Ethionamide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Ethionamide?

What is ethionamide for?

Ethionamide is generally used in conjunction with other drugs to treat tuberculosis (TB). Ethionamide is an antibiotic and works by stopping bacterial growth.

This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections and does not work on viral infections (such as colds, flu). Improper use can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics.

OTHER USES: This section lists uses for this drug that are not listed on approved labels, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed below only if it has been prescribed by your doctor and health care professional.

Ethionamide can also be used with other drugs to treat certain serious infections (Mycobacterium avium complex-MAC).

How is ethionamide used?

Take this medication with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. If this medicine causes stomach upset or nausea and vomiting, take this medication after meals and discuss with your doctor to split the dose into smaller doses. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully.

The dosage is based on age, body weight, medical condition and response to treatment. Antibiotics work most effectively when drug levels are at constant levels. Take this medication at equal intervals. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time each day.

Take this medicine (and other TB drugs) until the prescribed amount is finished, even though the symptoms have disappeared. Stopping treatment too early or skipping doses can cause bacteria to grow back, which can make the infection recur and make it harder to treat.

Your doctor may also give you vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to prevent certain side effects (such as nerve problems) from ethionamide. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully.

Tell your doctor if condition does not improve or gets worse.

How is ethionamide stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Ethionamide dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the ethionamide dosage for adults?

The usual adult dosage for Tuberculosis - Active

500 mg to 1 g orally (15 to 20 mg / kg) in 1 or divided doses per day
Maximum dose: 1 g taken by mouth per day

Duration: Treatment should be continued until permanent bacteriological conversion and maximum clinical improvement have occurred, in general, 18 to 24 months.

What is the ethionamide dosage for children?

There is no provision for the dose of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is ethionamide available?

Ethionamide is available in the following dosages.

Tablets: 250 mg

Ethionamide side effects

What side effects can I experience due to ethionamide?

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, increased saliva production, a metallic taste in the mouth, loss of appetite or pain in the mouth.

If you experience serious side effects such as the ones below, stop using ethionamide and seek medical help immediately.

• allergic reactions: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• cloudy colored urine
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• seizures
• blurred vision
• confusion or behavioral abnormalities

Other mild side effects are easier. Continue using ethionamide and consult your doctor if you experience:

• nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
• metallic taste in the mouth
• excess saliva production
• diarrhea
• fatigue or unusual weakness
• headache
• lightheadedness
• tremor
• rash

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Ethionamide Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using ethionamide?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• hypersensitivity
• serious liver disease
• porphyria

Is ethionamide safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Ethionamide Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with ethionamide?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Pyrazinamide
• Rifampin

Taking this medication with the drugs below may increase your risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Isoniazid

Can food or alcohol interact with ethionamide?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with ethionamide?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• diabetes mellitus — Diabetes is more difficult to control in patients taking ethionamide
• liver disease — Patients with severe liver disease may have a greater chance of side effects

Ethionamide overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.