Ketek is an antibiotic prescribed to treat mild to moderate cases of community-acquired pneumonia in patients age 18 and older. The FDA has included a box warning about liver injury, loss of consciousness and visual disturbances associated with Ketek. Also, Ketek should not be used in any patients who have myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness of skeletal muscles.
Ketek is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. The FDA no longer approves Ketek for chronic bronchitis and bacterial sinus infections because of the increased chance of injury and death. However, even when administered for its approved use, for pneumonia, Ketek can still cause liver injury, which can lead to liver transplants or death.
Ketek is only approved for use in patients age 18 and older. Ketek is only approved to treat community-acquired pneumonia caused by bacteria, including:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Chlamydophila pneumoniae
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Ketek is not approved for use in patients with myasthenia gravis, patients with liver problems, heart problems, or patients with allergies to Ketek or macrolide antibiotics. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Ketek. Also, patients who are taking cisapride (Propulsid) or pimozide (Orap) should not take Ketek because of possible drug interaction injury. Tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking, and also avoid taking Ketek if you are taking any cholesterol-lowering medications.
Ketek has been linked to a number of side effects, including:
- death
- liver injury
- worsening myasthenia gravis
- vision problems
- fainting and loss of consciousness
- intestine infections
- nausea
- headache
- vomiting
- diarrhea
There are a number of symptoms you will experience if you are injured by Ketek, including:
- breathing problems
- increased tiredness
- fainting
- loss of appetite
- yellowing of skin and/or eyes
- right upper belly pain
- light-colored stools
- dark urine
- itchy skin
- vision problems
- vomiting
- nausea
- headache
- diarrhea
If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking Ketek and contact your doctor immediately.
