• Basic Info
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

TELITHROMYCIN (tel ith roe MYE sin) is a ketolide antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections.This medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• irregular heart beat
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• myasthenia gravis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to telithromycin, macrolide antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride
• droperidol
• ergotamine, dihydroergotamine
• grepafloxacin
• pimozide
• rifampin
• sirolimus
• some medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin
• some medicines for irregular heart rhythm like amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, propafenone, quinidine
• red yeast rice
• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• carbamazepine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• diuretics
• itraconazole, ketoconazole
• metoprolol
• phenytoin
• some medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping
• sotalol
• tacrolimus
• theophylline
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

This medicine may cause you to faint or to have vision problems. Limit activities like driving, using heavy machinery, and other hazardous tasks. If you have vision problems or faint while taking this medicine avoid these activities.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

Last Updated: September 02, 2009