medical attention if you have myasthenia gravis and your symptoms worsen.

What Are the Side Effects Associated With Ketek?

Even if you don't suffer liver disease, there are other adverse events from taking Ketek. Ketek may cause several side effects.

These severe side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Loose stools
• Changes in the ability to taste
• Blurred vision

Some side effects can be severe. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Fainting
• Rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• Extreme tiredness
• Rapid change in blood pressure
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Lack of energy
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Flu-like symptoms
• Hives
• Rash
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Hoarseness

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Professional?

For some patients, taking Ketek can be dangerous. The last thing you want is to suffer adverse drug interactions.

Tell your healthcare professional if you:

• Have a rare heart condition known as “congenital prolongation of the QT interval"
• Are being treated for heart rhythm disturbances with certain medicines known as antiarrhythmics (such as quinidine, procainamide, or dofetilide)
• Have low blood potassium (hypokalemia) or low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia)
• Have a disease known as myasthenia gravis
• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• Have experienced jaundice while taking Ketek
• Have any other severe medical conditions, including heart, liver, or kidney disease

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and nonprescription medicines you take. This includes vitamins and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you take:

• Cisapride (Propulsid) or pimozide (Orap), simvastatin, lovastatin, or atorvastatin (used for lowering cholesterol)
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Midazolam
• Digoxin
• Phenytoin
• Tacrolimus
• Sirolimus
• Metoprolol
• Theophylline
• Rifampin
• Warfarin and other oral anticoagulants (sometimes called blood thinners)
• Diuretics (also sometimes called water pills) such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide

If you take any of these medications, seek an alternative to Ketek.

What Should I Do If I'm Sick After Taking Ketek?

If you or a loved one experiences any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions while using Ketek, contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. They'll check to see if you suffer from hepatotoxicity or other illnesses.

You may also consult a product liability lawyer to learn more about your legal rights. You may be able to recover damages for your Ketek injuries.