Ethionamide

Antituberculosis Preps · Antibacterial

Indications

In conjunction with other antituberculosis agents in the treatment of tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases.

Dosage

Adults: 500-1000 mg/day in 1-3 divided doses. Children: Treatment, 15-20 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses, not to exceed 1 gm/day.

Adverse Effects

Postural hypotension, drowsiness, dizziness, seizures, headache, encephalopathy, depression, rash, hypoglycaemia, goitre, gynaecomastia, thrombocytopenia, hepatitis, jaundice, elevated AST, ALT and serum bilirubin, peripheral neuropathy, tremor, optic neuritis, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, anorexia, stomatitis, metallic taste, weight loss, excessive salivation.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Severe hepatic impairment, hypersensitivity to ethionamide or any component. Precautions: Use with caution in patients receiving cycloserine or isoniazid or in diabetic patients.

Interactions

Cycloserine, isoniazid, alcohol (associated with psychotic reaction).

Advice to Patient

Take with meals. Take missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take double dose. Contact prescriber if you experience vision changes, burning/numbness/pain/tingling in hands and feet or if there is no improvement within 3 weeks. Increase dietary intake of pyridoxine to prevent neurotoxic effects of Ethionamide.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Readily absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Hepatic and extensive. Half-life elimination: Sugar-coated tabs: 2-3 hrs. Film-coated tabs: 1.92 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: Sugar-coated tabs: 1.5 hrs. Film-coated tabs: 1 hr. Excretion: Urine (<1%).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.