Common uses

This medicine is an antibacterial used to treat tuberculosis (TB). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Cautions

Several weeks may pass before you feel the full benefit of this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
If you have diabetes this medicine may affect your blood sugar and insulin requirements. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your insulin.

Possible side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ethionamide and seek emergency medical attention:
• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• yellow skin or eyes;
• dark urine;
• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;
• seizures;
• blurred or double vision; or
• confusion or abnormal behavior.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ethionamide and talk to your doctor if you experience
• nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;
• a metallic taste in your mouth;
• excessive salivation;
• diarrhea;
• unusual fatigue or weakness;
• headache;
• mild dizziness;
• tremors (shaking); or
• a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Take all of the ethionamide that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Ethionamide may cause stomach upset, a loss of appetite, a metallic taste in your mouth, or excessive salivation (mouth watering). Notify your doctor if these side effects are persistent or severe.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
The risk of seizures may be increased when ethionamide is used in combination with cycloserine (Seromycin) or isoniazid (Nydrazid). Special monitoring may be necessary if you are taking a combination of these medicines.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ethionamide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.