What is this medicine?
ETHIONAMIDE (e thye ON am ide) is an antibiotic. It is used to treat tuberculosis (TB). This medicine is used with other medicines and should never be used alone. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
Back to Top
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- bruising or pinpoint red spots on the skin
- changes in vision, with or without eye pain
- confused, depressed, forgetful, restless
- low blood sugar
- tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet
- trouble sleeping
- unusually sensitive to the sun
- unusually weak ot tired
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- change in sex drive or performance
- diarrhea
- drooling
- headache
- loss of appetite
- metallic taste
- mouth sores
- stomach upset, nausea, vomiting
- swollen or tender breasts
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Back to Top
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with or without food. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
Back to Top
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Tell your health care professional about all missed doses.
Back to Top
What may interact with this medicine?
- alcohol
- cycloserine
- isoniazid
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Back to Top
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to ethionamide or any ingredient in the formulation.
- Severe hepatic impairment.
Back to Top
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. You will need blood work done regularly. Have your eyes examined as directed by your doctor.
If you have stomach upset, talk with your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine. The side effects may get better with time.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are diabetic check your blood sugar as directed. This medicine may lower you blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor about what your blood sugar should be and when to contact them.
Back to Top
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- diabetes
- HIV infection
- liver disease
- thyroid disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to ethionamide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Back to Top
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
If you have been diagnosed with a disease for which an antibiotic is needed, you must complete the prescribed course of treatment. Even if you start to feel better, do not skip any doses and remember to take the medication until it is all gone.
Back to Top
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
Back to Top
Where can I get more information?
More Information
Back to Top
Drug Info Tools
