Trecator-sc (Ethionamide)

Trecator-sc

Generic name: Ethionamide

Ethionamide tablets

What are Ethionamide tablets?

ETHIONAMIDE (Trecator®) is an antibiotic that is used to treat tuberculosis infections. Other medicines for tuberculosis are used in combination with ethionamide. Ethionamide should never be used alone. Generic ethionamide tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• if you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
• diabetes
• history of depression
• HIV infection or AIDS
• liver disease, including hepatitis
• thyroid disease or problems
• an unusual reaction to ethionamide, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take ethionamide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Ethionamide can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals and try not to miss any doses. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

Do your best to not miss a dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Tell your health care professional about all missed doses. Your treatment may not work if you miss doses or do not complete your treatment.

What drug(s) may interact with Ethionamide?

• alcohol
• cycloserine
• isoniazid
• zalcitabine, ddC

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Ethionamide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred or double vision
• bruising or pinpoint red spots on the skin
• confusion, forgetfulness
• fainting spells
• nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain that will not go away
• skin rash, itching, hives
• tingling or pain in hands or feet
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• loss of appetite
• mild nausea
• metallic taste

What should I watch for while taking Ethionamide?

Keep taking your ethionamide even if you feel better. You may need to take this medicine for a long time to be cured.

If you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain, talk with your healthcare professional. Do not stop taking ethionamide. The side effects may get better with time. Also, your healthcare professional may give you recommendations to reduce the side effects.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how ethionamide affects you.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking ethionamide. Drinking alcohol during treatment with ethionamide increases the risk of serious liver and mental problems.

Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight. Keep out of the sun or wear protective clothing outdoors, and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

If you have diabetes, ethionamide may decrease your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar carefully while on ethionamide. If you develop LOW blood sugar while taking ethionamide, you should take immediate measures to increase your blood sugar. Contact your health care professional immediately. Do not change the dose of your diabetic medicine without first talking with your prescriber or health care professional.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Keep this medicine in a container that small children cannot open.