Telithromycin, a once daily dosed ketolide for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia

Ketolides: The principal advantage of this series of original compounds ela borated from macrolides is their activity against pneumococci and against m acrolide-resisiant streptococci while preserving the remainder of the macro lide spectrum of activity, particularly for intracellular germs. Telithromycin: To date, the main indications have been assessed in adults. pneumonia, super-infection of chronic bronchitis sinusitis and pharyngitis. The recommended dose is 800 mg once a day. The safety of this dose has bee n validated for patients treated for 7 to 10 days for community-acquired pn eumonia. Contribution to current strategies: Should telithromycin be proposed as fir st Tine treatment for community-acquired respiratory tract infections or sh ould it be used as an alternative treatment for situations where no other a ntibiotic can be used? (C) 2000, Masson, Paris.