Ethionamide (By Mouth)

Ethionamide (e-thye-on-AM-ide)

Treats tuberculosis (TB).

Brand Name(s):

Trecator-SC
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ethionamide or if you have liver disease.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• Take this medicine on a regular schedule. Try not to miss any doses.
• You may take this medicine with food to help avoid an upset stomach. If the medicine does upset your stomach, it may help to take it at bedtime.
• Keep taking the medicine for as long as your doctor has ordered, even if you are feeling better. If you stop the medicine too soon, your infection may not completely go away.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the tablets at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking cycloserine (Seromycin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Check with your doctor before taking ethionamide if you have diabetes.
• This medicine may cause dizziness. If it does, avoid driving or using machinery.
• Your doctor may also want you to take vitamin B-6 while you are taking ethionamide. This may help prevent some of the side effects caused by ethionamide.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Changes in your eyesight such as blurred vision, color blindness, or trouble seeing
• Eye pain
• Numbness, burning, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Changes in personality such as confusion or aggression
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes
• Dark-colored urine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in taste
• Dizziness
• Swollen breasts (in men)
• Feeling tired or depressed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.