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Ethionamide

Pronounced

"eth-eye-OH-nuh-mide"

Uses

Ethionamide is used with other medications to treat tuberculosis (TB). Ethionamide is an antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for a certain serious infection (Mycobacterium avium complex-MAC).

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If this medication causes stomach upset or nausea/vomiting, take this medication with meals. Also, discuss with your doctor if it may be helpful to divide your daily dose into smaller doses to be taken several times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

The dosage is based on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.

Continue to take this medication (and other TB medications) until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses may result in a return of the infection and cause the infection to be more difficult to treat (resistant).

Your doctor may also direct you to take vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to help prevent certain side effects (such as nerve problems) from ethionamide. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.