WARNING

Telithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. However, it carries certain risks that should be considered:

• Liver Damage: Telithromycin can cause severe liver damage, including liver failure, especially in patients with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking other medications that affect the liver.
• QT Prolongation: This medication can prolong the QT interval in the heart’s electrical cycle, which may lead to irregular heartbeats and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
• Drug Interactions: Telithromycin can interact with other medications, such as certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, antidepressants, and antifungal medications, leading to adverse effects or reduced effectiveness.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to telithromycin, which can range from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis.
• Nerve Damage: There have been reports of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) associated with telithromycin use, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in the extremities.
• Myasthenia Gravis Exacerbation: Telithromycin can worsen symptoms of myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue.
• Vision Problems: Rarely, telithromycin has been associated with visual disturbances, including blurred vision, double vision, and in severe cases, vision loss.

It’s important for patients to discuss their medical history and any other medications they are taking with their healthcare provider before starting telithromycin to minimize the risks and ensure its safe use.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Telithromycin is a type of antibiotic medication that is prescribed to treat certain bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called ketolides and works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

Telithromycin is commonly prescribed to treat respiratory tract infections, such as community-acquired pneumonia caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used to treat acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis caused by specific bacteria.

How should this medicine be used?

Telithromycin should be used exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Here are general guidelines for its use:

• Dosage: Follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The typical dose for most infections is 800 mg taken orally once daily.
• Timing: Telithromycin can be taken with or without food. However, if stomach upset occurs, it’s generally recommended to take it with food.
• Duration: Complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better before you finish the medication. Stopping the medication early can lead to the recurrence of the infection and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
• Avoid Alcohol: It’s advisable to avoid consuming alcohol while taking telithromycin, as it may increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
• Storage: Store telithromycin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Precautions: Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications, supplements, or medical conditions you have before starting telithromycin. This helps to minimize the risk of adverse effects or drug interactions.
• Allergies: If you have a known allergy to telithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics (such as azithromycin or clarithromycin), inform your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about how to use telithromycin properly.

Other uses for this medicine

Telithromycin is primarily used to treat respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria, particularly community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and certain types of skin and soft tissue infections. However, there are no other approved uses for telithromycin beyond these indications.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be followed when using telithromycin:

• Allergy: Before taking telithromycin, inform your healthcare provider if you have a known allergy to telithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics (such as azithromycin or clarithromycin). Allergic reactions can range from mild rash to severe anaphylaxis.
• Liver Function: Telithromycin can cause liver damage, including liver failure. If you have a history of liver disease or are currently experiencing liver problems, inform your healthcare provider. Regular monitoring of liver function may be necessary during treatment.
• Heart Rhythm: Telithromycin can prolong the QT interval in the heart’s electrical cycle, which may lead to irregular heartbeats and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. It should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing heart conditions or those taking medications that affect heart rhythm.
• Drug Interactions: Telithromycin can interact with other medications, including certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, antidepressants, and antifungal medications. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Myasthenia Gravis: Telithromycin can exacerbate symptoms of myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue. Use with caution in patients with this condition.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Telithromycin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the fetus. It is not recommended during breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing infant.
• Nerve Damage: There have been reports of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) associated with telithromycin use, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in the extremities. If you experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Vision Problems: Rarely, telithromycin has been associated with visual disturbances, including blurred vision, double vision, and in severe cases, vision loss. If you experience any changes in vision while taking telithromycin, notify your healthcare provider.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about using telithromycin safely.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Telithromycin can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food may help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or stomach upset.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of Telithromycin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Set a Reminder: To help remember to take your medication, consider setting an alarm or using a pill organizer.
• Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you have questions or concerns about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Telithromycin, like any medication, can cause side effects. Common side effects include:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting.
• Diarrhea: Changes in bowel habits, including loose stools or diarrhea.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
• Changes in Taste: Altered taste perception, often described as a metallic taste in the mouth.
• Abdominal Pain: Discomfort or pain in the stomach area.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Rash: Skin reactions such as rashes or itching.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or lethargic.

Less common but more severe side effects may include:

• Liver Problems: Symptoms may include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent nausea.
• Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
• Muscle Weakness: Weakness or numbness in the muscles.
• Irregular Heartbeat: Changes in heart rhythm.
• Visual Disturbances: Blurred vision or other changes in vision.

If you experience any severe or persistent side effects while taking Telithromycin, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can provide guidance on whether you should continue taking the medication and may suggest alternative treatments if necessary.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Telithromycin:

• Storage:
  • Store Telithromycin at room temperature away from light and moisture.
  • Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of expired or unused Telithromycin properly according to local regulations.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet unless instructed to do so.
  • Consult with your pharmacist or local waste disposal authority for proper disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

• In case of emergency or overdose: If you suspect an overdose or experience severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, fainting, or seizures, seek immediate medical attention. Contact a poison control center or emergency room for advice.
• What to expect: Overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Always carry the prescription bottle with you in case of emergencies.

What other information should I know?

• Follow Prescribed Dosage: Take Telithromycin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed.
• Allergic Reactions: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies, especially to Telithromycin or other antibiotics.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking as Telithromycin may interact with certain drugs.
• Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, headache, or changes in taste, and inform your healthcare provider if they become severe or persistent.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your healthcare provider before taking Telithromycin if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Effectiveness: Take the full course of Telithromycin as prescribed even if you start to feel better before finishing the medication. Stopping the medication too soon may allow the bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
• Driving and Machinery: Be cautious when driving or operating machinery as Telithromycin may cause dizziness or drowsiness.

Always consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns regarding the storage, disposal, or usage of Telithromycin.