Telithromycin
Telithromycin is a ketolide antibiotic used primarily to treat community-acquired pneumonia in adults. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis through binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. Due to safety concerns including hepatotoxicity and visual disturbances, its use is limited to situations where standard antibiotics are inappropriate.
Telithromycin is a ketolide antibiotic reserved for treating community-acquired pneumonia when other options are unsuitable.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01FA15
- RxNorm
- 274786
- Generic
- Telithromycin
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
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Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia in adults caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, including strains resistant to beta-lactams or macrolides.
Telithromycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis. It retains activity against many organisms with resistance to macrolides due to its distinct binding properties.
Reserved for cases where first-line antibiotics cannot be used. Associated with risk of hepatotoxicity, visual disturbances, and rare but serious adverse effects. Requires monitoring of liver function. Contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis and those with known hypersensitivity to macrolides.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy