Telithromycin is an oral antibiotic drug that is a semi-synthetic erythromycin derivative. Telithromycin is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 and 3A4 enzymes. Telithromycin penetrates the bacterial cell wall and acts on the ribosomal subunits to interfere with protein synthesis. These compounds act by binding to the 50S subunit of the 70S ribosomal subunit this in turn blocks protein elongation of the bacterial ribosome. Telithromycin binds to domains II and V of the 23S RNA of the 50S subunit of the ribosome. As a result, protein synthesis is inhibited, preventing bacterial growth and this may even kill the bacteria. Common side effects from taking Telithromycin include dizziness, headache, and taste disturbances, with the chance of experiencing more adverse effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loose stools, abdominal pain, flatulence and dyspepsia.

Telithromycin Pathway References