About ethionamide
Antituberculosis antibiotic
Used for
- Used with other medicines to treat tuberculosis, including drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Usual adult dose
Usually 15–20 mg/kg daily by mouth, divided into 2–3 doses; maximum 1,000 mg daily.
Usual dose in children
Usually 15–20 mg/kg daily by mouth, divided into 2–3 doses; maximum 1,000 mg daily.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite
- Metallic taste
- Liver inflammation
- Nerve problems, including numbness or tingling
Important warnings
- Requires combination treatment and monitoring by a tuberculosis specialist.
- Can cause serious liver injury; liver tests may be needed.
- May worsen diabetes or cause low blood sugar.
- Use caution with thyroid disease or seizure disorders.
Pregnancy
Use only when the expected benefit outweighs potential risk; specialist assessment is important.
Breastfeeding
Information is limited; discuss use with a clinician, especially when treating tuberculosis.
Interactions
- Alcohol may increase liver injury risk.
- May increase effects of medicines that lower blood sugar.
- Can interact with other tuberculosis medicines, including isoniazid and rifampicin.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.