Does this mean you cant take them together at all or that you CAN take them, but at different times?? (Ketek & Rifampin)
I really dont understand this,
CaliLymer
Coadministration with CYP450 3A4 inducers may significantly reduce the plasma concentrations of telithromycin, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. During coadministration of rifampin and telithromycin in repeated doses, peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of telithromycin were on average decreased by 79% and 86%, respectively. A similar interaction is expected with other CYP450 3A4 inducers such as phenytoin, fosphenytoin (if used for more than 2 or 3 days), carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and St. John's wort, potentially resulting in subtherapeutic levels of telithromycin and loss of effect. Enzyme activities usually return to normal 14 days after discontinuation of the inducing agent.
MANAGEMENT: Telithromycin should not be used during or within 2 weeks after discontinuation of treatment with a CYP450 3A4 inducer.
[ 11. February 2006, 07:11 PM: Message edited by: CaliLymer ]
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
hi Cali,
I'd like to suggest you EDIT/PENCIL icon your TOPIC title to "Ketek & Rifampin, can these be taken together?"
Then you will folk's attention who have expertise on them, and they will reply right away. I have NO experience on either of these for myself.
This board is very active, 3-4 FULL screens of posts/replies daily so you have to be specific on topic title to grab their attention. good luck.
Posted by mlkeen (Member # 1260) on :
call your druggist and discuss it with her/him. I find ours is a valuable resource.
Posted by Michelle M (Member # 7200) on :
Here's an explanation from my favorite drug interaction website.
________________________________________________ You searched for interactions between the following drugs:
* Ketek * Rifampin
Add or Delete Drugs
Start Over with a New List of Drugs
(Note: Not all drug interactions are known or reported in the literature, and new drug interactions are continually being reported. This information is provided only for your education and for you to discuss with your personal healthcare provider. )
TELITHROMYCIN (in Ketek) may interact with RIFAMPIN
Both of these drugs have the potential to modify the effect of the other. Rifampin may increase the breakdown of telithromycin by the liver, and decrease the amount of antibiotic in the blood stream. This decrease in amount of antibiotic, could make it less effective in fighting an infection. Conversely rifampin breakdown may be decreased by telithromycin, which could result in large amounts of rifampin building up in the body. This build up could lead to increased rifampin associated side effects. If you are taking these drugs at the same time your doctor may want to monitor you more closely for side effects of rifampin, such as: dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes, eye pain, cough, difficulty breathing. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.
This interaction is well-documented and is considered moderate in severity.
Posted by CaliLymer (Member # 6509) on :
Thanks guys,
You guys are the best!
Posted by JimBoB (Member # 8454) on :
Has anyone heard anymore on the article from LymeInfo that said that Ketek can KILL you? That was a few weeks ago, and it was under investigation, but I havn't heard any more on it. Jim Posted by liz28 (Member # 4946) on :
I have taken these together. Rifampin goes through your system quickly, and does better on an empty stomach. So you take it far away from other drugs, and it is usually out of your system in about three hours. I always took it early in the morning, and then just before going to sleep.
They don't cause any explosions, they just interfere with each others' absorbtion.
I've always taken ketek with tons of liver support, at least 4-5 (pricey) supplements per day, and lots of probiotics, and it hasn't caused any problems. To me, the really harsh drug on the liver is mepron, not ketek. And flagyl is no prize, either, even though it works very well in short courses.
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