Ketek is an antibiotic used to treat adults 18 years of age and older with certain respiratory (lung and sinus) infections caused by certain germs called bacteria. Ketek kills many of the types of

bacteria that can infect the lungs and sinuses, and has been found to treat these infections safely and effectively in clinical trials. Not all respiratory infections are caused by bacteria. For example, common colds are caused by viruses. Ketek, like other antibiotics, does not kill viruses.

Who should not take Ketek?:

You must not take Ketek if:

· you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to Ketek or to any of the group of antibiotics known as “macrolides” such as erythromycin, azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin) or dirithromycin (Dynabac).

· you are currently taking cisapride (Propulsid) or pimozide (Orap).

General Precautions with Ketek:

· Ketek may cause problems with vision, particularly when looking quickly between objects close by and objects far away. These events include blurred vision, difficulty focusing, and objects looking doubled. Some patients have severe problems with vision that may interfere with normal activities. Most events were mild to moderate; however, severe cases have been reported. These problems lasted several hours and in some patients come back with the next dose. People taking Ketek should be careful when driving a motor vehicle, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in otherwise hazardous activities.

· There have been reports of side effects on the liver. Signs of jaundice include yellow color of the skin and/or eyes.

· There have been reports of worsening of myasthenia gravis symptoms in patients with myasthenia gravis. If you have myasthania gravis and experience worsening of your symptoms (such as muscle weakness, difficulty breathing) during treatment with Ketek, you should stop taking Ketek and seek immediate medical attention.