Cycloserine is an antibiotic. It is used together with other medicines to treat tuberculosis (TB), an infection that usually affects the lungs but may also affect other body organs (e.g. brain, bones and joints).
This medicine may also be used to treat infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra.
Take Cycloserine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. If you experience any stomach discomfort, take it with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response to the medication.
Take Cycloserine at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Cycloserine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- mental health problems e.g. severe anxiety, psychosis (disconnection from reality), depression
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- alcoholism or alcohol abuse
- severe kidney disease
as Cycloserine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- have or prone to have cobalamin (vitamin B12) or folate (vitamin B9) deficiency e.g. malnourishment (lack of nutrition necessary for the body to function)
- mild or moderate kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Cycloserine to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver or kidney function, blood levels of Cycloserine) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of changes in mood or behaviour may also be needed.
What must I do to prevent spreading TB to other people?
TB is spread through the air, especially when you cough, sneeze, or laugh. Always cover your mouth when you cough, sneeze, or laugh. If you use tissue paper, seal it in a plastic bag before you throw it away. If you need to be around people for a long time, be sure to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose to minimise the risk of passing the disease to other people.
You may still be able to infect others while undergoing treatment for TB. Your doctor may tell you to stay at home to avoid passing the disease to other people. You may need to sleep in a bedroom separate from your family members.
Be sure to finish the course of medication according to your doctor's instructions.
Cycloserine may cause any of the following side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- fits or seizures
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- having thoughts of self-harm
- change in speech
- confusion, memory problems or loss
- muscle weakness or overactive reflex response
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking ethionamide or isoniazid (other medicines for TB).
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may increase the possibility of having fits or seizures caused by Cycloserine.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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