Ketek

What is it?

An antibacterial and antibiotic preparation which is a ketolide, available as film-coated, orange tablets containing 400mg of telithromycin, marked H3647 and 400.

Medical Uses

Pneumonia (community acquired), pharyngitis or tonsilitis in which Group A beta streptococci are the causal organisms and when beta lactam antibiotics cannot be used, acute sinusitis, acute flare-up of chronic bronchitis.

Dosage

Adults, 800mg once each day for 5 days - or 7 to 10 days in case of pneumonia.

Special Care

Pregnancy, slow heartbeat, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia involving ventricles of heart, severe kidney disease or liver disrders, low blood potassium or magnesium levels.

Avoid Use

Children, breastfeeding, prolonged QT interval or family history of such, pseudomembraneous colitis.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cyp2d6 substrates, CYP3A4 substrates, inhibitors or inducers, astemizole, digoxin, cisapride, lovastatin, pimozide, ergot derivatives, warfarin, simvastatin, theophylline, atorvastatin, agents that prolong QT interval, terfenadine.

Known Side Effects

Headaches, gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, vaginal thrush infections, disturbance of taste, raised levels of liver enzymes. Any adverse side effects should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).