Ketek

Generic name:telithromycin [ tel-IT-roe-MYE-sin ]
Drug class:Ketolides

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 15, 2022.

What is Ketek?

Ketek is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Ketek is used to treat mild to moderate pneumonia caused by certain types of bacteria.

Ketek may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not take Ketek if you have ever had an allergic reaction or liver problems caused by telithromycin or similar antibiotics such as erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, EryPed, Pediazole), azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), troleandomycin (TAO), or dirithromycin (Dynabac). You should not take Ketek if you also take cisapride or pimozide, or if you have kidney or liver disease AND you are also taking colchicine.

Do not take Ketek if you have myasthenia gravis. Some people with myasthenia gravis have developed serious or fatal lung problems while taking Ketek.

Take Ketek for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Ketek will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Ketek if you are allergic to telithromycin, or if:

• you have myasthenia gravis;

• you have ever had an allergic reaction or liver problems while taking telithromycin or similar antibiotics, such as azithromycin (Zithromax), erythromycin, clarithromycin (Biaxin), troleandomycin (TAO), or dirithromycin (Dynabac);

• you also take cisapride or pimozide (Orap); or

• you have kidney or liver disease AND you are taking colchicine (Colcrys).

Some people with myasthenia gravis have developed serious or fatal lung problems while taking Ketek.

To make sure Ketek is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood;

• a heart rhythm disorder (especially if you take certain medications to treat it);

• very slow heartbeats; or

• a personal or family history of long QT syndrome.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Telithromycin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ketek is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Ketek?

Take Ketek exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take Ketek with or without food.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that...