Ethionamide is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat a lung infection known as tuberculosis (TB).
This medicine may be used to treat other bacterial infections as decided by your doctor.
Take Ethionamide 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.
This medicine should be taken with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Ethionamide must be taken at regular intervals. Continue to take this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of antibiotic. 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.
Alert your doctor if you have severe liver disease as Ethionamide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetes
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nerve problems)
- thyroid disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child.
For as long as you are taking Ethionamide, you may need to have your eyes checked regularly. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.
What must I do to prevent spreading tuberculosis to other people?
Tuberculosis is spread through the air, especially when you cough, sneeze or laugh.
You may still be able to infect others while being treated for tuberculosis. Your doctor may tell you to stay at home to avoid passing the disease to other people. You may need to sleep in a room separate with other people and keep your room well-ventilated.
Always cover your mouth when you cough, sneeze or laugh. 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.
Be sure to finish the course of medication according to your doctor's instructions.
This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Ethionamide may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, drooling, pain and swelling in your mouth and lips, changes in taste, and loss of weight.
You may also feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the very first time. This is common and should improve gradually as you get used to Ethionamide. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position. If you are taking this medicine for the very first time, take the first dose of Ethionamide at bedtime to minimise dizziness.
Some women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle while some men may experience breast enlargement and impotence. Discuss with your doctor if you are concerned about these side effects.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (e.g.being too depressed)
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
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 other medicines to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) such as isoniazid and cycloserine.
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.
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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