Ethionamide - Oral

Ethionamide is an antibiotic. It is used together with other antibiotics to treat a lung infection known as tuberculosis (TB).

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.

Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. 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 Ethionamide 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 Ethionamide 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 severe liver disease as this medicine may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• diabetes
• thyroid disease
• depression or other mental illness
• mild to moderate liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ethionamide to a child. Children 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 function, blood sugar level, thyroid function, eye examination) may be done before and 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 of liver problems and severe skin irritation or rash 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.

Ethionamide may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, metallic taste, loss of appetite, restlessness, and pimples.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• changes in vision, blurred or double vision
• increased sensitivity to cold, weakness, constipation, dry skin, hair loss
• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed)
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever

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, 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.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.