| name | Telithromycin |
| classification | Macrolide antibiotic |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Well absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 2-4 hours. | | distribution | Distributes widely throughout the body, including lung tissue, with high concentrations in macrophages. | | metabolism | Primarily metabolized by the liver via the cytochrome P450 system. | | excretion | Excreted mainly in the bile and feces. A small portion is excreted in the urine. |
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| suggested dosage | | adult | 400 mg twice daily for 7-10 days. | | Note | Consult a physician for specific dosage based on the patient's condition and severity of infection |
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| indications | | 1 | Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae. | | 2 | Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis caused by susceptible Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae | | 3 | Other respiratory infections caused by susceptible bacterial pathogens |
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| safety in pregnancy | | category | C | | description | Limited data on use during pregnancy. Potential risks to the fetus. Only use if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Consult a physician for a risk-benefit assessment. |
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| safety in breastfeeding | | recommendation | Not recommended during breastfeeding due to the potential for excretion into breast milk. Consult a physician for alternative treatment options. |
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| side effects | | 1 | Gastrointestinal upset (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) | | 2 | Headache | | 3 | Diarrhea | | 4 | Abdominal pain | | 5 | Elevated liver enzymes | | 6 | Elevated liver function tests | | 7 | Changes in taste | | 8 | Photosensitivity | | 9 | Hypersensitivity reactions | | 10 | Myopathy | | 11 | Cholestatic jaundice | | 12 | Liver failure |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to telithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics | | 2 | Severe liver disease | | 3 | Myopathy | | 4 | Severe renal impairment | | 5 | Known allergy to a constituent or ingredients |
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| interactions | | 1 | CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin) can increase telithromycin levels and risk of side effects. | | 2 | CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) may decrease telithromycin levels and reduce effectiveness. | | 3 | May potentiate the effects of certain drugs that prolong QT interval |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor liver function tests periodically during treatment. | | 2 | Patients with known liver disease should be carefully monitored. | | 3 | Caution should be used in patients with renal impairment. | | 4 | Monitor for signs and symptoms of myopathy (muscle pain, weakness) and liver dysfunction. | | 5 | May cause QT prolongation. Caution with concurrent use of drugs that also prolong QT interval or with other potential risk factors for QT prolongation |
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| additional informations | Telithromycin is generally considered to be less safe than other macrolides. It has been associated with severe liver injury in some patients. A thorough risk/benefit discussion with your physician is crucial before starting telithromycin. |
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