Ethionamide
Information about Ethionamide
Ethionamide uses
Ethionamide is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
How ethionamide works
Ethionamide is an antibiotic. It works by slowing the growth of bacteria that causes tuberculosis.
Common side effects of ethionamide
Nausea, Vomiting, Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Low blood platelets, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Postural hypotension (low blood pressure), Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Metallic taste, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Weight loss, Psychotic disorder, Drowsiness, Restlessness, Headache, Increased bilirubin in the blood, Elevated serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, Elevated serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, Rash, Photosensitivity, Purpura, Decreased level of thyroid hormones, Breast enlargement in male, Impotence, Acne, Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
Available Medicine for Ethionamide
Expert advice for Ethionamide
- Ethionamide is effective at treating tuberculosis when taken together with other antibacterial drugs.
- It has to be taken for several months in order for it work properly (usually 6 months).
- Take it with food to avoid stomach upset.
- It can lower your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar regularly.
- Your doctor may monitor your liver function, vision and thyroid function while on treatment with this medicine.
- Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication.
- Do not stop taking Ethionamide even if you start to feel better. Stopping early can result in treatment failure and in the development of drug-resistant tuberculosis. This can be life-threatening and lead to other serious health risks.
Frequently asked questions for Ethionamide
Ethionamide
Q. What is Ethionamide? What is it used for?
Ethionamide is an antibiotic. It is used as a second-line medicine in combination with other anti-tuberculosis medicines for the treatment of all forms of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Q. Why is Ethionamide called a second line drug?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a difficult infection to treat and when it is detected for the first time, first-line drugs are used. Generally, the appropriate use of first-line drugs (e.g. isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and streptomycin) can effectively cure TB. But, if the patient does not respond to first-line medicines, then second-line medicines (e.g. Ethionamide, kanamycin, ciprofloxacin, etc.) are used. Second-line medicines have more side effects and are the second choice in terms of effectiveness.
Q. Are there any precautions that I should take while taking Ethionamide so that I respond to the treatment?
It is very important that you take the medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe at least two more medicines to be taken with Ethionamide. Take all the prescribed medicines as per the instructions and do not miss or stop the treatment on your own. Missing doses and stopping the treatment without consulting the doctor are the major causes of treatment failure and drug resistance (not responding to the medication).