ETHIONAMIDE belongs to the group of medicines called antibiotic drugs primarily used to treat tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. ETHIONAMIDE should not be used alone and must be given in combination with other tuberculosis medications. ETHIONAMIDE does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
ETHIONAMIDE consists of a medicine called 'Ethionamide' that works by inhibiting bacteria's growth that causes tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).
The dose and duration of ETHIONAMIDE can vary depending on your condition and the severity of the infection. In some cases, you may experience common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, increased saliva, strange metallic taste, or sores in the mouth. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not stop taking ETHIONAMIDE despite symptomatic relief. Treat your condition effectually, and continue taking ETHIONAMIDE for as long as it has been prescribed. Take ETHIONAMIDE with caution if you have diabetes. Consult your doctor before taking ETHIONAMIDE if you are pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while taking ETHIONAMIDE as it passes into breast milk. ETHIONAMIDE may rarely cause dizziness, and vision problems, so drive with caution if you experience these signs. Avoid consuming alcohol with ETHIONAMIDE as it might lead to liver problems or mental/mood changes. Do not take ETHIONAMIDE if you have severe liver disease. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience/notice confusion, seizure, dark urine, or clay-coloured stools after taking ETHIONAMIDE.
Tuberculosis (TB)
ETHIONAMIDE contains ‘Ethionamide’ that works by inactivating a bacterial genetic material that allows TB bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) to make a copy of its protein for further growth inside the host cell (human). Ethionamide is indicated in treating active tuberculosis in patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection resistant to rifampin or isoniazid.
Before starting ETHIONAMIDE, please inform your doctor if you have a medical history, especially of: liver disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), kidney disease, or eye problems (such as optic neuritis and cataracts). Take ETHIONAMIDE with caution if you have diabetes. ETHIONAMIDE may lower your blood sugar levels. Also, check your blood sugar level regularly as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor before taking ETHIONAMIDE if you are pregnant. This medication is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Avoid breastfeeding while taking ETHIONAMIDE as it passes into breast milk. ETHIONAMIDE may cause dizziness, and vision problems, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol with ETHIONAMIDE as it might lead to liver problems or mental/mood changes.
Drug-Drug Interactions: ETHIONAMIDE may interact with an Aminosalicylate sodium, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Vaccine, Cycloserine, Ethambutol, Isoniazid, Omeprazole, or Rifabutin.
Food-Drug Interactions: Do not consume alcohol while taking ETHIONAMIDE as it could lead to increased dizziness or mental/mood changes.
Drug-Disease Interactions: ETHIONAMIDE may interact with liver disease, vision problems, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder.
Avoid alcohol consumption while taking ETHIONAMIDE as it could lead to increased dizziness or mental/mood changes.
Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is unknown whether ETHIONAMIDE can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It should not be used in pregnant women.
ETHIONAMIDE may pass into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking ETHIONAMIDE.
ETHIONAMIDE may cause dizziness, vision problems, numbness and tingling sensation in hands and feet. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Do not use ethionamide if you have severe liver disease. consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or kidney impairment/kidney disease before taking ETHIONAMIDE.
ETHIONAMIDE should not be used in children without a doctor's advice.
Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other body parts such as the kidneys, brain, spine, and bone marrow. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a contagious disease which can spread to others through small droplets released into the air by a person suffering from tuberculosis. Symptoms include a cough that lasts for a few weeks, pain while coughing or with normal breathing, unexplained fatigue, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite and weight. People who smoke or consume alcohol, people diagnosed with HIV, and immune system problems are more likely at risk of developing active TB.