Telithromycin is used to treat bacterial infections of the lungs such as pneumonia.
Take Telithromycin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Take Telithromycin at regular intervals. Complete the entire course of medicine.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Telithromycin if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to similar medicines such as clarithromycin, erythromycin or any other macrolide antibiotics.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Telithromycin with medicines used to treat gout, stomach disorder, mood disorder and high cholesterol. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have heart disease such as irregular heart rhythm.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor that you are taking Telithromycin.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular liver function tests to check your body’s response to Telithromycin. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Telithromycin may cause drowsiness, dizziness or some problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
This medicines may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort and headache.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop taking the medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Telithromycin with the following medicines:
- medicines for stomach disorder e.g. cisapride
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. pimozide
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. lovastatin, simvastatin
- medicines for gout e.g. colchicine
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for heart disease and high blood pressure e.g. digoxin, verapamil, felodipine, metoprolol
- medicines for migraine e.g. ergotamine
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- medicines for fungal infections e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Telithromycin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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