LymeNet Flash: Ketek cross the blood brain barrier?

This is topic Ketek cross the blood brain barrier? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by HiHopes (Member # 7286) on :

Hello,

I've heard conflicting info regarding whether Ketek crosses the BBB. Does anyone have any information on this?

When I first started Ketek (back in Dec.'04), I was under the impression that it was a serious heavy-hitter that definitely gets in the brain. Now I'm not so sure...

I'm still on it, btw.

Any input or experiences would be appreciated...

Posted by liz28 on :

I find it to be a miracle drug as long as I take it with a cephalosporin. In my case, that means omnicef.

Posted by Areneli (Member # 6740) on :

It doesn't cross but helps anyway. Perhaps because the problem is in brain blood vessels not in the brain itself.

Posted by HiHopes (Member # 7286) on :

Thank you for your responses...I flared pretty hard the first two months, then kind of dwindled.

Areneli, does it reach the blood vessels in the head?

Also, can ketek reach the eyes? I have a lot of eye issues (not caused by ketek; had them before), that seem to be getting worse.

Posted by Areneli (Member # 6740) on :

Yes it will reach blood vessels of the brain, they are not on the other side of blood brain barrier.

Should help for eyes as well (if you are lucky).

Posted by Mathias (Member # 5298) on :

See this thread:
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/035442.html

Zithromax crosses over so one could concluded that Ketek would to some degree.

Take note of the statements about brain tissue and CSF concentrations.

I haven't found any studies on Ketek specifically.

Posted by lla2 (Member # 2364) on :

if your having problems with your eyes thing hte coinfection bartonella..notorioous for eye problems....that keep coming and going on a short cycle...about every 2-3 days...

bartonella

lisa

Posted by HiHopes (Member # 7286) on :

Thank you everyone for your responses.

Lisa, I was negative for bartonella. I tested positive for babs; I have read that babs can also cause eye problems...and, of course there's the lyme...

Posted by lla2 (Member # 2364) on :

doesn't matter that you tested neg for bart..so does everyone else..don't know many who tested positive..i'm tellling you eyes+bart..they love the eye area, and settle in for the long haul...

babs doesn't like eye area...likes brain, likes rib area, sternum area, likes shins etc...

bart likes eyes, intestines, and can cause seizures

Lisa

[This message has been edited by lla2 (edited 09 July 2005).]

Posted by burnbitter (Member # 7088) on :

quote:
Originally posted by lla2:
doesn't matter that you tested neg for bart..so does everyone else..don't know many who tested positive..i'm tellling you eyes+bart..they love the eye area, and settle in for the long haul...
babs doesn't like eye area...likes brain, likes rib area, sternum area, likes shins etc...
bart likes eyes, intestines, and can cause seizures
Lisa
[This message has been edited by lla2 (edited 09 July 2005).]

what do you take for bartenella?
I think babesia is definately one of my remaining issues at this point...but I wonder about the bart. too.

thanks

Posted by HiHopes (Member # 7286) on :

Lisa, thanks for the info on the bart + eye connection.

I'd also like to know the treatment protocol for bart...

I'm on ketek, mepron, plaquenil and amoxicillin.

I saw an opthamologist for the plaquenil back in March. Everything fine. Plan on going back soon for a re-check.

Thanks again for your help!