Ethionamide
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Ethionamide
Ethionamide is an antibiotic mainly active against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, the causative organism for tuberculosis. It acts by inhibiting growth of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and resulting of death of bacteria.
Therapeutic Uses of Ethionamide
Ethionamide is used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in combination with other anti tubercular medicines like rifampin, isoniazid, ethambutol etc. It can also be used in other bacterial infections that are sensitive to Ethionamide.
Direction of use of Ethionamide
Take Ethionamide as per the direction of your doctor. It can be taken with food or on empty stomach. But best is to take with food to reduce gastric irritation and stomach upset. It should be taken at the same time with other anti tubercular medicines. If you have any question about Ethionamide consult your doctor.
If You Miss a Dose of Ethionamide
If a dose of Ethionamide is missed it should be taken as soon as possible. If you miss it for long time and it is near the next dose than skip the missed dose and take it as when the regular dose is due. Never take 2 doses of Ethionamide at a time.
How to Store Ethionamide
Ethionamide should ideally be stored at room temperature (68 to 77 degrees F or 20 to 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture and light in a cool dry and dark place. Keep it away from children.
More Information About Ethionamide
If you do not get any improvement of symptoms consult your doctor. Ethionamide should be used by the patient (TB) for whom it is prescribed. It should not be taken by others and if you have any question about it, consult your doctor or other health care provider.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Ethionamide
Do not use Ethionamide if you have any of the following and consult your doctor:
- Allergy to Ethionamide or any of the ingredients of it.
- If you have liver disease as Ethionamide is metabolized in the liver and it can cause toxicity due to impaired metabolism.
Some medical conditions can interact with Ethionamide. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions listed below:
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or you are breast feeding.
- If you have allergy to certain foods, medicines or any other substance.
- If you have eye problem, liver problem or diabetes.
- If you are taking any medicine either prescription or non prescription medicine; any dietary supplement or herbal preparation.
Possible Adverse Effects
- Consult your doctor if common side effects become bothersome or they are present for longer than usual. Common side effects of Ethionamide are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, restlessness, metallic taste, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach irritation, increased salivation etc.
- Get immediate medical attention if you have any of the serious and uncommon side effects like severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); prolonged headache, increased heart rate; chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger; vision changes or in severe cases loss of vision; weakness; persistent dizziness and drowsiness; fainting, depression; easy bruising or bleeding; hypoglycemia, yellowing of the skin and eyes etc.